Results 10,881-10,900 of 15,638 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Deputy will appreciate that it is in it is inherently difficult to estimate the number of persons living in the State without permission owing to the nature of irregular migration. As a consequence my Department is not in a position to provide a reliable estimate of their number.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Deportation Orders (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that deportation and removal processes are an essential part of any immigration system. It must be acknowledged that those who do not have a legal right to remain in this country must remove themselves from the State. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is responsible for carrying out deportations. The below table sets out the number of deportations ordered...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Travel Documents (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Border Management Unit of my Department is responsible for frontline Immigration at Dublin Airport only, as such the below figures reflect the position at Dublin Airport. Other airports and other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and data as requested is not collated in this manner for other ports of entry. Dublin Airport ...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Deputy will be aware that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that vetting is carried out by An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Deputy will be aware that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The person referred to by the Deputy is advised to apply for an Extension of their Student conditions. The Domestic Residence and Permissions Division (DRP) of my Department has introduced an application form for Extension of Student Conditions. Further information can be found at www.irishimmigration.ie/introduction-of-application-form-for -extension-of-student-permission/ Applications are...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that the persons referred to were notified of the intention to make a Deportation Order in respect of them. In response to this notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted their behalf. These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: I am advised that the person referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for a change of immigration status which was received by the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department on 31 October 2023. Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order of receipt. The Division endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, however, processing times...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gangland Crime (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: Tackling serious and organised crime is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice and I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion in Budget 2024. The record budgetary resources allocated to An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: Prisoner care and rehabilitation is a core aim of the Irish Prison Service. The organisation works hard to achieve a balanced approach in relation to its care and custody functions, and seeks to manage sentences in a way that encourages and supports prisoners in their efforts to live law abiding and purposeful lives on release. I can advise the Deputy that on 31st January 2024 there were...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gangland Crime (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that tackling organised criminal activity is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and this Government. The social and economic costs of organised crime are significant and the activities of organised crime groups are an ongoing threat to the safety and lives of our citizens. Serious and organised crime does not respect international...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: As previously advised, in relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy, the provision of figures in relation to decisions of the Courts as to whether or not to grant bail are a matter for the Courts Service. Management of the courts, operational and logistical matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: It is a priority for my Department to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. The Government endeavours to fill judicial vacancies at the earliest opportunity to ensure access to justice for citizens. As of 20 February 2024, there are two vacancies to be filled in the Circuit Court and work is under way to fill these vacancies as soon as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to deliver on their mission of Keeping People Safe. This is reflected in the record budgetary allowance of €2.3 billion in 2024. As part of Budget 2024's unprecedented allocation, €155 million has been allocated for digital capital investment and IT. An Garda Síochána's...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of the 31 December 2023, the latest date for when figures are available, there...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Government is fully committed to the fight against racism, prejudice and bigotry, and strongly condemns the actions of those who abuse and attack others because of their own prejudices against a person’s religion, ethnic origins, sexual orientation or any other part of their identity as a human being. Ireland is a diverse and tolerant country, and such behaviour is not acceptable....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 222 together. I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating and disruptive 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...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Child Abuse (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Government takes the issue of sexual exploitation of children very seriously and there is comprehensive legislation in place to deal with these offences. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act was enacted in early 2017. It is a wide-ranging piece of legislation which significantly enhances laws to combat the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Specific offences have been...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 Feb 2024)

Helen McEntee: 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 Garda HR matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. The Government has consistently sought to support the mental and physical wellbeing of Gardaí in...