Results 221-240 of 11,583 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Asylum Seekers (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I can assure the Deputy that I will take all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively. The number of International Protection applications have been rising over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. This year, we are beginning to see application numbers noticeably reduce. There have been 38% fewer applications to quarter three...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am deeply committed under the Zero Tolerance Strategy, to expanding and improving refuge provision so that every victim of domestic violence has access to safety and support when they need it. Delivering additional refuge units is a priority for Government and is being progressed through Cuan, the statutory agency dedicated to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. As part...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Northern Ireland (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: As the Deputy will be aware, the Historical Investigation Unit structure was a proposal contained in the Stormont House Agreement specific to Northern Ireland. In this jurisdiction, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, led by the Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, holds a national investigative remit and is specialised in the area of major crime...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need is an absolute priority for me. Since its establishment last year, Cuan has been working to accelerate the delivery of refuge spaces across the country. Following a request from me, Cuan worked with services and partners to assess and review...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Under section 33 of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána which includes all internal HR matters and the maintenance of Garda discipline. Under section 34 of the Act, the Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions. I have sought the information...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: While the site at Haywood, Clonmel has been completed and all 82 units now occupied by families fleeing the war in Ukraine, final costs for this site have not yet been signed off and agreed. There may be some final adjustments and amendments over the coming weeks before final figures can be agreed and published. As previously advised, full Rapid Build Programme costs are estimated to be in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Process (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 77 together. I am advancing provisions to ensure that a victim’s counselling records can only be disclosed in court under very specific circumstances. The disclosure of counselling records is a complex and highly sensitive balancing of individuals' rights, and I am committed to ensuring that legislative provisions balance the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am committed to supporting An Garda Síochána in its recruitment, retention, and leadership development efforts. Under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. Appointments to Garda ranks are matters for the Garda Commissioner under Sections 47 and 50 of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am well aware of the misery and distress the use of illegal fireworks can cause around this time of year. We also hear and see enough to know that they pose a real risk to the health and safety of young people, and the elderly and vulnerable. They also terrify family pets, service dogs and other animals. My Department runs an annual awareness campaign which seeks to inform and educate...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Schemes (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a goodwill payment to recognise the contribution of hosts who have opened their homes to temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine. Over 40,500 persons who have fled the war in Ukraine are being accommodated in over 22,500 hosted accommodations with the support of this scheme. ARP is not intended to substitute rent. It is not payable...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Safety (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other State agencies. Our goal is to make our roads safer for all. Legislation and policy concerning road traffic and road safety rests under the remit of my...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the next five years, including changes to the Garda trainee allowance. The Garda Trainee allowance increased from €305 to €354 per week with effect from 1 October 2024 and has increased by a total of €170 per week when compared...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: High level visits to Ireland are of significant importance in the development and maintenance of our relations with other States. Such visits are to be welcomed and offer important opportunities to us, as a small outward-looking country, for positive engagement with partners. There is an obligation on the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of every visiting dignitary,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Getting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent crime is my first priority as Minister for Justice. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the next five years. The Garda Vote in Budget 2026 includes unprecedented funding of €2.59 billion which will support the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. At the end of August, the total Garda personnel strength stood at...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Local Community Safety Partnerships (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced on Wednesday 2 April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) within each local authority area. The regulations for these Safety Partnerships came into operation on Monday 30 June. 36 Partnerships are in the process of being established in local authority areas across the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda personnel. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. No applicant is deemed to be 'successful' until a formal offer to attend an intake at...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Probation and Welfare Service (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am committed to progressing and implementing policies aimed at increasing the use of community sanctions, reducing offending, diverting people away from the criminal justice system, and providing effective rehabilitation. I am acutely conscious of the impacts of increased resources in one area of the criminal justice system on other areas, and I am working to ensure that all agencies...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Schemes (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: My Department recognises that possession of illicit drugs for personal use must necessarily be viewed as a public health issue, and not just as a matter for the criminal justice system. Additionally, while punishment for those who commit crime is a central element of our justice system, the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is at the core of our penal system. For these reasons, my...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (9 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The health and well-being of all people who apply for international protection is a priority for myself and my Department. The EU Migration and Asylum Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and, importantly, respect for human rights. Ireland’s National Implementation Plan (NIP) is anchored in...