Results 601-620 of 10,013 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (27 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: My Department does not have a contract for international protection accommodation at the location provided and is not examining this property for use.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Family Reunification (27 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. This supports Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to make longer term independent arrangements...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (27 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 03 November 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 04 December 2024 where it awaits examination and processing. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Deportation Orders (27 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I can inform the Deputy that the person referred to has made a request to have their deportation order revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This request is currently under consideration by the Repatriation Division of my Department. Following consideration of this request, the decision will be that the existing deportation order...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Policy (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Implementing effective border security arrangements is a priority for me as Minister. The Programme for Government commits to developing a border security strategy to deliver stronger border security, ensuring technology supports border screening and to reviewing the potential of extending pre-clearance mechanisms, such as electronic travel authorisation, for travel from designated third...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 295 and 296 together. The old Cork Prison was closed in February 2016. The new prison which was built on a site adjacent to the old prison, with a bed capacity of 296 providing almost an additional 100 prison spaces. I am informed that the community dividend scheme to which the Deputy refers closed with the completion of the new prison in 2016. At...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Freedom of Information (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am fully aware of my obligations under Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and I act in accordance with that legislation and the provisions of the National Archives Act. I have not deleted any messages in the manner suggested by the Deputy. My Department produced a new Records Management Policy in 2024, which commits the organisation to effective records management practices with a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the naturalisation application from the person referred to has been approved by my Department. A request for final documentation and a Certificate fee will issue shortly directly to the person concerned. As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at:...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: There have been 948 applications for international protection from Ukrainian nationals from 1 March 2022 to 19 May 2025. As the Deputy will be aware, this process is governed by the International Protection Act and is a separate process to that provided for under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) and on foot of which 116,040 people have been granted temporary protection.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: When a non-EEA national comes to Ireland to undertake a course of study, be that an English language course or a course at level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a Stamp 2 student immigration permission will be granted. The primary purpose for a student to be in the State is to study, and their Stamp 2 permission will be aligned with their studies. Under Stamp...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Local Community Safety Partnerships (22 May 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. Each Local Community Safety Partnership will be supported by two full-time, permanent staff at local authority administrative Grades IV and VII. Funding for these staff is provided by...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sports Facilities (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: At the outset, it is important to note that, as Minister, I do not comment on individual Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) applications. Since the closure of the programme, the IIP Unit has continued to process and submit applications to the Evaluation Committee for consideration and recommendation. At present, there are approximately 100 Immigrant Investor Programme project proposals...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together. While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The complex referred to has successfully supported accommodation and decision-processing by the State for a number of years, and currently accommodates over 2,000 people, with both international protection applicants and people from Ukraine resident on the site. The Government is committed to moving away from its reliance on the private sector to provide accommodation for people seeking...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Staff (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: My Department’s Blended Working Policy was introduced in 2022 following consultation with staff and management and was developed in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. After two years of operation the policy was reviewed, again in consultation with staff, in 2024. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Strengthening An Garda Síochána is one of my main priorities and the retention of experienced qualified Gardaí is of course an important element of this. The increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62 and a new agreed Garda roster last year are examples of actions taken to support retention. I know Garda management are keen to provide appropriate supports to all...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Department does not collate information on the classification of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres according to Pobal deprivation index. IPAS does publish regular statistics in relation to international protection applicants accommodated by IPAS. This includes a per county breakdown of where applicants are residing and a wide range of other...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Equipment (22 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 309, 310, 311, 312 and 313 together. My Department uses a standard suite of office and administrative software, however, for sound reasons of operational security, it would not be prudent or appropriate to disclose details of our information technology infrastructure, including software versions or cloud computing arrangements. My Department’s...

Estimates for Public Services 2025 (21 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank the Deputies for their contributions. Deputy Carthy raised the issue of when temporary protection would be up. That is not an issue I can answer. What is apparent from the statistics is that after the war about 117,000 people from Ukraine came to Ireland and received temporary protection. The figure for Ukrainians in Ireland now is around 74,000 or 75,000, so clearly it is the...

Estimates for Public Services 2025 (21 May 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I was very sorry to hear about the issues of concern Deputy Gannon raised and very pleased to hear the Department was of assistance to him. I want all Deputies to know the Department will always be of assistance in dealing with any issues like that. It is there to facilitate not just Deputies but the public.