Tuesday, 18 Feb 2025

Written Answers Nos. 511-530

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (511)

James Lawless

Ceist:

511. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice to review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visa was issued on 10 February 2025.The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/ as an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (512)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

512. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if any assistance is available to individuals who are frequently blocked from obtaining tourist visas due to sharing a name with an individual in another jurisdiction who has a criminal record even though the original person has received letters from An Garda Síochána and the Met Police confirming they have no criminal record in those jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6214/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will appreciate that my Department has no role with respect to the processing of visa applications from Irish nationals or other persons residing in Ireland who wish to travel to other jurisdictions.

Insofar as visa applications to travel to Ireland are concerned, I am advised that the issue identified occurs infrequently and should the Deputy wish to submit the person's name and Irish visa application number though the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) officials from my Department will work to resolve this matter.

Sentencing Policy

Ceisteanna (513, 529, 566, 567)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

513. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if he plans to recommend a sentencing review to address unduly lenient sentences. [6930/25]

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

529. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of concern among victims of crime regarding the imposition of concurrent sentences, as recently highlighted by a hit-and-run case (details supplied); if legislation offering judicial guidance on these matters will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5605/25]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

566. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to ensure that concurrent sentencing does not apply where a loss of life has occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6145/25]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

567. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to enact stricter sentencing in cases involving violent attacks upon women in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6146/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 513, 529, 566 and 567 together.

It is important to emphasise that the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, including sentencing.

The Judicial Council Act 2019 provided for the establishment of an independent Judicial Council, and, within that body, a Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee, which was established in 2020.

Its functions include the preparation of draft sentencing guidelines and the monitoring of the operation of those guidelines, together with the collating information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others. The Judicial Council is independent in the exercise of its functions and, as Minister for Justice, I have no role in relation to the operation of the Judicial Council or its Committees.

The Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee intends to produce guidelines for specific offences and classes of offences, as is contemplated by section 91(1) of the Judicial Council Act 2019. Two areas were identified as important, both by serving judges and by the members of the Committee, and these have been prioritised. Those areas consist of offences of domestic violence/violence in the context of a relationship and fatal driving offences.

I am advised by the Judicial Council that the draft guideline in relation to sentencing in the context of a relationship is at the closing stage, prior to finalisation by the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee. This is due to conclude on the 19th of February 2025, after which time the committee will finalise the guideline. Thereafter, the legislative process provided under the various sections of the Judicial Council Act 2019 is required to be followed before adoption of that guideline.

It is expected that the Committee will be in a position to produce draft guidelines on fatal driving offences relatively shortly after the production and submission of the guidelines on domestic violence/violence in a relationship.

In line with the Programme for Government, I intend to review the sentencing guidelines legislation.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (514)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

514. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to the Meath serious crime hub. [5475/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 January 2025, there were 22 Garda members of Detective Garda and Detective Sergeant rank attached to the Meath Serious Crime Hub.

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. This ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the public.

Citizenship Ceremonies

Ceisteanna (515)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

515. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if there is an Irish citizenship ceremony planned for March 2025. [5476/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Last week, I was pleased to attend, as Minister, the first Citizenship Ceremonies of 2025. These took place on 13 and 14 February at the Convention Centre Dublin. I can advise the Deputy that planning is underway for the next citizenship ceremonies to be held in the second quarter of this year but no date has been set at this time.

My Department is committed to providing regular opportunities for applicants to complete the naturalisation process.

My Department held 24 citizenship ceremonies last year, an increase from the 15 ceremonies held in 2023, and the 6 that were held in 2022. Citizenship ceremonies will continue to be held on a regular basis during 2025.

Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/

Probation and Welfare Service

Ceisteanna (516)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

516. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE probation officers, by grade, employed by his Department as of 10 February 2025. [5477/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The number of Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE) Probation Officers, by grade, employed by the Department of Justice, as of 10 February 2025 are:

• 14 Assistant Principal Probation Officers

• 49.9 Senior Probation Officers

• 243.6 Probation Officers

In addition, there are 31 WTE Probation Assistants that support the functions of Probation Officers.

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (517)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

517. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of incidents in which a scrambler, quadbike or e-scooter was seized by Gardaí under The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, by Garda district, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5502/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

This Government is committed to tackle anti social behaviour in our communities by ensuring that An Garda Síochána will have sufficient powers to tackle the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers. An Garda Síochána responds to reports of anti-social behaviour and conducts operations on an ongoing basis to target the anti-social activities of people using those vehicles. An Garda Síochána has, through various media and social media platforms, highlighted the inherent dangers associated with the use of those vehicles. In order to combat dangerous behaviour, intelligence is gathered at local level and areas are targeted as appropriate. Garda operations targeting the illegal use of those vehicles involve all members who are assigned to operational duties. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, to which the Deputy referred, was signed into law in June 2023. Among its provisions, the Act aims to tackle the antisocial use of scramblers and quadbikes through measures such as granting An Garda Síochána new powers of seizure.

Garda authorities have provided the below breakdown of the number of incidents in which a scrambler, quadbike or e-scooter was seized by Gardaí under The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.

Vehicle Type	2023	2024
E-scooter	24	91
Quad Bike	28	14
Scrambler	67	50

I am advised that these figures are based on incidents occurring in 2023 and 2024, and are too low to provide a count by Garda Division. I am further advised that the above figures, based upon operational data from the PULSE system, are liable to change. It is hoped that this combined approach of increased Garda powers to tackle the misuse of those vehicles, together with the creation of alternative options for those who wish to use such vehicles safely and legally, will have a significant impact in tackling this problem.

Bench Warrants

Ceisteanna (518)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

518. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of bench warrants outstanding in each Garda division as of February 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5543/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (519, 520, 521, 522)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

519. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of those from whom immigration status was revoked from as a result of a criminal conviction in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5544/25]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

520. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of non-EU nationals who had their visas revoked as a result of involvement in criminality in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5545/25]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

521. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of removal orders in respect of non-EU nationals who had their visas revoked as a result of involvement in criminal activity in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5546/25]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

522. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of removal orders under the European Communities Free Movement of persons regulations 2015 in respect of EU nationals who represented a danger for public policy or public security where their conduct represented a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5547/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 519, 520, 521 and 522 together.

It is a central priority for me as Minister that our immigration laws are robust and enforced. The removal of persons in the immigration system who are involved in criminality or who are a danger to society is an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the application of our laws in this area.

Under Section 3 of the Immigration 1999, as amended, a Deportation Order may be issued on a number of grounds, including:

• under Section 3(2)(a,) a person who has served or is serving a term of imprisonment imposed on him or her by a court in the State,

• under Section 3(2)(b), a person whose deportation has been recommended by a court in the State before which such person was indicted for or charged with any crime or offence,

• under Section 3(2)(i), a person whose deportation would, in the opinion of the Minister, be conducive to the common good.

The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 increased by 180% compared to 2023. Last year, 1,116 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. forced return, voluntary return etc.), an increase of 252% compared to 2023.

The information sought regarding the number of Deportation Orders made on grounds of criminality is not collated in the manner requested by the Deputy. The table below details the number of deportation orders signed in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Table 1: Deportation Orders signed in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

	2022	2023	2024
Deportation Order Signed	546	857	2,403

* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.

The European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 provide at 20(2)(1) that a Removal Order can be made in respect of European citizens or their family members who represent a danger to public policy or public security by reason of the fact that his or her personal conduct represents a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society.

The table below details the number of orders which have been made under the European Communities (free movement of persons) Regulations 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Table 2: Removals made under the European Communities (free movement of persons) Regulations 2022, 2023 and 2024

EU Removals	2022	2023	2024
Removal Orders signed	58	19	24

* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.

The information sought regarding the revocation of visas and immigration permissions is not collated in the manner requested by the Deputy. Applications for visas and immigration permission are considered on a case-by-case basis and can be refused on a number of grounds. However, it is not possible to provide a further breakdown on the number of applications refused due to criminality. Where criminality is identified in this context and permission to remain refused, my Department then take steps to activate the process of making a deportation order as outlined above.

The removal of persons who are involved criminality and those who are a danger to society is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and the Garda Commissioner. My officials work closely with members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to ensure high risk persons are prioritised for removal from Ireland.

My Department has taken action to improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. A charter service for deportation flights is now in place and the first flights will take place in the coming months. Charter flights will significantly increase capacity to conduct more enforced deportations. Alongside this, enforced deportations are continuing on commercial flights.

Question No. 520 answered with Question No. 519.

Question No. 521 answered with Question No. 519.

Question No. 522 answered with Question No. 519.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (523)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

523. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if the nationality of all persons charged, summonsed and who receive an adult caution, is recorded on the Garda Pulse system. [5556/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters and the administration of the PULSE system. As Minister, I have no role in decisions related to the information recorded on PULSE.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that where information on a person's nationality is known it is generally recorded as part of their PULSE record. The Central Statistics office is responsible for compiling and publishing recorded crime statistics and I understand it is not their practice to compile statistics on nationality or ethnicity.

Further information is available at:

https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-rqcs/reviewofthequalityofrecordedcrimestatistics2023/userneedsforrecordedcrimestatistics/

Citizenship Applications

Ceisteanna (524, 525, 526)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

524. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the continuous rejection of the citizenship application of a person (details supplied) since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5574/25]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

525. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice the reason his Department has refused to reply to emails and provide updates to on the citizenship application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5575/25]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

526. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice the reason the Single Person Committee has yet to appeal the verdict of the citizenship application of a person (details supplied) despite its being received on 3 August 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5576/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 524, 525 and 526 together.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

I can advise the Deputy that the person referred to made two separate applications for citizenship to my Department. The first application was refused and a letter issued to the applicant outlining the reasons for this refusal, while the second application continues to be processed.

I have been further informed that the person concerned has written to the Single Person Committee of Inquiry (SPC) for a review and this process is still ongoing. Subsequently, further correspondence was received from the person concerned and their legal representative, which were received and acknowledged, however, my Department was not in a position to provide an update at that time. I will be announcing a new SPC member in the near future who will be reviewing any remaining open cases.

Question No. 525 answered with Question No. 524.

Question No. 526 answered with Question No. 524.

Sentencing Policy

Ceisteanna (527)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

527. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice if there are any planned legislative changes to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, for increased or harsher sentencing for re-offenders of violent crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5577/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

It is important to emphasise firstly that the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. Judges are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, including sentencing.

The Judicial Council Act 2019 established an independent Judicial Council, and, within that body, a Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee was established in 2020. Its functions include the preparation of draft sentencing guidelines and the monitoring of the operation of those guidelines, together with collating information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others. The Judicial Council is independent in the exercise of its functions and, as Minister for Justice, I have no role in relation to the operation of the Judicial Council or its Committees. However, in line with the Programme for Government, I do intend to review the sentencing guidelines legislation.

In addition, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to review and update the Public Order Acts, including in relation to sentencing, and ensure Gardaí have the power they need to manage public order situations and this is receiving consideration in my Department. Also, as part of a sustained effort to strengthen criminal law in dealing with serious crimes, the proposed Life Sentences Bill will allow judges to recommend a minimum period to be served in custody before a person is released on parole, reflecting the circumstances of the case. The Government approved the drafting of the Bill last July and work is underway to progress it.

While a life sentence can be imposed for the offence of causing serious harm under section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, many assaults are prosecuted at the lower levels and, in 2023, the maximum penalty for assault causing harm under section 3 of that Act was increased from five years to 10 years. This is one of the most commonly prosecuted violent offences, and arises particularly in relation to domestic violence.

The maximum sentence for assaulting peace officers, including Gardaí and prison officers, has also been increased from 7 years to 12 years, sending a very clear message that attacks on our frontline workers will not be tolerated.

Sentencing Policy

Ceisteanna (528)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

528. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of sentences served concurrently in each of the past ten years; and whether he will seek a change in the law to prevent sentences being served concurrently. [5596/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

It is important to emphasise that the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, including sentencing.

The Judicial Council Act 2019 provided for the establishment of an independent Judicial Council, and, within that body, a Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee, which was established in 2020.

Its functions include the preparation of draft sentencing guidelines and the monitoring of the operation of those guidelines, together with the collating of information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others. The Judicial Council is independent in the exercise of its functions and, as Minister for Justice, I have no role in relation to the operation of the Judicial Council or its Committees.

The Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee intends to produce guidelines for specific offences and classes of offences, as is contemplated by section 91(1) of the Judicial Council Act 2019.

In line with the Programme for Government, I intend to review the sentencing guidelines legislation.

Regarding the number of sentences served concurrently in each of the past 10 years, I am informed that it has not been possible for the Irish Prison Service to collate the requested information in the allocated timeframe. I will forward this information directly to the Deputy upon receipt.

Question No. 529 answered with Question No. 513.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (530)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

530. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department received funding support for projects of any kind from the United States of America International Development for the period 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5653/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Neither my Department, nor any of its aegis bodies, have been in receipt of funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period specified.