Written Answers Nos. 130-150
130. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on an early years service withdrawing its part-time service with very little notice, despite being in receipt of ECCE funding; if his Department has any procedures in place to prevent providers in receipt of State funding from suddenly withdrawing services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10361/23]
View answerEarly learning and childcare (ELC) providers are private entities and set their own admissions policies which are agreed with or offered to a parent. An overwhelming majority of these providers are also in contract with my Department to deliver a range of programmes, including the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme.
The ECCE programme is a universal fully funded two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range and is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year. The programme year runs from September to June.
The ECCE programme, in addition to the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding, is a key strand of the current funding model for the early learning and childcare – Together for Better, with a fourth strand of the funding model – Tackling Disadvantage – under development. Indeed, I have committed to putting this Programme on a statutory basis and have commissioned an independent review of the ECCE programme as a precursor to that.
While the ECCE programme contract allows part-time and full-time services to prioritise places for those who wish to avail of extra hours over those availing of the ECCE programme only, it is my expectation that part-time and full-time services in contract to deliver the ECCE programme do so through a combination of stand-alone, ECCE programme only provision and integrated provision for children requiring wrap around early learning and childcare, in addition to the ECCE programme.
Parents who have concerns on any aspect of the ECCE programme should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). The contact details for CCCs can be found on myccc.ie.
131. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a survey carried out by his Department that was sent to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the provision of maternity leave for Members (details supplied); if he will provide the parameters of the research and results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10369/23]
View answerProvision for maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas has been under active consideration by my Department and advanced significantly in 2022.
Officials in my Department have been examining the legal and operational issues relating to the introduction of a scheme of maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas. Some aspects were identified that would benefit from the consideration and views of Members who have direct experience of the Oireachtas. These include: how constituent representation should be provided for; how membership of Oireachtas committees should be dealt with; and, more broadly, should maternity leave for Members mirror the full entitlement of employees.
At my request, I met in January 2022 with the Chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, and the Chair of the Joint Committee on Gender Equality, Deputy Ivana Bacik, to discuss Maternity and Paternity Leave for Councillors and Maternity Leave for Members of the Oireachtas.
I wrote in May 2022 to Senator O’Loughlin, enclosing an information note for Members of the Irish Women’s Parliamentary Caucus outlining the specific legal and operational issues in relation to the introduction of a scheme of maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas, set out above, which would benefit from their input. I suggested that this could be circulated to all Members of the Caucus, and that my Department would develop a confidential survey through which their views could be provided. I offered that my Department’s officials could brief a meeting of the Caucus working group examining this matter.
In June my Department circulated the information note and a survey, on the matters referred to above, to the 59 current Members of the Caucus, which was available for response until the end of July. A total of 24 responses (40.67%) to the survey were received.
On 20 September, Government approved the publication of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 which included approval of the drafting of Committee Stage amendments to, among other things, provide for maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas.
The Government is very committed to ensuring that Members of the Oireachtas can avail of maternity leave but there are constitutional and practical concerns which must be addressed before legislative proposals can be brought forward. While I had indicated my intention to bring forward legislative proposals to provide for maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas as part of Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022, owing to the urgency of the Work Life Balance Bill and the complexity of these proposals, I have decided to bring them forward separately as a stand-alone Bill.
132. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in light of his Department’s plans to establish a national centre for research and remembrance, if he will outline the timeline for the plans. [10412/23]
View answer133. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in light of his Department’s plans to establish a national centre for research and remembrance, how an individual (details supplied) will be able to participate in the process. [10413/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
In March 2022, the Government approved high-level proposals for a National Centre for Research and Remembrance to be located on the site of the former Magdalen Laundry on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin 1.
The Centre will stand as a site of conscience, and will be a national memorial to honour equally all those who were resident in Industrial Schools, Reformatories, Magdalen Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes and related institutions. It will comprise the following:
- a museum and exhibition space, the development of which will be led by the National Museum of Ireland;
- a research centre and repository of records related to institutional trauma in the 20th century, which will form part of the National Archives; and
- a place for reflection and remembrance.
As part of the development of the site, social housing units, educational and community facilities will also be constructed. The inclusion of these facilities will make a valuable contribution to the social and economic development of Dublin’s north-east inner city.
One unique aspect of the central repository will be the intended inclusion of the personal testimonies of survivors; allowing their lived experiences to be formally recognised as part of the official record. Inclusion of the personal testimonies will ensure that the lived experiences of survivors will be captured in their own words, for publication and archiving in the National Centre. The initiative will be underpinned by statute and will operate on a voluntary basis, with personal accounts received and utilised with the consent of participants. It will be overseen by a team with expertise in human rights, trauma and memory, communications and oral history. A strategy for this initiative is currently under development and specific proposals will be brought to Government for approval this year.
In April 2022, a Steering Group, comprising the key State stakeholders involved in the development of the National Centre, was established. This Group is chaired by Martin Fraser, former Secretary General to the Government and current Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom. The Group is responsible for developing the overall vision of the Centre and providing strategic oversight for the design, development, coordination and implementation of the composite elements. Under the leadership of the Steering Group, timelines for the development of the Centre, and the future operational and governance structures, are currently being developed. Detailed proposals on these matters will then be brought to Government for approval.
Following the initiation of the transfer of the Sean McDermott site from Dublin City Council to the Office of Public Works, some necessary maintenance and remedial works, undertaken by the Office of Public Works, commenced on the site to address urgent structural issues and to facilitate building surveys.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth maintains a mailing list and issues updates on Mother and Baby and County Homes matters, including updates on the National Centre and the Lived Experiences Initiative, to this mailing list on a periodic basis. Interested individuals who wish to be added to this list can send an email to motherandbabyhomes@equality.gov.ie or by calling the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Mother and Baby and County Home institutions information line on 01 6473200.
134. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 14 February 2022, if the information can now be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/23]
View answerDue to the large amount of work to be undertaken to provide an accurate report in relation to the request made, the finalised report will be available by Friday 3rd of March and will be sent to the Deputy directly. I apologise for the delay and will ensure this request is given priority.
135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has entered into an agreement to use a building (details supplied) in County Kerry as a direct provision centre to accommodate asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10520/23]
View answerMy officials can confirm that this building has not been offered to my Department for use as an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre to accommodate international protection applicants.
136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the capital projects that have been undertaken by his Department in Westmeath since June 2020; the funding allocated each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10545/23]
View answerDetails of the capital funding provided by my Department to Youth Services and Early Years providers for a range of capital projects in Westmeath since June 2020 is set out in the table below. The nature of this funding is small grant funding rather than funding for any larger scale refurbishments or major infrastructural projects.
For example in relation to capital funding provided for youth services, small grants are made available to support the purchase of essential equipment and the completion of minor works to include equipment for working with young people, adaption of outside areas for working with young people, ventilation and sanitary facilities and refurbishments. Similarly, funding is provided to a number of Early Learning Care & School Age Childcare Services located in Westmeath and is also for minor capital works.
There have been no capital projects in Westmeath funded to date in 2023.
|
2022 |
|
|
|
Project |
Organisation(s) |
Funding € |
|
Capital Funding Youth Services & Youth Clubs |
Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board |
€ 41,440.00 |
|
€ 41,440.00 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
Project |
Organisation |
Funding € |
|
Capital Funding Youth Services & Youth Clubs |
Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board |
€ 54,540.00 |
|
Playing Outside Grant - Early Years |
Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services in Westmeath |
€ 93,500.00 |
|
Fire Safety Capital Grant for Early Learning Care & School Age Childcare Services |
Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services in Westmeath |
€ 42,431.77 |
|
€ 190,471.77 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
|
|
|
Project |
Organisation |
Funding € |
|
Capital Funding Youth Services & Youth Clubs |
Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board |
€ 26,715.00 |
|
ICT Investment Grant Youth Services & Youth Clubs |
Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board |
€ 18,200.00 |
|
Covid 19 Minor Grant Youth Services & Youth Clubs |
Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board |
€ 1,700.00 |
|
Comhairle na nÓg ICT Capital Funding Scheme |
Westmeath County Council |
€ 3,443.87 |
|
Covid 19 Capital Grant - Early Years |
Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services in Westmeath |
€ 250,453.77 |
|
€ 300,512.64 |
137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will increase the funding provided to a direct provision centre (details supplied), which is over capacity as families cannot move out due to a local shortage of accommodation. [10584/23]
View answerMy Department, with the support of my colleagues in Government, are moving to create new responsive structures and put in place new funding channels to recognise the impact of new arrivals on communities around the country.
Earlier this month my Department launched The Communities Integration Fund (CIF) for 2023 where €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants. Within the CIF, grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.
For each of the past six years a total of €500,000 has been made available to local community based organisations to carry out integration projects in their local area. An additional €66,492.60 was made available for CIF 2022, of which €64,015.00 was awarded to projects assisting Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland.
At the end of February 2023, over 5,000 people in IPAS accommodation have a status or a permission to remain in Ireland granted and are no longer applicants in the IP process. This refers to a person with refugee status/subsidiary protection or persons with Stamp 4 permission to remain in the State who are no longer international protection applicants (IPAs) and who will need to transition into alternative accommodation to create space for new arrivals.
IPAs who have been granted an international protection status (refugee status or subsidiary protection status) or a permission to remain have the same access to housing supports and services as Irish and EEA nationals. There are a number of supports available to persons with status to assist in accessing housing in the community when leaving accommodation centres. The Department has a specific team in IPAS who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the County and City Management Association to collectively support residents with status, or a permission to remain, to access housing options.
In addition to assisting with housing applications, both DePaul Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust support the person’s integration into the community as fully as possible. This includes providing information about vocational and training courses, such as suitability, locations and eligibility, CV preparation and aid with medical issues, should they arise.
138. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will amend the qualifying criteria for individuals wishing to apply for Springboard courses in order that those who are in receipt of invalidity pensions are no longer excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10283/23]
View answerSpringboard+ is a targeted initiative, which is used to provide funding for higher education courses aimed at meeting the need for in-demand skills in the economy and supporting jobseekers to return to employment.
Unemployed people are eligible to participate on a part-time Springboard+ course provided they have a previous history of employment, are unemployed, are actively seeking employment, and are in receipt of one of the qualifying Department Social Protection (DSP) allowances or are signing for credits or were previously self-employed. The Invalidity Pension is not one of the qualifying Social Protection allowances for participating on a Springboard+ course.
People in receipt of Invalidity Pension have two options in relation to Springboard courses:
1. If there is no work placement, they can apply for an exemption from Invalidity Pension section.
2. If there is a work placement, they can apply to transfer to Back To Education Allowance (BTEA) for the duration of the course and then revert to Invalidity Pension.
Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. A qualifying condition for Invalidity Pension is that the recipient must be regarded as being permanently incapable of work. However, exemptions may be granted for Invalidity Pension recipients to undertake certain courses of study provided the course does not involve an in-work element and provided there is no payment being received on foot of participating on the course.
Not all Springboard courses have a work placement element. If the person wants to do a Springboard course that does not involve a work placement, then s/he may apply for an exemption to continue receiving their Invalidity Pension. Please note these exemptions are a matter for DSP.
An exemption will not be granted if there is a work placement. If the person is applying for a course which includes a workplace element, they should apply for the Back to Education Allowance. They will receive the same amount of income support and will be able to revert to Invalidity Pension at the end if required. See relevant page on gov.ie for further information:
www.gov.ie/en/service/418e3f-back-to-education-allowance/
The Springboard+ initiative is an administrative scheme which is not underpinned by legislation. It is managed by the HEA on behalf of this Department You will appreciate that the terms and conditions that apply to Springboard+ are applicable to all students and there are no plans to amend the criteria.
I trust this clarifies the position.
139. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason returning emigrants who have established residency for over three years in Ireland cannot reclassify from non-EU to EU status mid-course of study but if a non-EU citizen obtains EU citizenship mid-course of study, they are immediately eligible to apply for EU re-classification, which affords more moderate third level fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10453/23]
View answerThe fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. Typically there are two rates of fee, an EU Rate of Fee or a non-EU/International rate of fee. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of tuition fee payable by students is a matter for the relevant institution to determine. This includes setting the criteria a person must meet to be regarded as an EU or a Non-EU tuition fee student.
Separately, full time undergraduate student may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via my Department's Free Fees Initiative. In order to qualify for funding under the Department’s Free Fees Initiative, students must meet the criteria of the scheme including the separate residency and nationality/citizenship requirements in their own right.
In order to meet the residency criteria a student must have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. The three out of five year rule takes cognizance of students who wish to take time out to travel or work abroad. Such students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the jurisdictions referenced above for more than two of the previous five years. The residency criteria applies equally to all students.
To meet nationality/citizenship requirements the students must hold inter alia EU/EEA/Swiss/UK nationality or certain permissions to reside in the state as granted through the Department of Justice preceding their entry to an approved third level course.
A ‘Change of Nationality’ clause forms part of the Free Fees Schemes. Where students were ineligible for free fees at date of entry to their course of study because they did not meet the nationality clause of the schemes, institutions may reconsider the student for free fees if the student acquires EU/EEA/Swiss/UK citizenship during their course of study. The following date guidelines apply:-
- students who acquire EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation/United Kingdom up to 31st January in an academic year may be entitled to free tuition fees for the second half of the academic year.
- students who acquire EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation/United Kingdom from 1st February may be entitled to free tuition fees from the commencement of the next academic year.
In order to be eligible under this ‘Change of Nationality’ clause students must have met all other criteria of the Scheme, including residency, at date of entry to their course of study. Additional information on the change of nationality clause is available at the following location: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees/
As referenced above, where students do not qualify for free fees funding they must pay the appropriate fee - either EU or Non-EU, as determined by each higher education institution.
140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital projects that have been undertaken by his Department in Westmeath since June 2020; the funding allocated each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10549/23]
View answerMy Department is supporting a number of capital projects in Westmeath across both the Further and Higher sectors.
At higher level, this supports includes a new STEM Building for the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) – Athlone Campus which will consist of science labs, administration space and ancillary space. The project forms part of Bundle 1 of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme. The contract was signed on 21st December 2022 and commenced on site in January 2023 with an expected completion date for the project in March 2025.
The TUS - Athlone Campus was also approved funding for the East Campus carpark. In lieu of the displacement of the existing car park on the site of the PPP STEM Building development, the existing informal East Campus carpark was developed and completed at a cost of €800,000 to my Department.
In addition to this, the Quadrangle Building project involves an extensive refurbishment, upgrade, and an extension of the existing Auburn 2 Building which accommodates the Applied Polymer Technology (APT) Centre. The proposed works on the Auburn 2 building will upgrade the BER Rating of the building from its current D2 rating to an A3 rating. The project is expected to reach substantial completion in March 2023. The project’s estimated cost is €4,000,000 of which €1,226,664.40 has been paid to date.
Further Education and Training (FET) capital projects for Westmeath are delivered by Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB). Individual capital projects have been delivered in Athlone Training Centre in the period referred to by the Deputy. Details are available in the table provided with this response.
In addition to individual FET capital projects my Department provides a Devolved Capital Grant to support the ETB network in addressing their most urgent infrastructural requirements, including maintenance and refurbishment of facilities; replacement and upgrade of equipment, including ICT equipment; and small-scale building works in the context of the delivery of strategic goals. The Devolved Grant for LWETB is at their discretion to allocate across their remit.
Furthermore, my Department allocated funding to ETBs with a key focus on reducing waiting lists in critical craft apprenticeship areas. The Apprenticeship Fund may be used primarily for craft apprenticeship, equipment and fit-out costs, in ETB training centres (Phase 2) and in TUs/IoTs (Phase 4 and 6). The allocation is based on a joint submission from SOLAS/Higher Education Authority (HEA) for Further Education and Training and Higher Education needs respectively. SOLAS and the HEA determine how the funding is allocated across apprenticeship programmes and providers.
Details of capital projects undertaken in Westmeath, and funding envelopes approved, for the years requested by the Deputy are outlined at the following links.
141. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he will support the establishment of a collaborative forum, including his Department, the Department of Transport and representatives of the port sector and goods transport sector, with the aim of devising more efficient means of preventing persons entering the State illegally and detecting vulnerable persons who may be the victims of human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that there are in place pre-existing stakeholder groups established to facilitate cooperation in this area.
The Department of Justice, along with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are members of the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFaC), including the NATFaC sub-group on immigration. The NATFaC is chaired by the Department of Transport.
The Department of Justice and the Garda National Immigration Bureau also participate in a number of other established relevant fora to ensure close communication and cooperation with relevant stakeholders on an ongoing basis such as the National Maritime FAL Committee, which is also chaired by the Department of Transport.
The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.
Immigration officials conduct passport checks, and run operations as required, to ensure passengers arriving in the State are properly documented in accordance with Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004.
The Border Management Unit and the GNIB are working closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers have such documentation when boarding. Border Management Unit officials are available 24/7 to assist airlines with queries they have in relation to immigration matters.
Where a person is suspected as being a victim of human trafficking they will be referred to An Garda Síochána or to TUSLA in the case of unaccompanied minors under the age of 18.
The General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022, published last July, will put a revised National Referral Mechanism (NRM) on a statutory footing, making it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified, and access support.
In addition to An Garda Síochána, it is proposed that a number of agencies will become competent authorities for the identification of victims of human trafficking. These include the Workplace Relations Commission, the Department of Social Protection, the Immigration Service of the Department of Justice, the HSE, Tusla and International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). Some NGOs will also be designated as ‘trusted partners’ and will be able to make referrals to the competent authorities. This will provide an alternative and trusted pathway to recognition by a competent authority.
142. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice the current position in regard to the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10325/23]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
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.
The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
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: 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 e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
143. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if recommendation 8 of the Interim Evaluation of the Immigrant Investor Programme (published July 2018) was implemented; the years in which the recommended annual formal evaluations occurred; if such evaluations have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10336/23]
View answer144. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if the reviews of the Evaluation Committee of the Immigrant Investor Programme of 2013 and 2016 have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10337/23]
View answer145. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the reviews carried out of the Immigrant Investor Programme to date; the person or body such reviews were completed by; if they have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10338/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, I obtained approval from the Government to close the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) to further applications from 15 February 2023.
The closure of the Programme will not affect existing projects or individuals already approved under the programme. My Department will continue to monitor existing approved projects in relation to the delivery and for compliance with the terms of the Programme. Current applications on hand at the time of closure will continue to be considered.
The Immigrant Investor Programme was established over a decade ago during a time of unprecedented economic difficulty to stimulate investment in Ireland that would be of strategic and public benefit to the State. Since its inception, the Programme has brought significant investment to Ireland and has been operated by the Department of Justice to the highest professional standards.
However, it is important that we keep all programmes under review and having taken into account both internal and external reviews including implications for wider public policy, such as the continuing appropriateness and suitability of this programme for cultural, social and economic use, the Government agreed to close the Immigrant Investor Programme.
A number of reports and findings from international bodies such as the EU Commission, Council of Europe and OECD on similar investment schemes have also been taken on board.
Whilst no formal annual reviews of the scheme occurred as provided for in recommendation 8 of the Interim Evaluation, the IIP unit of my Department continually reviewed and implemented any required changes to ensure that applicants and projects were screened to ensure compliance with the IIP published criteria. The screening includes due diligence and sanction checks in respect of applicants, and reputable international databases are accessed for this purpose, as and when required, to ensure that only reputable individuals are eligible for permission. These rigorous checks are aimed at protecting the integrity of the programme and the State’s interests.
In both 2013 and 2016 there were internal process and qualification criteria reviews, which were not published. Following this, in 2017 the Irish Government Economics and Evaluation Service (IGEES) completed a systemic review of the IIP and an audit of the Programme completed in 2019 recommended an external review. Following a tender process, an external review was carried out by EY. Consideration will be given to the question of publishing these external reports in due course.
The IIP Unit has published a FAQ on my Department's website, which will be updated with any further arising questions from the closure, and is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-closure-of-the-immigrant-investor-programme-iip/
146. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the number of asylum seekers seeking international protection who arrived in Ireland to date in 2023 having come from another European country; and the number who were returned under the Dublin Convention. [10353/23]
View answerSeeking protection is a human right and when someone asks for protection at the border of a country, that country’s authorities must examine that application. Ireland, as a party to the Geneva Convention, must also meet this obligation. Each application for international protection is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account.
Information is not available to my Department that would identify the country of transit (such as a European country) taken by a person arriving in Ireland and subsequently making an application for international protection.
The Dublin Regulation determines which EU Member State is responsible for examining an international protection application. It is based on the principle that the first Member State to facilitate entry to the EU should be responsible for examining the protection application. The making of a transfer decision under the EU Dublin Regulation is not a deportation order.
There are various reasons why a country may be responsible for examining the international protection application. These reasons are considered in the order of importance by the law, starting from whether the applicant has a family member present in that Dublin country; whether the applicant now or in the past have had a visa or a residence permit issued by a Dublin country; or whether the applicant have travelled to, or through, another Dublin country, either legally or irregularly
When an applicant lodges a request for international protection, if they are 14 years of age or older, their fingerprints will be taken and transmitted to a fingerprint database called ‘Eurodac’. Fingerprints will be checked within Eurodac to see if they have ever applied for asylum before or to see if they were previously fingerprinted at a border. This helps to determine which country under the Dublin convention is responsible for the examination of the asylum request.
The Dublin Unit of the International Protection Office (IPO) in the Department is responsible for determining whether an applicant should be transferred to another Member State (known as an outgoing transfer request) or have their application assessed in Ireland. The Unit also responds to requests from other Member States to transfer applicants to Ireland (known as an incoming transfer request).
If the Unit considers that another country is responsible for examining the application through the applicant’s statement or supporting documents, the Unit will send a ‘take charge’ request and request that country to accept responsibility within 3 months of the date of the submission of the application in Ireland. However, if the responsibility of another country is established based on the fingerprint data, a ‘take back’ request to the other country will be sent within 2 months from the moment the results are obtained from Eurodac. The Regulation set out time limits for all Dublin process including the transfer. If any of the timeline is not met, the responsibility will be shifted back to Ireland to consider the application.
I can confirm there have been no transfers effected to date in 2023. There were 24 outgoing transfer decisions made in 2022 under the Regulation and a total of 3 people were returned in 2022 on foot of a Dublin Convention transfer order. While the numbers of transfers effected appear low, it should be noted that Dublin Regulation transfers can be challenging to enforce due to a number of factors, including potential legal challenges and transfer arrangements which need to be made with the returning country. In addition, a person can make submissions to the Minister requesting for their case to be dealt with in Ireland which can further impact on the timeframes and numbers transferred.
My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants and is taking steps to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.
147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice his plans to reduce the €300 annual fee for renewals of Irish residence permit cards for non-EEA students in view of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis; the details of any analysis carried out by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10396/23]
View answerThe standard fee of €300 payable by an applicant is designed to reflect the cost involved in processing registrations.
The Registration Office of my Department also provides an online renewals portal that speeds up the renewal process and a customer service team that is available to support customers all of which are provided to enhance our customers experience.
The cost of registration is kept under ongoing review by my Department, including in respect of increases to the costs of providing the facility. However, there are no current plans to amend the fee.
148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice what, if any, fees apply for the replacement of a lost or stolen Irish residence permit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10397/23]
View answerThe fee for the replacement of a lost or stolen Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card is €300.
If a person loses their IRP card or if it is stolen, they should report it to An Garda Síochána immediately. Check www.garda.ie to find a local station.
If a person is abroad and loses their IRP card or if it is stolen, they should report it to the local police.
A copy of the Garda/police report and a copy of the biodata page of the person’s passport should then be sent to immigrationsupport@justice.ie to have a new IRP card issued.
149. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff within his Department working within the Immigration and Naturalisation Service; if recruitment of further staff would expedite applications for visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10398/23]
View answerI understand the Deputy's query concerns Immigration registration in particular. The Immigration Services Division of my Department including the Registration Office in Burgh Quay is resourced to meet customer requirements. There are currently 33 staff members attached to the Registration Office processing first time registrations and registration renewals.
Overtime is also provided where staff from other business units support the processing of registrations and renewals.
The process of renewing immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area moved from an in-person appointment in the Burgh Quay Immigration Office to an online portal in July 2020. To date, over 220,000 applications have been processed through this system. The online renewal application is available at: inisonline.jahs.ie. Anyone renewing their immigration permission with a new passport can also now upload their passport bio-data page online.
As part of my Department’s ongoing work to meet the demand for first-time registration appointments, on 10 January 2022, a Freephone service (1800 800 630) was introduced for customers. The current operating hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and all appointments for Dublin based customers to register their immigration permission are now issued through this service. Approximately 60,000 appointments have been facilitated through this service since its introduction.
In April 2021, the new Customer Service Helpdesk was launched. Dublin based customers in need of assistance or who have urgent requirements can email my Department at immigrationsupport@justice.ie. This is staffed by the Registration Office customer service team, who are available to support and process their requests.
For Dublin based renewals, the Immigration Service website now provides a live date for renewals being processed. Applications submitted the week commencing 11 January 2023 are currently being processed.
The website also includes a notice to employers. If an employee’s Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired and they are unable to obtain a valid registration card by the expiry of their current IRP card, they are still legally permitted to remain and work in the State on the existing conditions of their current IRP card for a maximum of 8 weeks. This 8 week provision is subject to the person providing proof that they have applied to renew their registration prior to their current IRP card expiring.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department’s Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering and renewing immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only. Registrations outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) through the Garda Station network.
The immigration service of my Department continually reviews its processes to ensure we are meeting customer demands.
150. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí assigned to each station within the DMR west and DMR south central areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2 billion. This unprecedented amount will fund the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda recruits as well as over 400 Garda staff.
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 for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members . As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review.
I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs. I am further advised that there are no set requirements to have a specific number of Community Gardaí posts across the Divisions.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to both the D.M.R. West and D.M.R. South Central Divisions at 31 January 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
DMR WEST Division |
Number of Community Gardaí |
|
Ballyfermot |
8 |
|
Blanchardstown |
11 |
|
Cabra |
5 |
|
Clondalkin |
7 |
|
Finglas |
9 |
|
Lucan |
10 |
|
Rathcoole |
4 |
|
Ronanstown |
9 |
|
Total |
63 |
|
DMR South Central Division |
Number of Community Gardaí |
|
Donnybrook |
4 |
|
Irishtown |
3 |
|
Kevin Street |
5 |
|
Kilmainham |
10 |
|
Pearse Street |
22 |
|
Total |
44 |
Please note that this information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.
It is important to note that, to date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society, including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is important to note, however, that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.
Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
