Tuesday, 7 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 496-519

Family Reunification

Ceisteanna (496)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

496. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if he can assist a person (details supplied) with a family reunification from Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10815/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The person referred to made an application to the Afghan Admission Programme which was received by my Department on 25 February 2022. I would like to take this opportunity to assure them that my Department is processing applications under the Afghan Admissions Programme as quickly as possible.

To ensure as many people as possible can avail of this important programme my Department has been liaising with representatives of the Afghan Community and with applicants directly to ensure the Afghan Admission Programme team have everything needed progress applications.

Where applicants are missing important information, such as proof of identity and familial relationships, the Afghan Admission Programme Unit contacted people directly to gather the required documents. This process is now complete. The requested information has begun to be received and applications continue to be assessed in a pragmatic and humanitarian manner.

Processing of this application is ongoing at present.

My Department commenced issuing decisions in the last quarter of 2022. Approvals issued in respect of 81 beneficiaries under the Afghan Admissions Programme up to the 31 December 2022. The total number of approvals under this Programme up to 3 March 2023 is 286 and to date, no refusal letters have been issued. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in the coming months.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Alcohol Sales

Ceisteanna (497)

Frankie Feighan

Ceist:

497. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Justice the new measures being considered under the sale of intoxicated liquors in future legislative proposals; if once-off event licences for the sale of alcohol will be considered rather than the current transfer of licences as under current law and procedures around the district and circuit courts. [10904/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Following extensive consultation including representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published on the 25th of October 2022. It marks the Government’s commitment to the reform and streamlining of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night time economy.

The General Scheme of the Bill intends to provide for a more transparent, user-friendly application process and to support the development of the night time economy and ensure our licensing system meets the needs of modern society and economy.

A number of new measures to facilitate these reforms will be introduced:

- Regular trading hours will change to 10.30am to 12.30am seven days a week;

- New annual permits for late bars and nightclubs will be created to replace the current system where a Special Exemption Order is required every time such a venue wants to open after normal hours;

- Opening hours for late bars remain at 2.30am and, to bring Ireland in line with other European countries, nightclubs will have the option to remain open until 6am – with the requirement that alcohol cannot be served after 5am. Nightclubs and late night bars must adhere to strict requirements for these permits, they will require court approval for such permits, with objections allowed from fire authorities, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and local communities;

- All venues will be obliged to have measures in place to ensure their staff, patrons and performers are protected from harassment, including sexual harassment in line with the new Night Time Economy Charter and the Government’s Zero Tolerance Plan to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based violence;

- The General Scheme also proposes an amendment to the ‘extinguishment’ provision, whereby anyone seeking to open a new premises or an off licence must first purchase a licence from an existing licence holder in order to do so. After a transition period of three years following the enactment of the Bill, it is proposed to remove the extinguishment requirement to obtain a seven day on licence. The ‘extinguishment’ requirement will remain in place for off licences;

- The proposed legislation will introduce a new “cultural amenity licence” for galleries, theatres, museums and other cultural venues Conditions around the online sale of alcohol will be strengthened;

- The powers of An Garda Siochána will be strengthened. AGS will be able to apply to the District Court for a temporary closure order where a licensed premises has failed to comply with an direction to preserve order on their premises;

- An Garda Síochána will have the power to issue fixed charge notices for offences such as being ‘found on’ licensed premises during prohibited hours, consuming alcohol on such premises during prohibited hours and falsely representing oneself as being resident in licensed premises for the purposes of obtaining alcohol.

In relation to once-off events, continued provision has been made for occasional permits which permit the sale of alcohol at an event being held at a place where no licence is attached. The license holder remains responsible for ensuring that all licensing obligations are respected. Provisions relating to these permits have been updated to add the fire authority and local authority as notice parties and, as a consequence, the prohibition in relation to having an event in a tent, marquee or other such structure has been lifted. These changes will provide greater flexibility for those wishing to make use of this type of permit while ensuring that the safety of those attending the event is taken into account.

With regard to the courts, the licensing application and renewal systems will be reformed in a number of ways. Currently the Circuit Court is involved in all new on-licence applications. It is proposed to streamline court involvement so that all court licensing matters will be entrusted to the District Court going forward. It will be possible thereafter to apply for licence renewals that are not the subject of objection(s) via an online licensing portal. This will remove the requirement to go to the District Court once documents and proofs are submitted, and in compliance with all legal obligations. This will reduce the costs involved and reduce the pressure on our courts system, whilst retaining court oversight of licencing. This will ensure the system will be accessible, transparent and reflective of local conditions for all those involved.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (498)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

498. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 569 and 570 of 21 February 2023, if he will confirm whether he and related parties have had an enforcement notice communicated to them in respect of a determination of the Labour Court; if he and or his officials have engaged with officials and or the Minister in the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in respect of the ruling. [10919/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by legislation, particularly the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 (as amended).

These Regulations provide that the maximum age at which a person may apply to become a member of An Garda Síochána is not more than 35 years of age on the closing date of any Garda recruitment competition. Any amendments to these Regulations would be carried out in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and the Policing Authority and put before Government for approval.

An appeal has been lodged following the recent Labour Court determination in relation to the maximum age of Garda recruitment. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (499)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

499. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda cars and vans that were allocated to the Cavan-Monaghan division in 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from this division during the same period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10937/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources, including the allocation of Garda vehicles, under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

The tables below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Garda vehicles allocated to and removed from the Cavan-Monaghan Division in 2022 and as of 28 February 2023.

Vehicles Allocated to Cavan-Monaghan Division

-	Cars	Vans	Total
2022	4	2	6
2023 (as of 28th February)	0	0	0

Vehicles Removed from Cavan-Monaghan Division

	Cars	Vans	Total
2022	9	0	9
2023 (as of 28th February)	0	0	0

Departmental Bodies

Ceisteanna (500)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

500. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of increasing funding to the Data Protection Commissioners by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10938/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Programme for Government commits to ‘recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland’ and states that the Government ‘will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation’.

The Government is very conscious of the commitment to deliver effective data protection regulation and protection of the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy. My Department’s role is to ensure that the Data Protection Commission (DPC) continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations.

To that end, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) budget has risen steadily over recent years. The DPC is funded under its own Vote as of 1 January 2020, and the Commissioner is the Accounting Officer. The Commission received an allocation of €26.2 million under Budget 2023, an increase of €3m from 2022. This means that funding will have increased more than seven-fold from its 2015 allocation of €3.647m, in line with its increased functions.

A 15% increase on the 2023 Budget allocation for the DPC would amount to €3.93m of additional funding.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (501)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

501. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been secured in 2023 to replace the patrol boat and rigid inflatable boats within the Garda water unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10939/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.

The unit provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and relevant agencies.

I am informed that the Unit currently has 2 patrol boats, 4 rigid inflatable boats (RIB’s) and 6 inflatable boats. The boats allocated to the unit have met the present requirements of the Garda Water Unit to date and the equipment fitted on the boats is regularly serviced and upgraded when necessary.

I am further informed that financial sanction and the Request for Tender (RFT) has been advertised for the replacement of four rigid inflatable boats and it is envisaged the purchase will be completed in 2023. I am advised that currently there are no plans to replace the patrol boats.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (502)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

502. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in respect of three applications lodged under the atypical working scheme by a nursing home (details supplied); the reason for the delay in considering said applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10997/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) applications for two of the persons referred to by the Deputy continue to be processed, whilst one of the applications referred to has been decided.

It should be noted that the stated minimum processing time required under the terms of the Atypical Working Scheme is 20 working days and the processing time for the applications referred to are within that timeframe.

Further information for Nurses applying through the AWS scheme is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/atypical-working-scheme-for-nurses/

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Ceisteanna (503)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

503. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the number of calls received by An Garda Síochána in County Clare with respect to reports of DSGBV in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11040/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Tackling domestic violence and supporting vulnerable victims are priorities for Government, for the Department of Justice, and for the Garda Commissioner.

It is recognised that, historically, people may not have felt able to come forward to report domestic violence, for fear of retribution or indeed because they did not have confidence that the system would support and protect them.

An Garda Síochána and my Department are working hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the criminal justice system so that victims feel empowered to come forward.

My Department has also worked with criminal justice agencies and civil society frontline partners on national awareness-raising campaigns and to co-design our most ambitious domestic, sexual and gender based violence strategy.

I can assure the Deputy that the Gardaí prioritise and proactively respond to incidents of domestic abuse. Gardaí now have Divisional Protective Services Units in each division, so specialised teams nationwide follow up with vulnerable victims in these most difficult cases.

They have also introduced new mandatory domestic violence training, as well as training for using the ‘Risk Evaluation Tool’ to ensure all vulnerable victims receive the service and supports they need.

As part of delivering on the commitments under the Third National Strategy, I am strengthening the law in this area, including by increasing the penalties for assault causing harm, introducing standalone offences of non-fatal strangulation and stalking, and by progressing a new Sexual Offences Bill which will, among other things, improve supports for victims.

Work also continues to implement Supporting a Victim’s Journey, to reform the criminal justice system at every point a victim comes into contact with it.

In relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy, the following table shows the number of calls for assistance in relation to domestic abuse reported in the Clare Division in 2020, 2021 and 2022. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as the control room for the relevant region was launched during 2019, comparable data for years preceding 2020 is not available.

Domestic Calls refers to incidents recorded on PULSE where any of the following criteria apply:

1. The incident was classified as any of Breach of Interim Barring Order

- Breach of Protection Order

- Breach of Barring Order

- Breach of Safety Order

- Breach of Emergency Barring Order

- Domestic - No Offence Identified

2. The incident was classified as any offence (other than those listed in 3 above) and had a recorded motive of ‘Domestic Abuse’.

3. The incident was the result of a call for assistance where the dispatcher assigned the incident type as ‘DVSA’ (Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault).

Year Reported	Domestic Calls
2020	842
2021	977
2022	1023

Additional Information

Incident counts are based on reported date and were collated based on PULSE data as of 1:30am on the 6 th March 2023. Crime counting rules are not applied to reflect all recorded incidents.

A report on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence was published by An Garda Síochána in September 2022 and is available from the Garda website at: www.garda.ie

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (504)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

504. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he will clarify whether persons arriving into the State without documentation, valid documentation or false documentation, and who then request international protection, can go on to access the labour market after a period of six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11051/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

My Department is taking all necessary steps to manage the international protection process fairly, efficiently and effectively, as part of the broader Government response, while ensuring the integrity of Ireland's rules-based immigration system is maintained.

If a person indicates or is identified as being in need of international protection, they are admitted to the international protection process. As the Deputy is aware, international protection applicants are not required to apply for an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to legally obtain employment in the State.

The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 as amended, provide access to both employment and self-employment for any applicant who has not received a first instance decision within 6 months of making their international protection application, and providing that they have co-operated with the international protection process. Labour market access permission is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and may be renewed until a final decision is made on the person's international protection application.

Whether an applicant was in possession of a valid travel document upon entering the State is not in itself a determining factor in assessing eligibility for a labour market permission. The Labour Market Access Unit (LMAU) of my Department will request that all applicants make reasonable efforts to obtain identity documents to assist with their application for a labour market permission.

Applicants must cooperate with the international protection process. This includes ensuring their Temporary Residence Card (blue card) is in date and their address is up to date with the international protection office (IPO).

The process for making an application for labour market access is set out on my Department’s Immigration Service Delivery website and can be viewed at:

www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/labour-market-access-permission/

Reasons for refusal of a labour market access permission may fall into five categories, namely:

- 5 months has not elapsed since the individual’s application for international protection was made;

- a final decision has been made on their international protection application;

- the individual’s actions or inaction has contributed to a delay in the making of their first instance decision on their protection application;

- a first instance decision has been made within 6 months; or

- the individual does not have an open application for international protection.

Travel Documents

Ceisteanna (505, 506)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

505. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if a passport is needed for travel from Carrickfinn Airport, County Donegal to Dublin Airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11054/23]

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

506. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if a travel pass which is issued by the Department of Social Protection can be used as a valid identification when traveling from Carrickfinn Airport, County Donegal to Dublin Airport by plane given that the travel pass is produced as proof of identification for travel on buses, trains and other public transport but a passenger was informed that it was not a valid travel pass on this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.

As there is no segregation of arriving passengers at Dublin Airport, it is not possible to distinguish between passengers arriving on a domestic or international flight in advance of them presenting at an immigration control desks. In all cases an Immigration officer must establish where passengers have arrived from, and to do this, an immigration officer may ask passengers questions to establish their nationality and port of embarkation.

Where a person, who has travelled from within Ireland, is not in possession of a passport, an immigration officer may ask questions to establish that the person is entitled to pass through Immigration controls without producing a passport. The production of other forms of identification can be used to assist an immigration officer with these enquiries.

Question No. 506 answered with Question No. 505.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (507)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

507. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice when the Community Safety Innovation Fund will be re-opened for new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Safety Innovation Fund was established in April 2021 by Minister McEntee and the Minister for Public Expenditure to allow proceeds of crime to be directed into community projects to support community safety. The fund was allocated €2 million under Budget 2022.

In 2022, the first year of the Fund, there were 124 applications from community projects across Ireland. 22 community projects were successful and received grants ranging from €5,000 to €150,000, with projects including once-off initiatives, and longer programmes of up to 24 months duration. Each of the three pilot Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) pilots were successful in obtaining funding for key projects identified in the development of their Community Safety Plans.

The Fund for 2023 will reopen in the coming weeks and will see the outlay increased to €3 million, as provided for under Budget 2023.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (508)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in processing the renewal of an Irish residence permit card in the case of a person (details supplied); when this card can expect to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11100/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The online registration renewal application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been processed.

The person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the next 10 working days.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Sentencing Policy

Ceisteanna (509)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

509. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if ambulance personnel will be covered under proposed increases in sentences for attacks on essential frontline workers. [11137/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

We are grateful to all frontline workers who play such a vital role in the communities they serve. It is imperative that these people are able to perform this role in a safe manner and the law reflects the importance of this.

There are a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against front line workers.

Any assault causing harm is an offence under section 3 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. A person convicted of such an offence is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.

The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, currently before the Oireachtas, will increase the maximum penalty available for the offence of assault causing harm from 5 years’ to 10 years’ imprisonment. This will provide the Courts with a more appropriate range of sentences to take account of the gravity of each individual case in this category.

Assault causing serious harm is an offence under section 4 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 with the punishment for such a crime up to life imprisonment.

Furthermore, an assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces would constitute an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

A person convicted of such an offence on indictment is liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years, or both. The latter penalty was increased from a maximum term of 5 years in 2006.

I will shortly bring proposals to Government to increase the maximum penalty for assaults on members of An Garda Síochána and other emergency service workers, and my officials are currently considering the best approach to achieve this.

These changes will send a very clear message that attacks on frontline workers will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with robustly.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (510)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of a visa application in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue; the reason for the delay is issuing visas to date; the plans in place to address this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11152/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy created on-line Join Family visa application on 8 October 2022. The supporting documentation and relevant fees were received on 21 October 2022 in the Athens office. This visa application was received in the Dublin Visa Office for further processing on 28 November 2022.

Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf

This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of receipt in the relevant visa office, in this case Dublin. However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when the application referred to will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

The Dublin Visa Office are currently processing visas of this type received, in the Dublin Visa office, on the 29 June 2022. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:

www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Citizenship Applications

Ceisteanna (511)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); if his Department can outline the documentation required in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11156/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.

A request for further documentation was made to the person concerned on 23 September 2022 and was reissued on 27 February 2023. Once the Citizenship division of my Department has received these documents, processing of the application can resume with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Court Judgments

Ceisteanna (512)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

512. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 29 November 2017, if he will provide an update (details supplied). [11172/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have sought the information requested and will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

I have since been informed by An Garda Síochána that this case is currently in hand and is being progressed as quickly as possible.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (513)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

513. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 523 of 14 February 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer the question. [11204/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

As you may be aware, Operation Limmat was introduced in January 2022 in the DMR with specific emphasis on reducing the harmful effect of assaults in public places in the DMR Region. Operation Limmat is still active in the DMR region. All assaults that occur in public places are considered relevant to Operation Limmat.

The below table, provided by Garda authorities, has been provided specifically for assaults which occurred in public places which fall under Operation Limmat from 1 January 2022 to 31 January 2023.

Type	Detected
Assault Minor	447
Assault causing harm	263

I have been informed that each case detailed in the table above is detected by An Garda Síochána and/or resulted in proceedings whereby a person has been charged, summonsed, dealt with by adult caution or Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) referral.

I am further advised that when a person is charged or summonsed and brought before the courts, it can take a significant length of time for a court process to be finalised to reach a conviction stage.

Defibrillators Provision

Ceisteanna (514)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

514. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 461 of 24 January 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer the question. [11205/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Drug Dealing

Ceisteanna (515)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

515. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the amount of drugs seized under Garda Operation Pier; and the number of persons arrested and charged under this operation to date. [11207/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (516)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

516. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of arrests from Blanchardstown Garda station in 2022, and to-date in 2023, in tabular form [11208/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (517)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

517. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of drones owned by An Garda Síochána. [11229/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is currently conducting trials with a number of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and there is an internal working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations.

I am further advised that twenty one drones have been procured by the Garda Air Support Unit for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (518)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

518. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of training an additional 225 gardaí in the competency-based driver level 3 course in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [11230/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, this information was not received in time, however, I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (519)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

519. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons arrested and charged with burglary within the Tipperary division in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [11231/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics. The CSO also continues to work with An Garda Síochána to address quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics.

Figures in respect of burglary offences reported to Gardaí in Tipperary Division can be found on the CSO website at the link below. Figures in respect of the final quarter of 2022 are due to be released later this month and I look forward to reviewing these once available. See: data.cso.ie/table/CJQ06