Tuesday, 18 Feb 2025

Written Answers Nos. 531-550

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (531)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

531. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice whether noise level limits for car exhausts are being enforced by An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5665/25]

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 the enforcement of all applicable legislation. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, this was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (532)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

532. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the process by which compensation can be claimed for damage to property sustained during a Garda operation on a private dwelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5666/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The State Claims Agency (SCA) manages personal injury and third-party property damage claims against the State and State authorities, including An Garda Síochána. The SCA also manages claims for legal costs against the State and State authorities.

Each claim is assessed on its own merits by the State Claims Agency. I have no remit over the agency as Minister for Justice, and any queries regarding claims should be directed to the Agency.

Abortion Services

Ceisteanna (533)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

533. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice the number of reports of anti-abortion protests that have been reported outside medical centres, GP clinics or hospitals that violate the 100 metre safe access zones under the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024; if Gardaí have issued any warnings under the legislation; if so, the number of warnings that have been issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5700/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The right to protest is guaranteed under the Constitution.

Of course, people do not have the right to behave in a way that causes others to fear for their safety, and An Garda Síochána monitors protest activity where there is potential for breaches of public order. The rule of law, human rights and the principle of proportionality are respected at all times. The policing of any protest is of course an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database has been conducted and they have confirmed that no prosecutions have been initiated under the relevant legislation.

I am further informed that while a Garda member may make a written record of a warning issued, it is not possible to provide data on the number of such warnings.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (534)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

534. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the details of all official engagements and meetings attended by him, and Ministers of State within his Department during the period since 1 November 2024 and 9 February 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5709/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to my engagements since being appointed as Minister is contained in the attached document.

In relation to Minster Helen McEntee and Minister of State James Browne, their diaries up to the end of 2024 are published at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/collection/ab070-ministerial-diaries/.

In addition, Minister Browne attended the opening of the Armed Support Unit in Enniscorthy on 17 January 2025. I can also confirm that Minister McEntee did not attend any official engagements in 2025.

Minister of State Collins and designate Minister of State Brophy have not yet attended any official engagements.

Diary

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (535)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

535. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the details of each time his Department or public bodies under the aegis of his Department, enlisted the services of consultants in the years 2022 to date; the purpose, value and duration of each contract in relation to public bodies under the aegis of his Department; when any further reports are expected to be received and published, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5710/25]

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.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (536)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

536. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the total strength of An Garda Síochána, by region and division for each of the years 2011 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5712/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.

I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:

• Local and national crime trends and workloads;

• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;

• Minimum establishment statistics;

• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;

• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2024, there was a total of 14,191 Garda members nationwide. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station up to the end of 2024 is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/.

The Deputy should access the file titled “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to 31 December 2024” for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers by Garda division and by rank.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (537)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

537. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of emergency calls made to An Garda Síochána reporting domestic abuse in each of the years 2011 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5713/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for this Government, for the Department and for the Garda Commissioner. 'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.The Strategy, which was co-designed with the sector, also has a significant focus on improving the system for victims of these terrible crimes and on ensuring there is a full range of supports and services available nationwide to support and empower victims and survivors.

An Garda Síochána and my Department are continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the system, so that victims will feel confident in coming forward to report what has happened to them and get justice.

An Garda Síochána prioritise and proactively respond to incidents of domestic abuse and the nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. There is now a DPSU in every Garda Division.

Legislative action has also been taken to combat all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, including by introducing new offences of stalking and non-fatal strangulation and by doubling to 10 years the maximum sentence for assault causing harm, one of the most common offences in domestic violence cases.

An Garda Síochána have provided the following breakdown of domestic abuse incidents, by Garda Division, for the period 2020 to 2024. A similar breakdown for years prior to 2020 is not available.

One of the key objectives in the Zero Tolerance Strategy is to encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and to report the crimes that are being committed against them. This is an important step because historically there has been an under reporting of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I want to reassure anyone who is a victim, or at risk of, domestic or sexual abuse that help continues to be available. I urge anyone who is in fear or danger due to domestic abuse or any other crime, to please contact the Gardaí as soon as you can do so safely.

Annual breakdown of Domestic Abuse Incidents between 2020 and 2024

Region	Division	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Dublin Region	D.M.R. Eastern	1282	1285	1435	1460	1860
D.M.R. North Central	1765	2045	2016	1994	2172
D.M.R. Northern	4087	4272	4493	4999	5298
D.M.R. South Central	1463	1565	1754	1791	2072
D.M.R. Southern	3019	3302	3642	3763	4031
D.M.R. Western	4602	4976	5298	5457	6027
Eastern Region (NEW)	Kildare Div	1911	1984	2598	2619	3281
Laois/Offaly	1420	1668	1788	1995	2206
Meath/Westmeath	2536	2821	3006	3479	4034
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow	2294	2624	2870	3395	3862
Wexford/Wicklow	2295	2510	2953	3310	3729
North Western Region	Donegal	1204	1344	1584	1901	2115
Galway Div	1768	2201	2249	2657	2955
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan	3159	3859	3953	4219	4329
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	1819	2136	2366	2585	2612
Sligo/Leitrim	905	1110	1044	1027	1133
Southern Region (NEW)	Clare/Tipperary	1997	2333	2463	3008	3035
Cork City	2333	2345	2790	3100	3254
Cork County	1599	1799	1982	2260	2411
Kerry	1193	1249	1542	1627	1435
Limerick	2131	2525	3065	3376	3373
	National Total	44,782	49,953	54,891	60,022	65,224

The data specific to this request is operational and subject to change.

Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell

Ceisteanna (538, 539, 540)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

538. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he has corresponded with the family of a person (details supplied) since his appointment; when he intends to meet with the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5721/25]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

539. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if all reports of the investigations carried out by the An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission were considered by the scoping exercise in relation to the death of a person (details supplied); if not, if this is compatible with the terms of reference of the scoping exercise, which specifically requested that all such reports be taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5722/25]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

540. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he will request the An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to provide the family of a person (details supplied) with the section 101 report compiled in respect of this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5723/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 to 540, inclusive, together.

The sudden loss in 2011 of Shane O'Farrell at such a young age, with his whole life ahead of him, is a desperate tragedy for all those who knew and loved him and one which will always be an immense source of grief in their lives.

The report of former Judge Gerard Haughton arising from the Scoping Exercise into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell, was published on 3rd July 2023. The Judge was appointed by former Minister Flanagan in 2019 to carry out a Scoping Exercise in light of the controversy surrounding the circumstances of Mr O'Farrell's tragic death. Specifically, the purpose of the exercise was to advise the Minister as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out was necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.

The work of the Judge resulted in a 416 page report which did not recommend any further inquiry.

The Report makes a number of important recommendations on suspended sentences legislation, certain aspects in relation to dangerous driving (Road Traffic Act 1961), specific aspects of the law relating to inquests and the role of the Gardaí, and an audit of relevant Courts Service accounts by the Courts Service Audit and Risk Committee (in relation to the misplacing of Appeal papers by the Court Service). I understand that the Report of the Scoping Exercise considered the outcome and/or reports of investigations carried out by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

The report is available at the following link: - www.gov.ie/en/publication/d4410-report-of-scoping-exercise-in-relation-to-the-death-of-shane-ofarrell/.

I intend to write to the Justice Committee shortly to ask it to look at the recommendations and conclusions of the report of the scoping exercise. I will also be meeting again with Shane’s mother in the near future, to talk about the role of the Justice Committee and to listen carefully to what she has to say in respect of this matter.

Question No. 539 answered with Question No. 538.

Question No. 540 answered with Question No. 538.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (541)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

541. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the research commissioned by his Department entitled "Ethnic Monitoring in the Criminal Justice System”; if he will publish the report as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5772/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The research titled “Research Report: An Evidence Review on Ethnic Monitoring in the Criminal Justice System," commissioned by the Department in 2022 was conducted by Maynooth University and Bracken from the University of Manitoba to, explores how other jurisdictions implement ethnic monitoring in criminal justice systems, providing insights to inform policy deliberations in the Irish context.

The research examined ethnic monitoring practices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales, focusing on their design, implementation, and impact. The report has been finalised and is currently being considered.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (542)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

542. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardai by rank attached to Kildare divisional drugs unit as of 10 February 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5816/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Tackling serious and organised crime is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice, and I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion for 2025 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work. This funding has enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, as well as for decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that as of 31 December 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 342 Gardaí assigned to Drugs Units across all Divisions, an increase of almost 12% since the end of December 2020.

I am further advised that there were 12 Garda members (10 Gardaí and 2 Sergeants) assigned to the Drugs Unit in Kildare Division as of the same date.

Please note that this information is based on operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and is liable to change.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review, in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (543)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

543. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the gender breakdown of his Department in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretaries general, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5857/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department currently has very positive gender equality throughout its staffing cohort as recorded in its Gender Pay Gap report for 2024 published last December.

My Department has been implementing its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy since 2022 to strengthen its capability to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, not only in daily interactions, but also in the design of policy and legislation, and delivery of services to the public. A particular focus is to embed and sustain a positive workplace culture which supports and encourages a skilled and diverse staffing cohort.

The implementation of the Strategy is overseen by a dedicated EDI and Public Sector Duty Committee chaired at Deputy Secretary level.

The information requested is provided in the table below.

Grade	Principal Officer (incl. Directors)	Assistant Secretary	Deputy Secretary	Secretary General	Total
Female	43	5	0	1	49
Male	40	4	2	0	46
Total	83	9	2	1	95
% Female	51.8	55.6	0	100	51.6
% Male	48.2	44.4	100	0	48.4

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (544)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

544. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if he has spoken with the UK home secretary since his appointment as Minister. [5962/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

A call has been arranged with the Home Secretary for the beginning of March.

I was pleased to meet the UK Ambassador on 17 February and a call has been scheduled with the UK Home Secretary at the beginning of March. My Department is represented at Counsellor level in the Irish Embassy in London and senior officials in my Department engage very regularly with their counterparts in the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and across the UK Government system, to discuss and support ongoing cooperation on important law enforcement and justice related matters.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (545)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

545. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of interview rooms in each Garda station within the Dublin Metropolitan Region that currently have audio and video recording facilities, in tabular form. [5963/25]

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), including matters relating to the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.

The table below, provided to me by Garda authorities, details the number of interview rooms with audio and video recording facilities in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Region	No of Garda Stations	No of Garda Stations with recording facilities	No of Interview Rooms That Have Audio & Video Recording Facilities
DMR	41	33	63

The table below sets out the number of interview rooms that have audio and video recording facilities in the Dublin Metropolitan Region by Garda station.

Division	Garda Station	Number of Interview Rooms That Have Audio & Video Recording Facilities
DMR NC	Store Street	3
DMR NC	Bridewell	2
DMR NC	Mountjoy	2
DMR NC	Fitzgibbon Street	Nil
DMR South	Crumlin Garda Station	2
DMR South	Sundrive Road Garda Station	2
DMR South	Terenure Garda Station	2
DMR South	Rathmines Garda Station	2
DMR South	Tallaght	2
DMR South	Rathfarnham	2 - 1 room currently not utilised due to renovation works.
DMR East	Dun Laoghaire	2
DMR East	Shankill	2
DMR East	Cabinteely	0
DMR East	Blackrock	2
DMR East	Dundrum	2
DMR East	Stepaside	0
DMR South Central	Donnybrook	1
DMR South Central	Irishtown	2
DMR South Central	Kilmainham	1
DMR South Central	Pearse Street	2
DMR South Central	Kevin Street	2
DMR North	Coolock	2
DMR North	Swords	1
DMR North	Malahide	1
DMR North	Dublin Airport	1
DMR North	Ballymun	3
DMR North	Santry	0
DMR North	Raheny	1
DMR North	Clontarf	2
DMR North	Howth	1 – unused as station not open to prisoners
DMR North	Balbriggan	2
DMR North	Skerries	0
DMR North	Rush	0
DMR North	Lusk	0
DMR North	Garristown	0
DMR West	Blanchardstown	3
DMR West	Finglas	2
DMR West	Clondalkin	3
DMR West	Ballyfermot	2
DMR West	Lucan	2
DMR West	Ronanstown	2

The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (546)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

546. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the status the work of Garda juvenile liaison officers (JLOs); the number of Garda JLOs, by rank in each Garda division; the amount of funding it has received in 2023, 2024 and 2025; and the number of arrests and prosecutions arising in 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [5966/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

There are currently 115 members of An Garda Síochána allocated to Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) duties across the state, not inclusive of personnel allocated to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB) at Garda Headquarters. A breakdown of JLOs by rank and Division is appended to this answer based on information provided to me by An Garda Síochána.

Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are sworn members of An Garda Síochána, and are appointed at Divisional level on full time JLO duties. On this basis no specific funding information is available for JLOs as a separate category.

Details in relation to the number of referrals to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, where a child has committed a crime that is the subject of a referral to GNYDB, and if the minor was, following consideration, admitted to the Diversion Programme, are available in the Annual Report of the Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme each year. The annual reports are published on the Garda website:

www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-engagement/community-engagement-offices/garda-national-youth-diversion-bureau/

Any criminal offence committed where a minor is found not suitable and not admitted to the Diversion Programme is then the subject of direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to charge(s) and a prosecution before the Courts.

An Garda Síochána does not hold and cannot provide a return for convictions. Queries regarding convictions data should be directed toward the Courts Service, who are responsible for providing such information. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: [e-mail].

Juvenile Liaison Officer Strenght

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (547)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

547. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the total number of domestic abuse refuge beds, by county, in each of the years 2019 to 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; his targets for delivering additional spaces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6015/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Tackling the scourge of domestic violence is one of my central priorities as Minister for Justice.

One of the overarching goals of the Zero Tolerance Strategy to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. The Strategy, published in June 2022, includes a commitment to doubling the number of refuge spaces by the end of 2026.

To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency, was established in 2024.

There were 147 refuge units at the end of 2023, with 12 new units delivered in 2024, including the state-of-the-art refuge in Wexford. Another 54 units are set to be under construction or due for refurbishment this year, of which 22 are expected to be delivered in Dublin and Louth.

Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Strategy and is working in partnership with the local front-line services providers, local authorities, the Department of Housing and the Housing Agency and has streamlined processes in order to accelerate the delivery of domestic violence refuges.

As the Deputy's question relates to work being carried out by Cuan and data held by Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response in relation to the detailed information sought on refuge spaces.

Deportation Orders

Ceisteanna (548)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

548. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications that have been made by persons seeking to have their deportation order revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), from 2022 to date, in tabular form; the number of successful applications and the numbers of applications that have been rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6019/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 provides that a Deportation Order may be revoked. My Department receives submissions from individuals seeking that this provision be invoked. In assessing such submissions consideration is given to whether there is compelling new information or material changes in circumstances which were not previously put forward, nor capable of being put forward, when the original decision was made.

The main grounds advanced relate to the extent to which an individual has established family, employment and other connections here. These include persons who qualified under the terms of the Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme in 2022, processing of which is now largely concluded. All submissions are carefully assessed including in the context of any rights arising and a criminal records check is carried out in each instance.

An order may also be revoked on technical grounds where a person has been readmitted to the international protection process and permitted to remain in Ireland during that process.

The table below details the number of applications made under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, together with the number of affirmations and revocations. The number of cases considered in any given year do not relate to orders made in that same year and typically involve orders made over a number of years previously.

Year	Number of section 3(11) received	Deportation Orders affirmed	Deportation Orders revoked
2022	529	15	586
2023	573	24	417
2024	1,037	393	524
2025(YTD 14/02/25)	157	13	67

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

Departmental Administrative Arrangements

Ceisteanna (549)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

549. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice what specific policy areas of his department are to be covered under the remit of Home Affairs, and also Migration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6020/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Department of Justice currently has lead responsibility for public policy in respect of the security of the State and public safety, including the prevention and detection of crime, the criminal justice system, the administration of justice, the management of inward migration and international protection processes, the provision of important regulatory services and ongoing reform of civil and criminal law.

The Programme for Government commits to bringing responsibility for integration and international protection/Ukraine accommodation back to the Department from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, while the National Cyber Security Centre will be transferred from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. These changes are designed to make the Department's work more coherent and they align with its existing responsibilities in the areas of migration and security.

In addition, responsibility for matters related to property services will transfer to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage while censorship will transfer to the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.

My Department is working closely together with the other Departments involved to implement the transfer of functions as soon as possible. The effective date for the transfer will be determined by a Transfer of Function Order under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 which will require the prior approval of Government. As a result of these changes, the organisation will be renamed the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Department operates a functional organisational model which will be further developed with the addition of these new responsibilities.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (550)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

550. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on his Department’s engagement with the Office of Government Procurement in respect of identifying a commercial partner for the supply of charter flight services for deportations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6022/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

It is a priority for me as Minister that our immigration laws are robust and enforced. The removal of persons who have been refused permission to remain is an essential requirement for the immigration system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the application of our laws in this area.

In June 2024, a request for tender was published with a view to procuring a suitable provider of charter flight services and relevant supporting services. A contract was signed in November last year for the provision of charter aircraft for deportation operation purposes.

Charter flights provide an alternative to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances when a group of individuals are being removed to the same destination. This will increase the options available to An Garda Síochána to effect removals and deportations.

Planning is well advanced to commence the use of charter flights for removals, the first flights are expected in the coming months. Alongside this, enforced deportations are continuing on commercial flights.

My Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). Last year, 1,116 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.), an increase of 252% compared to 2023 (317).