Results 6,041-6,060 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (9 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and all applications are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Act. It is open to the person details supplied to make an application for Naturalisation when they meet the criteria as set out in the 1956 Act. ...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (9 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and all applications are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Act. Each application is assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the numbers waiting to progress their off-the-job training is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme opened on 31 January 2022 and closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship. The scheme was only open to those who did...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 23 February 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue. The processing times of applications will vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: 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 any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. The Commissioner, as the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: As you will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources. I have no direct role in these matters. I have been informed by Garda authorities that the current contracts for the provision of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources they need to carry out their vital service. This level of funding will support the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members and 400 new Garda staff this year. As the Deputy will be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system. In relation to the number of threat to kill incidents reported to Gardaí, I am informed that figures in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sentencing Policy (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: I can clarify for the Deputy that the review under Section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019 relates to minimum sentences for offences. As the Deputy will be aware, enactments relating to minimum sentences do have an impact on the eligibility for temporary release and this matter will be considered accordingly. In December 2021, my Department commenced this review and I hope to be in a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern and fit-for-purpose policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10 million has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet. As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all internal Garda human resources matters and sick leave management. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions. For the Deputy's information, the Garda Commissioner...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (8 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, the Private Security Authority (PSA), an independent body under the aegis of my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland. The Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 brings the regulation and licensing of security personnel, assisting those enforcing court orders for...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (7 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: The once-off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution only applies to students who are eligible for free fees.As outlined in my response of 25 January, a key principle of the design of the free fees initiative is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. As a result, students are not typically...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (7 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: Currently there are no undergraduate programmes in Irish Universities leading to a qualification specifically to become a special needs assistant (SNA). Existing programmes to become trained as a SNA are typically at level 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are conducted in the further education and training sector. The educational requirements to become a SNA are...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (7 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: My officials have made enquiries with both Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) and SOLAS regarding this matter. I can confirm that KETB has received approval to prepare a Preliminary Business Case for appraisal via the Public Spending Code to develop a College of the Future in Killarney. The associated Strategic Assessment Report, which led to this approval did not make reference to a...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (7 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together. I am conscious of the cost of living challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address cost as a barrier to education. As part of the 2022 cost of living response in the Budget, I prioritised the introduction of a significant package of measures to directly support students and their...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Policies (7 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: One of the values in my Department’s Statement of Strategy (SoS) is to treat our colleagues and those to whom we provide services equitably, in keeping with our Public Sector Human Rights and Equality obligations. The SoS advocates for equality and respect for all and seeks to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive and collaborative working environment for all staff. I have been advised...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (7 Mar 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy may be aware, the Expressions of Interest is an independent process managed by the Higher Education Authority. As such, it is not appropriate for me to comment. I am satisfied that as with all HEA processes, this process is being conducted to the highest standards and will be externally validated. This includes the expert advisory panel. I understand from the HEA that the panel...