Patrick Costello
Question:1101. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the allocations of the 2023 community safety innovation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37540/23]
View answerWritten Answers Nos. 1101-1120
1101. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the allocations of the 2023 community safety innovation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37540/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Community Safety Innovation Fund was established in April 2021 by myself 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.
The funding was increased to €3 million for 2023, and the call for applications to the 2023 fund closed in May. Applications for the 2023 fund are currently being considered by officials in my Department and I look forward to seeing the projects that will emerge from this new round of funding in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that another round of funding will open for applicants in 2024.
The Community Safety Innovation Fund reflects the successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminals. Equally, people across Ireland are working tirelessly in their communities to prevent crime from taking hold and make their local areas safer. The fund seeks to recognise and combine both of these actions.
1102. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form over the past ten years, by county, of safe refuge accommodation places for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37541/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government will establish a statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for domestic violence services continues to be managed by Tusla.
As this will continue to be the case until services formally transfer to the new DSGBV agency, I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply.
1103. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if, given the recent CSO data which outlined only "12% of people who experienced child sexual abuse disclosed it to gardaí" and only "5% of adults who experienced sexual violence as an adult and disclosed to gardaí", she will outline the measures she is taking to encourage victims of sexual violence to disclose details of these experiences to gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37542/23]
View answerI want to assure the Deputy that combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based remains a priority for me, for this Government and for the Garda Commissioner.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Sexual Violence Survey 2022, commissioned and funded by my Department, focused on respondents’ experiences of a broad spectrum of sexual violence and harassment experienced in their lifetime.
We knew that this was an area that tended to be underreported and that the numbers we have had up to now, did not reflect the true extent of the problem.
We now have a better understanding of the full extent of this problem and we have a baseline to measure the impact of our work across Government going forward. The findings of the survey will also help us in developing policy and providing the necessary supports and services.
While it is true that historically, people may have felt unable to come forward to report sexual violence, I can assure the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner and I are committed to continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, so that victims are empowered and feel supported when reporting their experience.
Since taking office, I have prioritised the implementation of Supporting a Victims Journey, which is a very detailed plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases. It aims to reduce the fear of re-victimisation as a result of how they might be treated by the investigation and court processes.
There is now a Divisional Protective Services Unit in each Garda Division, meaning specialised teams are in place nationwide to support and engage with victims of sexual violence.
An Garda Síochána 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.
Last year, I published our most ambitious DSGBV Strategy which sets out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV and which seeks to provide the full range of supports for those who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.
My colleagues and I are committed to delivering on the goal of this strategy - a society that has zero tolerance for any form of domestic, sexual or gender based violence.
There are 144 actions for delivery by Government under the current implementation plan for the strategy, but the strategy also emphasises that it is for all of us to recognise and reject domestic and sexual violence in all its forms. This will ensure that all victims know that as a society we stand with them, that we, collectively, support them and that we condemn the abhorrent behaviour of the perpetrator.
I assure the Deputy that I will remain committed to working with colleagues to improve all aspects of the system so that no victims fear coming forward to report what has happened to them.
I also want to encourage people to report to An Garda Síochána and encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to please reach out for help. The national 24 hour helpline provides a free and confidential service for anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence at any time in their lives and further information on the range of support services available can be found at victimscharter.ie.
1104. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown of the numbers of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence cases reported to gardaí over the past ten years which have led to a successful court prosecution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37543/23]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Incidents |
3,606 |
4,243 |
5,210 |
6,492 |
7,575 |
9,306 |
Incidents with Prosecutions |
1,904 |
2,255 |
2,696 |
3,201 |
3,673 |
4,514 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
||
Incidents |
11,001 |
12,800 |
15,505 |
17,531 |
11,362 |
|
Incidents with Prosecutions |
5,589 |
7,304 |
8,110 |
8,312 |
4,645 |
1105. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number and rank of gardaí assigned to the divisional protective service units (DPSUs) in each of the 28 Garda divisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37544/23]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
1106. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence offences data for the past ten years, broken down by Garda station, to include, but not limited to: coercive control; breach of interim barring order; breach of protection order; breach of barring order; breach of safety order; domestic - no offence identified; breach of emergency barring order; and any incident type with a recorded motive of 'domestic abuse'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37545/23]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
1107. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years by Garda station and division, of the number of road traffic offences such as, but not limited to, speeding; careless driving; dangerous driving; using your mobile phone while driving; drink driving; drug driving;and dangerously defective driving; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37546/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of traffic offences. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other State agencies, including Government Departments, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, and the community, in order to make our roads safer for all.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the tables below set out the information requested by the Deputy. I am advised that the Garda authorities are unable to provide the information by Garda station for operational reasons. All information is operational and may be subject to change.
The table below provides a yearly breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for speeding by Division from 2014 up to 29/08/2023.
Division |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
Cavan/Monaghan |
7703 |
6126 |
6105 |
5102 |
4165 |
4486 |
5732 |
4964 |
5204 |
4094 |
Clare |
6059 |
3434 |
5752 |
5457 |
5680 |
4536 |
4924 |
4993 |
4345 |
2526 |
Cork City |
7894 |
6709 |
5009 |
4917 |
3203 |
4092 |
7164 |
12250 |
10449 |
5340 |
Cork North |
10281 |
8331 |
7977 |
4553 |
5078 |
4940 |
6607 |
6316 |
7409 |
3467 |
Cork West |
4709 |
5974 |
4683 |
3365 |
5464 |
4849 |
3444 |
4034 |
4571 |
1882 |
D.M.R. Eastern |
7755 |
5648 |
4273 |
4007 |
3439 |
4400 |
5529 |
4024 |
4526 |
2163 |
D.M.R. North Central |
3002 |
5161 |
2849 |
4354 |
3064 |
3325 |
4010 |
3688 |
2479 |
1661 |
D.M.R. Northern |
9799 |
10748 |
10827 |
10502 |
8179 |
8668 |
11682 |
9672 |
7245 |
3323 |
D.M.R. South Central |
7515 |
5572 |
5582 |
4743 |
3723 |
3014 |
2736 |
2648 |
2729 |
1388 |
D.M.R. Southern |
2650 |
3128 |
2233 |
1530 |
1623 |
1535 |
3438 |
3690 |
4601 |
3141 |
D.M.R. Western |
15974 |
22054 |
11343 |
7464 |
2742 |
3302 |
12895 |
8704 |
8639 |
5565 |
Donegal |
4744 |
4758 |
4285 |
3108 |
2887 |
3344 |
3743 |
3715 |
3808 |
2003 |
Galway |
13719 |
13117 |
9276 |
9820 |
9039 |
9476 |
13815 |
10625 |
12456 |
6260 |
Kerry |
5514 |
4215 |
5577 |
3236 |
3552 |
4108 |
3846 |
4043 |
3331 |
2644 |
Kildare |
15522 |
17510 |
15475 |
13821 |
14863 |
12830 |
12700 |
15623 |
11132 |
6292 |
Kilkenny/Carlow |
9955 |
9611 |
7227 |
5694 |
5266 |
5060 |
5079 |
6102 |
4313 |
3707 |
Laois/Offaly |
7243 |
3929 |
4714 |
5232 |
4665 |
5335 |
6723 |
8706 |
6544 |
4450 |
Limerick |
17035 |
20867 |
11776 |
9527 |
10793 |
10908 |
8543 |
9253 |
9130 |
5315 |
Louth |
5132 |
3971 |
2480 |
2321 |
2383 |
2318 |
4798 |
4901 |
3836 |
2728 |
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
8973 |
5870 |
8100 |
8418 |
5770 |
8488 |
8341 |
6524 |
5161 |
3047 |
Meath |
5621 |
4853 |
3290 |
4799 |
5728 |
3309 |
8350 |
7082 |
5825 |
3474 |
Sligo/Leitrim |
8440 |
5529 |
4556 |
3556 |
3175 |
3123 |
1910 |
3143 |
2173 |
1440 |
Tipperary |
8776 |
8662 |
7499 |
4088 |
3779 |
3536 |
6665 |
8175 |
12881 |
12414 |
Waterford |
7166 |
8119 |
5960 |
3021 |
5197 |
5023 |
5521 |
5954 |
5328 |
3573 |
Westmeath |
9107 |
8793 |
2873 |
3572 |
2452 |
3469 |
4847 |
5400 |
7448 |
4670 |
Wexford |
8212 |
9162 |
6789 |
6718 |
4635 |
4492 |
5124 |
5157 |
4416 |
3234 |
Wicklow |
8240 |
6050 |
5179 |
5290 |
5569 |
5174 |
13097 |
10465 |
5722 |
3626 |
* 2023 figures cover the period from 01/01/2023 to 29/08/2023
Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2014 to 29/08/2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 29/08/2023 and is liable to change.
The table below provides a yearly breakdown per division of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for using a mobile phone while driving by Division from 2014 up to 29/08/2023.
Division |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
Cavan/Monaghan |
787 |
888 |
832 |
1227 |
1136 |
992 |
642 |
299 |
324 |
132 |
Clare |
1112 |
813 |
832 |
875 |
910 |
584 |
662 |
504 |
630 |
480 |
Cork City |
2276 |
2013 |
1923 |
1829 |
1625 |
1333 |
1258 |
1539 |
1167 |
721 |
Cork North |
1440 |
1507 |
1319 |
928 |
1142 |
1170 |
928 |
688 |
404 |
235 |
Cork West |
1189 |
1290 |
1247 |
785 |
696 |
621 |
529 |
400 |
325 |
214 |
D.M.R. Eastern |
1608 |
978 |
868 |
786 |
1078 |
980 |
685 |
429 |
450 |
258 |
D.M.R. North Central |
823 |
609 |
404 |
551 |
684 |
584 |
570 |
602 |
625 |
357 |
D.M.R. Northern |
1383 |
1302 |
1051 |
1061 |
932 |
1235 |
962 |
977 |
957 |
558 |
D.M.R. South Central |
1042 |
916 |
770 |
615 |
973 |
1083 |
593 |
383 |
580 |
354 |
D.M.R. Southern |
1353 |
1326 |
900 |
827 |
1113 |
1029 |
669 |
491 |
582 |
304 |
D.M.R. Western |
2860 |
2143 |
1400 |
1257 |
1678 |
1599 |
1571 |
1214 |
1213 |
637 |
Donegal |
380 |
464 |
400 |
372 |
460 |
613 |
578 |
525 |
344 |
251 |
Galway |
3600 |
3392 |
3000 |
3349 |
2732 |
2253 |
1534 |
802 |
736 |
953 |
Kerry |
720 |
595 |
1285 |
875 |
1078 |
1119 |
806 |
978 |
805 |
813 |
Kildare |
1592 |
1126 |
1613 |
1610 |
1591 |
1244 |
1601 |
2355 |
1487 |
924 |
Kilkenny/Carlow |
933 |
839 |
1031 |
876 |
1429 |
1122 |
1338 |
1289 |
514 |
551 |
Laois/Offaly |
963 |
600 |
684 |
1611 |
1344 |
1041 |
814 |
1263 |
771 |
482 |
Limerick |
1251 |
1127 |
2693 |
2630 |
2524 |
2264 |
942 |
921 |
886 |
837 |
Louth |
399 |
521 |
481 |
597 |
630 |
439 |
846 |
588 |
447 |
429 |
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
1364 |
1259 |
1036 |
1167 |
1431 |
1934 |
1328 |
1453 |
1206 |
648 |
Meath |
961 |
731 |
712 |
595 |
641 |
698 |
1250 |
1517 |
1095 |
443 |
Sligo/Leitrim |
380 |
378 |
321 |
569 |
682 |
745 |
237 |
346 |
171 |
130 |
Tipperary |
619 |
594 |
597 |
535 |
716 |
745 |
796 |
906 |
602 |
412 |
Waterford |
784 |
655 |
448 |
514 |
1024 |
805 |
1090 |
1321 |
845 |
348 |
Westmeath |
950 |
867 |
545 |
606 |
443 |
351 |
355 |
577 |
335 |
308 |
Wexford |
887 |
1277 |
1216 |
1311 |
1620 |
1584 |
1237 |
863 |
709 |
472 |
Wicklow |
784 |
565 |
513 |
544 |
862 |
939 |
657 |
611 |
399 |
323 |
* 2023 figures cover the period from 01/01/2023 to 29/08/2023
Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2014 to 29/08/2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 29/08/2023 and is liable to change.
The table below provides a yearly breakdown of the number of incidents of type ‘Intoxicated Driving a Vehicle’ and ‘Intoxicated In Charge of a Vehicle’ where alcohol was a known intoxicant from 2014 up to 29/08/2023.
Division |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
Cavan/Monaghan |
295 |
296 |
355 |
367 |
330 |
290 |
224 |
237 |
276 |
149 |
Clare |
178 |
158 |
171 |
164 |
141 |
114 |
99 |
86 |
105 |
91 |
Cork City |
328 |
296 |
312 |
313 |
273 |
232 |
191 |
214 |
233 |
178 |
Cork North |
262 |
248 |
273 |
277 |
264 |
229 |
182 |
151 |
199 |
141 |
Cork West |
178 |
189 |
195 |
199 |
182 |
169 |
110 |
93 |
131 |
87 |
D.M.R. Eastern |
124 |
113 |
95 |
119 |
124 |
111 |
97 |
82 |
102 |
68 |
D.M.R. North Central |
141 |
134 |
184 |
141 |
136 |
141 |
116 |
105 |
125 |
83 |
D.M.R. Northern |
359 |
339 |
340 |
297 |
292 |
261 |
255 |
224 |
246 |
125 |
D.M.R. South Central |
121 |
143 |
124 |
133 |
137 |
88 |
99 |
90 |
125 |
1108. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the number of breath tests that were recorded on An Garda Síochána's Pulse computer system; the number of alcohol testing devices used each month for the years 2018 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37547/23]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that the outcomes of breath tests are only recorded on the PULSE system in the case of Mandatory Intoxication Testing (MIT) checkpoints, and at the scene of road traffic collisions.
I am further advised that the table below shows the yearly breakdown of the number of breath tests carried out at the scene of MIT checkpoints. It also contains subsequent tests at the station:
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
314,471 |
316,075 |
105,263 |
89,244 |
150,670 |
88,734 |
*2023 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023
I am also advised that the table below provides a yearly breakdown of the number of breath tests carried out at the scene of road traffic collisions. Road traffic collisions are of the type Fatal, Serious Injury, Non-Serious Injury and Material Damage Only collisions.
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
6,824 |
6,986 |
5,067 |
5,858 |
6,748 |
3,446 |
*2023 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023.
The above figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2018 to 31 July 2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report was collated by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service and is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 16 August 2023 and is liable to change.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that in relation to the number of alcohol testing devices reportedly used each month, this data is held by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), and An Garda Síochána are unable to provide it.
1109. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, of the number of speed vans operated by a company (details supplied) on behalf of An Garda Síochána, by Garda station and division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37548/23]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.
Year |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017* |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
GoSafe Camera Vans |
46 |
53 |
49 |
49 |
90 |
52 |
63 |
55 |
55 |
55 |
54 |
1110. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, of the number of An Garda Síochána vehicles fitted with Puma automatic number plate recognition detection equipment, by Garda station and division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37549/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the equipping of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct 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 An Garda Síochána do not use Puma automatic number plate recognition detection equipment.
1111. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, by Garda station and division, for the number of road traffic deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37550/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of a number of Roads Safety Authority of Ireland related tables including the number of road deaths (fatalities) on the roads in Ireland between each year. However, it is worth noting that figures by county are currently only available between 2001 and 2021.
To be of assistance the CSO total 'Road Fatalities' statistics can be accessed at data.cso.ie/table/ROA11 and as of 11 July 2023 covers 2000 - May 2023.
Further statistics, data on 'Persons Killed and Injured' by county can be accessed at -data.cso.ie/table/ROA15 and as of 11 July 2023 covers 2001 - 2021.
1112. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the latest status of the unpublished Dóchas prison reports by the Inspector of Prisons; when such reports will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37578/23]
View answerBased on legal advice I am not in a position to publish, at this time, a three day monitoring report (August 2020) or a section 31(2) (February 2022) report received from the Inspector of Prisons in relation to the Dóchas Centre.
I also requested a report from the then inspector in relation to matters arising from the section 31(2) investigation and this report is currently being considered in conjunction with the earlier reports.
The report of the Inspector of Prisons Covid-19 Thematic Inspection of the Dóchás Centre was published on 28 April 2022 to Gov.ie and is available at the following link (gov.ie - COVID-19 Thematic Inspections of Prisons: 28 April 2022 (gov.ie).
1113. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he and or his Department have ever developed a green paper in respect of amending the upper age threshold for a Garda trainee recruit cap; and if so, if he will publish that paper. [37676/23]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment of Garda members and staff under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended).
The position in relation to the maximum recruitment age for An Garda Síochána is that the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland considered the issue and recommended that the age limit be scrapped.
I can assure the Deputy that the related issues of the maximum entry age of 35 and the mandatory retirement age of 60 are kept under review by my Department, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner.
1114. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a person (details supplied) and their application to remain in Ireland as the spouse of an Irish national; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37704/23]
View answerAn application for a Spouse of Irish National (SOIN) permission was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 23 August 2022 and continues to be processed.
To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.
Additionally, the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department are currently receiving very high levels of applications across several of their immigration schemes, which is causing some delays. The Division are working hard to finalise applications as quickly as possible and appreciate customers’ patience as they deal with this increase.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 email service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1115. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a person (detail supplied) and their application to the Embassy in Delhi on family reunification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37716/23]
View answerThe visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi. The reasons for this decision was set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant on 9 February 2023. An appeal of this decision was received on 9 March 2023.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.
A decision will be issued to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie ), 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.
1116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she and or her officials and or the Garda Commissioner have engaged with officials in Northern Ireland in respect of a recent release of data in error by the police service of Northern Ireland; and if she has been briefed in respect of the security risk posed by the data release in this jurisdiction. [37730/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, on 8 August the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) experienced a data breach, which is being treated as a critical incident.
As the Deputy will be aware, there is very close and ongoing co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. I am informed that contact was made at an early point in this incident and this remains the case as the situation continues to be assessed.
The security situation on the island of Ireland remains a top priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána, who keep matters under continuing review , in close cooperation with their colleagues in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. I am regularly briefed by the Commissioner, who keeps me informed of the situation.
1117. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the naturalisation application by a person (details supplied); and the timeframe in which they are likely to receive a decision. [37774/23]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved and they should receive an invitation to the next citizenship Ceremony.
I am please to say that the next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on 2 October 2023 at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) and a further ceremonies in December 2023.
Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is published on my Department’s website here: irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/
Please also note that the onus is on all non-EEA nationals to keep their immigration permission up to date at all times whilst they are residing in the State. It is also important that you ensure you have a valid permission to remain in the State on the date of the ceremony.
1118. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of outstanding visa applications with the embassy in Abu Dhabi; the number from those leaving Sudan; the average time to process applications from those leaving Sudan; if extra resources will be allocated to the embassy in Abu Dhabi to process applications in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37779/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that all applications from those ordinarily resident in Sudan but applying through a third country are processed by the Abu Dhabi Visa Office (ADVO).
It is not possible to provide all the figures to the Deputy as requested, as they are not held by my Department in the manner sought. However, I can advise the Deputy that decision times within the ADVO are typically within the timeframes published on the website i.e. Visit visa processing time – approximately 4 weeks, Study – 4-8 weeks, Employment – 4-8 weeks and Join Family – up to 24 weeks.
The tables below set out the average processing times for particular visa categories for all applications received by the ADVO and for applications received from Sudanese applicants for the period 15 April 2023 to 7 September 2023.
Table 1 – Average processing time for applications processed, at 1st instance, in the Abu Dhabi VO
Visa Type |
Sub category |
Avg processing time |
Type C |
N/A |
21 days |
Type D |
Study |
27 days |
Type D |
Employment |
22 days |
Type D |
Join Family |
90 days |
Table 2 - Average processing time for applications processed, at 1st instance, in the Abu Dhabi VO for Sudanese nationals
Visa Type |
Sub category |
Avg processing time |
Type C |
N/A |
26 days |
Type D |
Study |
27.5 days |
Type D |
Employment |
44 days |
Type D |
Join Family |
20 days |
1119. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice how many fully-trained specialist interviewers there are within An Garda Síochána at present, in the context of the Barnahus Model of child welfare and abuse; the Garda divisions they are located in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37786/23]
View answer1121. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice how many specialist interviewers have been trained through An Garda Síochána’s training programme since 2020; how many are gardaí and how many are social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37790/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1121 together.
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 responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can also 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, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2 billion.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí who have received specialist interview training from 2020 up to 16 August 2023.
Year |
Gardaí |
Social Workers |
2020 |
39 |
* |
2021 |
46 |
0 |
2022 |
38 |
0 |
2023 |
53 |
14 |
*I am advised that as the figure is low and as this information is related to a partner agency, it cannot be disclosed as it may identify individuals involved.
As the Deputy may be aware, Barnahus brings together forensic, child protection, medical, therapeutic and policing services in a child-centred way, when sexual abuse has occurred or is suspected. It is informed by international best practice, and is based on the Icelandic ‘Barnahus’ model.
The model will ensure close coordination and cooperation between key services, and support families in caring for their child throughout a difficult process, when fully developed as a national service.
It will also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of child sexual abuse services for the benefit of children who have suffered from sexual abuse and the families trying to support them, when fully developed as a national service.
I am informed that a pilot service in Galway was launched in September 2019. Since January 2022 services in Galway are operational in a bespoke centre on the outskirts of Galway city, which allows relevant agencies to provide services for children under one roof.
This project seeks to support the expansion of the Barnahus model of service, adapted to an Irish context. In addition to the dedicated centre in Galway, two further locations in the East and South will provide national coverage and access for victims and families to the service.
I am advised, by the Garda authorities, that there are currently 95 trained active specialist victim interviewers nationwide. The table below outlines the number of interviewers, broken down by Division.
Per Division;
Cavan/Monaghan |
3 |
Clare |
1 |
Cork City |
3 |
Cork County |
5 |
Donegal |
4 |
DMR North |
4 |
DMR North Central |
6 |
DMR West |
5 |
DMR South Central |
6 |
DMR South |
3 |
DMR East |
3 |
Galway |
5 |
Kerry |
2 |
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow |
6 |
Portlaoise/Offaly/Kildare |
5 |
Limerick |
2 |
Louth |
2 |
Mayo/Longford/Roscommon |
8 |
Meath/Westmeath |
6 |
Sligo/Leitrim |
3 |
Tipperary |
3 |
Wexford |
3 |
Wicklow |
3 |
National Offices |
4 |
1120. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice how many section 16 interviews took place in 2022; how many were conducted jointly by members of An Garda Síochána with a Tusla social worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37787/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the direction of investigation priorities for the organisation and the management of the PULSE system.
To be of assistance, I contacted the Garda authorities in relation to the information sought by the Deputy and I am advised that the information requested is not recorded in a structured manner on PULSE. As a result the information requested by the Deputy can not be reported on and I am unable to provide the requested statistics.