Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

748. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will introduce legislation to reform the laws governing the issuing of police certificates to allow them to be used for all employment purposes abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37837/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

For the Deputy's information, Police Certificates are issued on a non-statutory basis. The issuance of Police Certificates is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. Under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in relation to these operational matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Police Certificates are issued by Garda Superintendents responsible for the District where the applicant resides or has previously resided.

Police Certificates are issued for the following purposes;

1. Foreign Consular Authorities / Foreign Visas (e.g. applications, naturalisation and/or other immigration matters).

2. Establishing or registering a business in another EU Member State.

3. Employment in the EU Institutions.

4. Development/Humanitarian/Aid Workers deployed overseas on behalf of a Registered Non-Governmental Organisation with supporting documentation issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and/or any other Statutory Agency related to the activity concerned.

5. Irish Citizens participating and/or engaging in an accredited academic programme on a full-time basis for a minimum period of one academic year with a recognised Third-Level Educational Institution (in the Host State) outside of this jurisdiction.

The certificate is valid for 12 months, states the person's name, address, date of birth and also includes information about whether or not they have a criminal record in respect of this jurisdiction.

I can confirm that there are no plans to place Police Certificates on a statutory footing.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

749. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of instances in 2021 and to date in 2022 in which members of An Garda Síochána acted in their official capacity outside the State; the protocol or procedure that the Garda Commissioner must adhere to with the Minister in respect of allowing members of An Garda Síochána to accompany an Taoiseach and Ministers on travel episodes outside of this State. [37896/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have contacted the Garda authorities to request the information sought by the Deputy. Regrettably this was not available within the time available. I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.