Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:597. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of special exemption orders granted to date in 2022. [49983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCourts Service
Ceisteanna (597)
Freagraí scríofa
Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
The issuance of Special Exemption Orders is an operational matter for the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (598)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:598. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the status of future planning for the Prison Service; and the way that additional capacity is being built in to cater for the rising population. [50006/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts and the prison system is, of course, subject to peaks and troughs. Numbers are particularly high when the Courts are at their busiest and following the return to a more normal level of Court activity, committal numbers have increased across the prison system. The Deputy may wish to know that there were 5,219 committals to prison for the period January to September 2022 which is a 13% increase on the same period in 2021.
I am informed by my officials in the Prison Service that the total number of prisoners in custody on 10 October 2022 was 4,196 compared with a bed capacity of 4,471. This represents an occupancy level of 94%.
As the Deputy will be aware the Government has provided significant capital funding to the Irish Prison Service in order to enhance the existing prison infrastructure, eliminate the practice known as slopping out, and to provide additional capacity where required.
The Deputy will also be aware of the works completed in recent years to modernise the entire Mountjoy Prison complex, the construction of a new prison in Cork and the provision of additional prisoner accommodation in the Midlands Prison.
This year, the Irish Prison Service reopened the newly refurbished Training Unit Place of Detention as a centre for older prisoners in Mountjoy and this has provided an additional 96 prisoner spaces. The construction of a new male wing and a female prison is underway in Limerick Prison and will provide 90 additional male and 22 additional female cell spaces. The new accommodation is expected to become operational by the end of 2022 assuming there is no further impact on construction activity or supply chain issues due to the pandemic.
Significant growth has been experienced in the remand prison population in recent years which has resulted in pressures on remand prison facilities including Cloverhill Prison. The Irish Prison Service is currently undertaking a strategic assessment exercise on the potential for additional accommodation at Cloverhill Prison in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
Separately, the Programme for Government 2020 contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society, with a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform. In respect of delivering on this commitment, I recently published the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024.
The review seeks to find the balance between ensuring that people who commit serious crimes receive a punishment and a period of incarceration proportionate to that crime, while at the same time acknowledging that sometimes community based sanctions are more appropriate in diverting offenders away from future criminal activity.
Sentencing is a matter solely within the discretion of the trial judge, having regard to the circumstances of the case and of the accused and subject to any limits as may be prescribed by law for a particular offence. While these proposals do not change this, they are intended to strengthen the options available to judges when they are considering cases, to facilitate the effective and efficient use of community sanctions by the courts, and to ensure that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with people who have committed minor offences.
In addition, as part of delivering the Penal Policy action plan, the need to ensure the continued availability of modern prison facilities with adequate capacity will continue to be central to the work of the Irish Prison Service and will be core to the development of the new Irish Prison Service Capital Strategy 2023.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (599)
James Lawless
Ceist:599. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the current status and estimated completion time for the new Garda station at Macroom, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50049/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As provided for in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 - 2030, the new Cork County Garda Divisional Headquarters in Macroom, Co. Cork is to be built as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) along with the Family Law Court in Hammond Lane, Dublin 7 and the new Garda Station in Clonmel.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the Garda estate. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
My Department, as the Approving Authority under the Public Spending Code, provided approval in principle to the An Garda Síochána (and Courts Service) in June 2022 to proceed with the project under the PPP mechanism. Formal project structures are being established with all relevant stakeholders including OPW and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in order to progress the project as quickly as possible.
Courts Service
Ceisteanna (600)
James Lawless
Ceist:600. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the current status and estimated completion time for the new family law court at Hammond Lane, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50057/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am determined to overhaul the operation of the family justice system, to ensure we have a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts the family at the centre of its work. This is a key commitment in my Justice Plan 2022.
The construction of a purpose-built Family Law Court complex at Hammond Lane is a core to achieving this transformation.
It is a key project in the National Development Plan and will be delivered as part of a PPP bundle together with the development of two Garda Stations at Macroom and Clonmel. This project is included in the new National Development Plan 2021-2030 recently published by Government which specifically mentions a Family Law Complex on Hammond Lane to be developed by PPP.
The Hammond Lane complex will be built with the specific needs of Family law users in mind and will provide a modern facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with a range of support services at hand. It will replace the present inadequate and fragmented facilities for family law in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Chancery Street, Phoenix House and in the Four Courts.
Following approval by the Courts Board, the Courts Service submitted a final preliminary business case. My Department, as the Approving Authority under the Public Spending Code, provided approval in principle to the Courts Service (and AGS) in June 2022 to proceed with the project under the PPP mechanism. Formal project structures are well advanced with relevant stakeholders, including OPW and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), in order to progress the project as quickly as possible.
Design and pre-planning consultations are at an advanced stage. The design may be further revised in light of recent consultations, legislative developments and outputs from Family Law modernisation initiatives.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (601)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:601. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who were refused immigration clearance by Garda immigration officers at Shannon Airport in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [50080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, every State has a duty to protect its borders and to 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.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (602)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:602. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the number of days that educational programmes were prevented from proceeding due to staff shortages in the Irish Prison Service since 2020 to date, by prison institution in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50081/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (603)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:603. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time civilian malware analysts working in the Garda cyber crime unit as of 31 December 2020 and 4 October 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50082/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 74 Garda members and 6 Garda staff assigned to the Cyber Crime unit. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that these do not include civilian malware analysts but that approval has been received for the employment of 26 Forensic Analysts at Engineering Grade 3 level.
I am advised that in order to progress the recruitment of these analysts, management at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau is currently working with key stakeholders including An Garda Síochána Human Resource and People Development, Garda Estate Management and Garda ICT.
For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:
gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Student Visas
Ceisteanna (604)
Michael Creed
Ceist:604. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice if a student visa will be approved for a person (details supplied). [50092/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that this visa application was created on the 16 May 2022. Supporting documentation was received in the Ankara visa office on the 18 May 2022 where it awaits examination and processing.
Decisions regarding the granting or refusal of study visas are made in a number of Visa Offices overseas, in my Department's Visa Office in Dublin, and at certain Embassies of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which process certain visa applications under delegated sanction from my Department.
Applications from Turkish residents are normally processed by the Visa Office in Ankara. Visa processing times for the Ankara Visa Office are published online by the Department of Foreign Affairs at dfa.ie/irish-embassy/turkey/visas/visas-for-ireland-weekly-decisions-report/. The Ankara Visa Office has seen an almost 50% increase in visa applications received in the year to date to the end of September 2022 in comparison with the same period in 2019 (before COVID-19 related travel restrictions). Long stay study visas accounting for more than 45% of those being received in 2022. In addition to this increase in applications, the Ankara Visa Office has received an extremely high number of incomplete applications, which is also adding to the longer processing times, given the resources that have to go into examining these applications.
The processing time at each Visa Office and location worldwide is determined by a number of factors, such as: the volume and complexity of applications, whether investigation is required or not, individual circumstances, peak application periods, seasonal factors, and the resources available. While every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times inevitably vary as a result.
The central concern in deciding on visa applications, as with all visa services worldwide, is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is therefore decided on its own merits taking all factors into account.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. Applicants are advised not to pay for airline or other travel tickets without having first been issued with a visa. The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (605)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:605. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the legislative timeline for the progression of the family courts Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am determined to overhaul the operation of the family justice system, to ensure we have a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts the family at the centre of its work. This is a key commitment in my Justice Plan 2022.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enact a Family Court Bill to create a new dedicated Family Court within the existing court structure and provide for court procedures that support a faster and less adversarial resolution of disputes.
The Bill will provide for the establishment of a Family Court as divisions within the existing court structures. There will be a Family High Court, a Family Circuit Court, and a Family District Court, each dealing with family law matters as appropriate to its jurisdiction.
The drafting of the Family Court Bill is at an advanced stage, with a view to publication of the Bill as soon as possible in this Dáil session.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (606)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:606. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will ensure that in-person appointments return to the immigration service delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 and renewals for persons resident outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) through the Garda Station network. The allocation of appointments for registration and renewal with GNIB, for some 50 locations nationwide, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
The Registration office in Burgh Quay operated during the Covid 19 pandemic in line with public health guidelines. However, since February 2022, the Registration Office has been open and operating at maximum capacity.
Any person registering for the first time is required to attend at their local registration office in person and, 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. Operators offer one appointment per call, unless it is for an identifiable family group. So far this year, the Registration Office of my Department has issued and processed over 50,000 appointments.
Additionally, if a non-EEA national is residing in the Dublin area and has an existing valid permission to be in the State, then they do not need to seek an appointment to attend in person to renew their permission. An online renewal facility was launched in July 2020 to processes renewals and there has been 173,000 approx. registrations renewed online since the facility was launched.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (607)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:607. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to delays in An Garda Síochána approving driving licence applications for taxi drivers. [50185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the provision of any services to the public.
As Minister, I have no role in overseeing such services. These are strictly operational matters for the Commissioner and his management team.
I would further note that the legislation governing the administration of these applications falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, and as Minister for Justice I have no role in the process or the policies governing these applications.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (608)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:608. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50201/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service, and as noted in the Prison Service's recently published Annual Report, that the average annual cost of an available, staffed prison space during the calendar year 2021 was €80,335, daily and weekly equivalents equate to approx. €220 and €1,545 respectively.
The figure includes all elements of net expenditure incurred to the Irish Prison Service vote within the year (such as salaries, utilities/maintenance, ICT, services provided to prisoners including education, healthcare, work training etc.) and is excluding capital expenditure on buildings and vehicle purchases.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (609)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:609. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that the matter raised is being actively dealt with in my Department.
My officials intends to make contact with the applicants when progress has been made.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (610)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:610. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the State as of 1 January in each of the years 2019 to 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50243/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 14,283 Garda members. This represents an increase of over 11% since 2015, when there were 12,816 members.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members at the end of December 2018 up to the end of December 2021 and as of 31 August 2022.
|
Rank |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
31 Aug 2022 |
|
Commissioner |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Deputy Commissioner |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
9 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
45 |
47 |
46 |
48 |
43 |
|
Superintendent |
165 |
168 |
168 |
168 |
166 |
|
Inspector |
297 |
379 |
438 |
410 |
479 |
|
Sergeant |
1,996 |
1,966 |
1,980 |
1,881 |
2,093 |
|
Garda |
11,518 |
11,737 |
11,848 |
11,717 |
11,491 |
|
Total |
14,032 |
14,307 |
14,491 |
14,235 |
14,283 |
*The above information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.
For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:
gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (611)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:611. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned as juvenile liaison officers. [50244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion.
I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are specially trained to fulfil a key role in implementing the Garda Diversion Programme. Their role includes the administration of formal and informal cautions as well as appropriate supervision of children who have been admitted to the Diversion Programme, as provided in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 106 Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers nationwide.
For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:
gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (612)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:612. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within her Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under her remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50345/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 612 to my Department, which was for answer on 11/10/2022, and in which you requested the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within my Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under my remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if I will make a statement on the matter.
As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again. Please find a response to this question provided below for your consideration.
I wish to advise the Deputy that all of the workplaces in use by my Department have a dedicated restroom which may be used by staff for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk.
I also sought the information requested by the Deputy from the agencies under my remit and am informed that all of the workplaces provide either a dedicated space or where there is no permanently dedicated space available, a suitable private space is available to facilitate breastfeeding and expressing breast milk. As the Deputy will appreciate, given the size and nature of some buildings it is not feasible to provide a dedicated space but all of the bodies under my remit are committed to supporting staff and providing facilities when they are required.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (613)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:613. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of the number of the domestic violence refuge beds and spaces available by county for each of the past five years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50357/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be 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 the commissioning of domestic violence services remains the responsibility of Tusla until services formally transfer to the new DSGBV agency.
In relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy, I have referred the question to Tusla for direct reply.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (614)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:614. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice her Department’s plan going forward to expand the availability of domestic violence refuge in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is my intention that every person who needs a refuge space will have access to one. I fully acknowledge the need for a significant increase in the provision of refuge spaces and I am committed to achieving this in order to ensure that victims have a safe place when they need it.
Last June, I brought to Government Zero Tolerance: the Third National Strategy to combat Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The Strategy has a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. As part of this it contains actions for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation.
The Strategy commits to delivering additional refuge spaces nationally to address the current shortfall, double the number of refuge spaces in the medium term, and meet the targets set out in the Istanbul Convention in the longer term. This effect of the implementation of the Strategy will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces over the next 5 years. By the end of the strategy we aim to have over 280 refuge spaces, and we will also work to deliver additional safe homes as a key part of this.
As the Deputy will be aware, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, completed a review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which identified a number of priority locations where there is a particular urgency. It is my intention to use the findings of this review as one of the ways to address gaps in the provision of refuge places.
A key recommendation of the Tusla review is to provide more safe accommodation with a focus on short-term safe ‘emergency’ accommodation. Further analysis, as well as the work of an Inter-Departmental Group on the provision of domestic violence accommodation, has identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of additional family refuge spaces would have the most impact, if prioritised.
These locations represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and are a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively across the country.
As part of the work to implement the Third National Strategy, my Department will advance the recommendations made in the Tusla review to improve how effectively we deliver refuge spaces.
A practical approach will be taken to achieve targets as many factors can influence the speed at which a project is delivered such as, the identification of a suitable site or building, planning processes, tendering processes, appointment of contractors, etc. The areas identified are a priority for the development of refuge accommodation and every effort will be made to ensure this happens as speedily as possible while ensuring a high standard of quality.
It is envisaged that development of refuges in the priority areas will be characterised by local interagency working, with key stakeholders involved throughout the process. I have secured resources to make a range of supports available to organisations and communities taking forward development of refuges and associated services, including project management support and resourcing to bring staffing and organisational processes to the level required for operation of these sensitive, high-risk services.
The Strategy contains actions for doing so both in the immediate and longer term and commits to the delivery of 24 refuge places currently underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024 with all units in priority locations delivered by the end of the Strategy in 2026.
Antisocial Behaviour
Ceisteanna (615)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:615. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of anti-social behaviour orders issued for each of the years 2019 to 2021 and up to 1 October 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50368/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, it is the function of the Courts Service to provide information on any orders issued by the Courts.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have also referred the Deputy's query directly to the Courts Service.
Magdalen Laundries
Ceisteanna (616)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:616. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when Magdalene survivors can receive their Health (Amendment) Act 1996 cards as promised in the redress package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Magdalene Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme was established in 2013 by the then Department of Justice and Equality on foot of the recommendations contained in the Magdalen Commission Report by Judge Quirke.
In his report, Judge Quirke was of the opinion that Magdalen women should be provided with access to a comprehensive suite of health services. He specified GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, dental, ophthalmic, aural, home support, home nursing, counselling, chiropody and physiotherapy services and formed the opinion that the health provisions should operate in a manner similar to the scheme made available to certain persons under the Health (Amendment) Act 1996.
Subsequently, these services were agreed by the then Government and were legislated for by the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 (RWRCI Act).
It has been commented on that Judge Quirke’s report also included the recommendation that Magdalen women should have access to the full range of services currently enjoyed by holders of the Hepatitis C HAA card. However, the HAA services differ from the range of services explicitly recommended in the report and this difference was not reconciled in the report. However, Judge Quirke’s report acknowledged that the HAA services were reproduced for illustrative purposes and recognised that not all of the HAA services described may be relevant to the Magdalen women. In fact, Judge Quirke’s draft legislation in the report did not include all the services that were provided for under the 2015 Act. The Act is based on the specific areas recommended by Judge Quirke on page 6 of the report.
Eligibility for HAA services is based on the Health Amendment Act 1996. The purpose of the 1996 Act was to meet the health care needs of persons who contracted hepatitis C from a blood product or blood transfusion. It is generally accepted that these hepatitis C patients are a particularly vulnerable group who have specific health needs as a result of their infection. It is apparent that the Quirke Report recognises that the Magdalen women and the groups of people who contracted Hepatitis C are not identical and face different circumstances. In that light, it is not unreasonable to provide eligibility entitlements tailored to women who were admitted to and worked in a relevant institution and who are now facing medical circumstances that are typical of that age cohort. It should be noted that Judge Quirke did not identify complementary therapies, such as reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, hydrotherapy and acupuncture, or other alternative therapies as health services meeting the medical needs of the women.