Jim O'Callaghan
Dublin Bay South · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“This relates to section 69 of the Bill as passed by Dáil Éireann, which amends Schedule 5 to the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 to add the Courts Service to the Schedule.”
“The first four amendments in this group are minor drafting corrections. They corrected the wording in four places so that the Bill reads consistently. It is changing the word "references" to "a reference". They make no change to the substance or effect of the Bill.”
“The ARP scheme was introduced in July 2022 to recognise the generosity of members of the public who opened their houses, whether in their entirety or through the provision of a room, at their own expense to provide shelter to people displaced by the Ukraine war. The Department of Social Protection administers the scheme on my behalf.”
“I have no doubt it will be challenged, and I have to be able to convince a court, if it is being challenged, that this legislation weighs up conflicting interests and recognises there is a mechanism for somebody who has reformed himself to get off the register.”
“The scheme has been a lifeline for people from Ukraine displaced by the conflict, given high rental market rates and scarcity of rental accommodation.”
“I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in the first instance for presiding over these Stages of the legislation. I am very pleased that this legislation has been enacted. I want to thank a few people very briefly. I thank Deputy McAuliffe for introducing me to Jason Poole. I thank Senator O'Loughlin for her work on this issue in the Seanad.”
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“Belgium and Greece, where countries that were members of the Council of Europe found it extremely difficult to remove from their jurisdiction persons who had come into their countries, had been convicted of serious criminal offences and who they then wanted to deport from their countries. In the cases of Paposhvili and M.S.S., they were told by the court that there were circumstances where people could not be moved, for instance, if the medical treatment they were going to receive in the country to which they were going to be deported was less than the medical treatment they were receiving in the country that wanted to deport them, or that the other accommodation might not have been of the same standard. Senator Stephenson may believe that is an example of inhumane and degrading treatment. I have my doubts in respect of it.”
“We lost on torture but won on inhumane and degrading treatment. I would have thought most people, when they look at Article 3, whether it is about torture or inhumane and degrading treatment, that is the type of treatment they would consider a violation of Article 3. The reason Denmark and 26 other member states put forward a request for the Council of Europe to bring in a political declaration in respect of Article 3 is that, since then, the European court has interpreted Article 3 in a very broad manner, to use that as objective language. For instance, there have been a number of cases of the European Court of Human Rights, such as Paposhvili v. Belgium and M.S.S. v.”
“As she noted, Ireland brought a case in respect of torture and inhumane and degrading treatment in the 1970s. I thought the other interstate case was more to do with Article 2 to ensure that rights to an inquiry in respect of somebody being killed are vindicated. In the early 1970s a challenge was brought against the treatment by the British Government of persons who had been interned in Northern Ireland and their treatment while they were in custody. This gave rise to cases that were subsequently referred to as "the hooded men" cases. Ireland claimed that the five men had been sensorially deprived - they had to stand up, their arms were against a wall and noise was constantly played - all the characteristics of what we would associate with torture. Ireland took an interstate case to the European Court of Human Rights claiming torture.”
“To suggest that this is in some respect some partisan or niche interest group within the Council of Europe is not correct. The majority of member states were in favour of it. Türkiye was against it and I think Azerbaijan was against it. A significant number of our colleagues not just within the Council of Europe but also in the European Union were in favour of it. It sought to do what people are entitled to do as members of the Council of Europe which is to seek a political declaration. It was sought in respect of a variety of issues but the issue Senator Stephenson highlighted is in respect of Article 3 of the Convention. As she correctly pointed out, Article 3 is the provision that deals with torture and inhumane and degrading treatment.”
“If an assessment was done of how many sections cover the rights of the applicants, there is a significant majority. There also have to be duties that are owed to the State to adequately process applications for asylum and ensure asylum applications are for those who are legitimately fleeing persecution and war. We have to have a process in place for that to be secured. I believe the legislation balances that very appropriately. Senator Stephenson also raised the issue of compliance with the ECHR. I assure her it is unquestionably compliant with it. She identified the signature by Ireland - by me - on 10 December at the Council of Europe in respect of a proposal for a political declaration put forward by Denmark and ultimately supported by 27 member states of the Council of Europe.”
“On the amendment, it is preferable that there will be a report on a continuous basis rather than simply within 12 months of the passing of the Act. It is also preferable that the report will be done independently by a chief inspector as opposed to by me. The objective is to ensure the treatment of international protection applicants or refugees is in compliance with Irish law and the European Convention on Human Rights. I am extremely satisfied that the legislation I am putting before the Houses is completely in compliance with the ECHR and any domestic responsibilities we have. When one looks at the legislation as a whole, one can see it is very much balanced. The rights for the international protection applicant are clearly set out.”
“That is why the provision in the legislation containing Part 14 about the chief inspector is so important. It is also relevant to look at section 259. This deals specifically with the issue identified by Senators Boyhan and McCarthy. It refers to the annual report of the chief inspector. It requires that the chief inspector shall, not later than three months after the end of each year - not just the first year - submit an annual report on the performance of the chief inspector’s functions and other related matters and that any part of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas that would prejudice security will be refused. It will ensure there is an annual report of the chief inspector that will be presented to me and will then be available for examination or questioning by the Oireachtas committee.”
“annual recommendations in relation to the improvement of fundamental rights compliance at designated asylum border facilities". The legislation in the Bill at present is preferable to what the Senators propose in their amendment. Under their amendment, I am the one responsible for the report and the one required to ensure I produce a report. I do not think Members of this House or the Lower House would believe a report by me would be sufficiently independent. If I had in the legislation that I would be the person to do a report to determine whether human rights obligations are being complied with, Senators would say it would be far more preferable if that was done by an independent statutory entity. It is preferable that it is done by an independent statutory entity.”
“We had a brief discussion about this on the previous occasion when I was in the Seanad on Committee Stage. I indicated at that stage - I did not get an opportunity to elaborate on it - that I believe the Bill as it is drafted sufficiently covers the issues of concern to Senators Boyhan and McCarthy. I wish to specifically refer to Part 14 of the Bill, which establishes the office of chief inspector of asylum border procedures. I know colleagues will have already looked through that but it is important to point out there is a new statutory body, a chief inspector, which will be established for the purpose of doing what in many respects Senators Boyhan and McCarthy are seeking through their amendment. Section 252 which deals with the function of the chief inspector states that the chief inspector shall furnish to me "...”
“I thank Senators Boyhan and McCarthy for tabling this amendment and for their contributions. I similarly thank Senator Stephenson for her contribution. I will reply to them in the order in which they made their contributions. In the amendment tabled by Senators Boyhan and McCarthy, one can see that what they are looking for is that within 12 months of the passing of the Act, I will produce a report on the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers and, "The report shall analyse the effects of this Act and include details as to whether immigrants [which I presume is a reference to refugees] are receiving appropriate legal counselling and are being treated humanely in detention in line with national law and the European Convention on Human Rights." That is a perfectly commendable amendment in the objectives it seeks to attain.”
“278 amends Schedule 1 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. Amendment No. 279 amends Schedules 1 and 2 of the Children First Act 2015. Together, amendments Nos. 278 and 279 provide for safeguarding and vetting where work or activity includes children or vulnerable people in accommodation centres and during the provision of representative and guardian services. The amendments also provide for accommodation centre managers, provisional representatives, representatives and international protection guardians to be mandated reporters.”
“Section 8(1) applies to the sharing of information regarding non-nationals between certain public bodies, referred to as information holders for the purposes of this section. Section 8(2) gives the Minister for Social Protection a power to request information regarding non-nationals from information holders. The purpose of amendment No. 276 is to amend section 3 of the Immigration Act 2004. This matter was discussed on Committee Stage and I agreed to examine it for Report Stage. The effect of the amendment would be to require an immigration officer performing functions under this Bill to produce his or her warrant of appointment, or a copy of it, if requested by a person affected. That amendment was proposed was proposed by Senators Ruane and Higgins. I have acceded to and included it. Amendment No.”
“This amendment provides that subject to the age assessment process, where notification is made to the competent authority for the appointment of representatives for unaccompanied minors, an applicant for international protection may be an unaccompanied minor, that applicant shall be presumed to be a minor for the purposes of the Child Care Act 1991. The purpose of amendment No. 275 is to clarify that the term "non-national" for the purposes of sections 8(1) and 8(2) of the Immigration Act 2003 includes applicants within the meaning of the Bill and the International Protection Act 2015. Currently, these sections explicitly refer to applicants within the meaning of the Refugee Act 1996 only.”
“Amendment No. 1 is a technical amendment to add the phrase "the Child Care Act 1991" to the Title to the Bill. It arises on foot of the proposed amendment No. 274. Amendment No. 2 amends the Long Title to the Bill to reflect the amendment of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 and the Children First Act 2015 in amendments Nos. 278 and 279, respectively. Amendment No. 274 inserts the presumption of minority for unaccompanied minors into the Child Care Act 1991.”
“The change ensures that Part 3 of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 precludes properties from the scheme that were registered with the Residential Tendencies Board at any time since March 2022. The concern that Sinn Féin has and had is now alleviated by the change in the statutory regime that was brought in by my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne. I thank people for the debate and I look forward to their support when it comes to voting on the motion.”
“While I know they are tax-free, when you look at the payments involved and the location of the units, the properties provided pursuant to the ARP have predominantly been properties that had not previously been used in the residential tenancies market. Last year, of course, we changed the law. In fact, it was this year.”
“Fortunately, that has not been the case and 42,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection are still being accommodated in connection with the ARP. As has been indicated, we are now going to extend the scheme until 2027, subject to the approval of the House. We will also be discussing with colleagues the proposed further reduction of the payment back to its original statutory limit of €400. The Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, and I will carefully consider that, discuss it with colleagues and come back in due course. We will not be supporting the Sinn Féin amendment. It is interesting that Sinn Féin has very much sought to rely upon the impact the scheme has had on the rental sector.”
“There will have to be some recognition of its temporary nature. When the ARP scheme was originally introduced in 2022, it was very much welcomed that there was a payment of €400. That payment was predominantly for the purposes of recognising the charity of Irish people who opened their homes to Ukrainian people. It was very effective. The payment was subsequently increased to €800 and the numbers involved did rise. However, as my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, has indicated and as Deputies will be aware, from 1 June last year, the monthly payment was reduced from €800 per property per month to €600. At the time, there was concern on the part of the Minister of State and myself that this could have a very destabilising impact on the accommodation that was provided. In fact, officials indicated that could happen.”
“Over the history of the scheme, since July 2022, approximately 64,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection have had the benefit of accommodation provided under the ARP. In many respects, one of the great imponderables about this debate is that we simply do not know what is going to happen in the war in Ukraine over the next year or so. As has been indicated, temporary protection has been extended until 2027. There will obviously be discussions later this year and early next year in respect of what should happen to the temporary protection directive. To a large extent, I suspect it will depend on what happens in the war over the summer. I also believe there is a recognition among my fellow home affairs ministers within the European Union that the temporary protection directive cannot be seen to be a permanent directive.”
“I thank colleagues for their contributions to this debate. I acknowledge and welcome the fact that the majority of the House will be supporting the order to extend the ARP until 2027. It is important to acknowledge that this was a very innovative and successful mechanism, introduced back in July 2022, to respond to the fact that Ireland held itself out as a very welcoming place for Ukrainian people who were fleeing the war in Ukraine and who were entitled to apply to be beneficiaries of temporary protection under the temporary protection directive. Approximately 23,500 claims are currently in payment in respect of 42,000 persons who are beneficiaries of temporary protection. It is having a very significant impact in providing accommodation to people who need it.”
“Calls for independent inquiries for every single court case brought against gardaí cannot become the norm, in particular in cases where the accused has been subject to prosecution, has had access to a defence and has been acquitted by a jury of their peers. In particular, it cannot be the norm in a system like that which we are lucky to enjoy and in which I am proud to serve, where the administration of justice is conducted openly and transparently. We are rightly proud of the relationship the Garda has with the public in this country and we need to maintain that. That trust has taken many years to build up and I will not allow it to be damaged. I want to ensure that An Garda Síochána goes from success to success.”
“Our system operates on the presumption of innocence and that applies to everyone, be they a member of the public or or a member of the Garda. Anyone who is brought before the courts has a right to defend themselves and their reputation. That is the system operating in the proper independent manner. It is not open to me as Minister to intervene in investigations or the deliberations of the DPP and certainly not in the operation of the courts. Our system is designed to be a set of independent yet interlinked bodies with defined roles and responsibilities so that political intervention or interference in the administration of justice cannot occur.”
“It is a mechanism to ensure public confidence in the police service while any allegations are investigated. There are robust procedures in place to allow the Commissioner to deal with any allegations of misconduct in a proper manner and I brought forward regulations last April to give effect to that. There are now separate regulations for dealing with misconduct, as opposed to performance. We have also streamlined investigations for Fiosrú. However, the criminal justice system and the law apply to everyone. Wearing a Garda uniform does not grant anyone immunity from proper scrutiny, investigation or prosecution. Equally, the fact a person who may be accused of a criminal offence is a member of the Garda is not, in and of itself, a finding of guilt.”
“I must be mindful, of course, that some matters have been before the courts and that internal Garda discipline comes under the remit of the Commissioner. Therefore, I will not comment on individual matters. It is critical to acknowledge that the vast majority of gardaí serve with integrity and do their duty with commitment and dedication. Public confidence in An Garda Síochána depends on gardaí demonstrating the highest level of personal and professional standards of behaviour. At the end of January, there were 101 members of the Garda on suspension. That represents just 0.6% of the total number of Garda members in the State. I will also stress that a suspension from duty is not a finding of guilt or wrongdoing. Suspension is a step in the process; it is not the final judgment.”
“While the training college in Templemore will always be the primary centre for training gardaí, we can all acknowledge its capacity limitations and that is why work is under way to increase capacity in the short term with the support of the Office of Public Works, OPW. It is anticipated that additional capacity will become available this year, providing capacity for a total of 500 Garda trainees on site. While much of our focus is on the work of the Garda, we must remember that ensuring people are safe and feel safe requires a broader response. That is apparent in terms of the local community policing partnerships that have been rolled out. There has been public discourse regarding Garda discipline and suspensions, something that has been raised by colleagues from the Labour Party, and I want to address this.”
“At the end of February this year, there were 14,529 attested gardaí. More broadly, the overall Garda workforce has increased from 15,980 in 2016 to 18,276 in 2026. Some 2,287 people have entered the Garda college since it reopened in 2022 after the pandemic. Just under 800 trainees entered the Garda college in 2025, the highest number since 2018. In the first intake of this year, 215 recruits entered Templemore. This is the third intake in a row with over 200 recruits. This is making a difference. As more gardaí are trained and the organisation grows, Garda management will have greater resources to increase the numbers allocated to specialist units.”
“It will be rolled out throughout the country. During the first six months of the roll-out in Dublin, there were increased proactive policing detections for a range of offences, including public order offences, drunkenness and drugs for sale or supply. Arrests, charges and summonses have considerably increased. At the same time, thefts and robberies have decreased. The Government and the Garda have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. It is now being extended to Cork and Limerick and will be extended to other parts of the country as well. We all agree we need a larger Garda organisation. That is why the Government is committed to recruiting at least 5,000 new Garda recruits by 2030. I have stated numerous times that supporting the Garda is my number one priority.”
“This operation has delivered a truly remarkable drop in the number of residential burglaries of approximately 75%, particularly during the winter months. This initiative continues to have a positive impact on the reduction of property crime in Ireland. A more recent development I would like to highlight is the introduction of the high-visibility policing plans first in Dublin and latterly in Cork and Limerick. I acknowledge the comments of colleagues from the Labour Party who recognise the presence of high-visibility policing. When I listen to people all over the country, what I hear most is that people want to see more gardaí on our streets where they are most needed. This Government is committed to delivering on the commitment to see more gardaí on our streets. There is a high-visibility policing plan in Dublin city centre.”
“On a daily basis, I see on our streets the commitment and dedication of the Garda and the work undertaken to keep us safe. Over the past decade, gardaí have made over 1,000 arrests for organised crime offences. Many of these individuals have been prosecuted and convicted and are now off our streets. Last year, there were no gangland gun murders in Ireland for the first time in over three decades. This is not due to good fortune; it is due to the dedicated work of the Garda in making our country safer. It has done an excellent job in ensuring that the presence of guns in Ireland is very low. Over the same period, Operation Thor was introduced with the aim of detecting and preventing incidents of burglary and associated criminal activity.”
“His dedication and professionalism in modernising the organisation means we have a policing service we can all be proud of. As Minister, I am happy to engage with Members of this House, with the Garda associations and with the Commissioner on measures that can be taken to improve our policing service. I value the important engagement I have had with the four Garda representative organisations. Commissioner Kelly has also engaged in a comprehensive manner with the organisations. I understand he will attend their annual conferences and will engage to resolve, as will I, any issues raised by their membership as best he can. The Government has set a high bar for An Garda Síochána in the programme for Government and is making ongoing strides along with the Commissioner and all his team to achieve the commitments.”
“The most recent public attitudes survey demonstrated that 88% of people who took part trust An Garda Síochána and 70% were satisfied with the service provided in their local communities. Since becoming Minister, I have been enormously impressed by the senior leadership of An Garda Síochána. They have played a pivotal role in reforming our national police force while tackling organised crime with unprecedented results and dramatically reducing the incidents of burglaries across the state. The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April of last year, provides a modern legislative structure for a police service fit for the 21st century. I commend the work of Commissioner Justin Kelly and the senior leadership personnel in putting the organisation on such a strong footing.”
“That over 11,000 people applied to be members of An Garda Síochána last year shows that being a garda is seen as an attractive career and a valuable way to give back to your community. A hugely positive central role is played by members of An Garda Síochána in communities across the State. We have an admirable and long tradition of policing by consent in Ireland. That remains at the core of our policing service. It means that policing work here is done thanks to and because of the strong links that exist between gardaí and the communities they serve. People in Ireland recognise and value those links and the positive impact that An Garda Síochána has on people's day-to-day lives.”
“The criticism of An Garda Síochána by some Members of this House does not reflect the very positive view of the Garda held by the people of Ireland. The repeated references to Garda morale being low are not supported by evidence and ignore the vibrancy and success of the organisation, which the vast majority of its members are proud to serve in. The proof of this lies in the fact that the annual resignation rate within An Garda Síochána is approximately 1% or less of attested members. That is a low number by any standard and contrasts very favourably with figures in the broader public and private sector and particularly when compared to rates experienced in the PSNI, police services in the UK and police services in other jurisdictions.”
“I welcome the opportunity offered by the Labour Party motion and the Government countermotion to talk about the outstanding work carried out by members of An Garda Síochána and the extraordinary commitment they show on a daily basis. I commend them on the work they do to protect our communities and keep all of us safe. Since taking up office over a year ago, I have sought to ensure we can deliver a vibrant and strong policing service that is highly visible in our communities. I am committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources, technology and systems it needs to prevent crime and keep us safe. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is delivering a complex and effective programme of policy development, legislative change and the resources needed to deliver on those commitments in every county.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises: — the crucial role played by An Garda Síochána in ensuring the security of the State, protecting and serving communities across Ireland through the maintenance of law and order, and upholding the principles of justice; — the commencement of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, in April 2025, providing an extensive new framework for policing and community safety in Ireland, and the subsequent establishment of new bodies critical to the governance and delivery of policing services by An Garda Síochána; — that Central Statistics Office data shows a decrease in the majority of offence groups in the year to September 2025, the latest period for which data is available; — that, in particular, homicide and related offences fell by 25 per cent, reflecting, in particular, the significant success of An Garda Síochána in combatting organised crime groups; — that robbery, extortion and hijacking offences fell by 13 per cent in the same period; — that burglary and related offences fell by 12 per cent, reflecting the continued evidence-based success of Operation Thor by An Garda Síochána; — the critical importance of a visible, locally embedded, well-resourced, modern police service in building stronger, safer communities, supporting community wellbeing and enabling them to flourish; — that, through the promotion of crime prevention and visible policing, An Garda Síochána foster a sense of security, especially among the most vulnerable in our society; — that our communities rely on the Gardaí to respond to emergency calls, patrol our neighbourhoods, prevent, detect and investigate crimes; — that An Garda Síochána play an important role in the recently established Community Safety Partnerships, 35 of which are established and operational around the country; — that overall funding for An Garda Síochána has increased by almost 50 per cent since 2020, with investment of over €2.74 billion for 2026; — that through successive budget increases the Government has ensured that An Garda Síochána has the resources, leadership and technology to deliver on its mission; — that a major capital plan is being implemented, including the construction of Divisional Headquarters in Clonmel and Macroom; and — that €69 million has been allocated to further expand and modernise the Garda fleet over the next five years, which represents a 38 per cent increase on the allocation for the previous five years; further recognises that: — in line with Programme for Government commitments, the Garda Training Review Group is working to identify delivery options to increase the scale and capacity of high-quality education, training and continuous professional development in An Garda Síochána, and this will help ensure that the skills needs of the organisation are met over the next decade; — the proportion of Garda resignations remains very low, with the resignation rate currently between 1 and 2 per cent; — significant measures have been taken to boost recruitment and retention in recent years, including increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week, increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50, and raising the mandatory retirement age to 62; — the vast majority of Gardaí serve with integrity and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe; — the Garda Commissioner is committed to ensuring the highest levels of integrity are maintained across the organisation, and that there are robust procedures in place under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, to allow him to deal with any allegations of misconduct; — the introduction of a modernised statutory disciplinary framework under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, will help to ensure more timely resolution of conduct proceedings and cases involving Garda suspensions; — statutory Standards of Professional Behaviour and associated Conduct Regulations now provide clear mechanisms to examine allegations concerning the conduct of Garda members; and — significant and sustained investment in equipment for Gardaí is delivering real benefits, including through the rollout of mobility devices to all frontline members, the rollout of body-worn cameras, the acquisition of two water cannons, the expansion of the fleet and the purchase of three new state-of-the-art aircraft; welcomes that: — there are 14,529 attested Gardaí serving with An Garda Síochána as of end February 2026, reflecting that Garda recruitment is now accelerating following the forced closure of the Garda College during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and subsequent alterations to training as the pandemic continued; — this represents an increase of almost 1,500 Garda members since 2016; — the overall Garda workforce has increased from 15,980 in 2016 to 18,276 in 2026; — the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to funding the recruitment of 5,000 Gardaí and additional Garda staff by 2030; — interest in a career in An Garda Síochána is high, with almost 11,000 applications to join the Service received in 2025; — 223 Garda Trainees entered the Garda Training College in Templemore in November 2025, the largest single intake to the Garda College since 2014, and overall, 794 trainees entered the Garda College in 2025, the highest number since 2018; — a further 215 Garda Trainees entered the Garda Training College in February 2026, with three further intakes planned across the remainder of the year; — 194 Gardaí attested in November 2025, the highest number since 2019; — the Government is committed to increasing the Garda Reserve with a recruitment competition planned for 2026, and further intakes planned this year; and — the introduction of the Garda Operating Model, which makes Garda Divisions the central unit of policing administration, has provided for a more comprehensive and inclusive policing service and helped strengthen the focus on community policing, while also introducing increased local specialisation in the investigation of a range of crimes, including sexual crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime, and economic crime; and notes the Government's commitment to: — continue to invest in ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to keep people safe; — support the Garda Commissioner in ensuring the wellbeing and job satisfaction of the members and staff of An Garda Síochána; — continue to provide funding to recruit 5,000 new Gardaí over the next five years; — modernise the statutory basis for certain Garda powers, through the enactment of the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026; — further enhance the detection and investigation capabilities of An Garda Síochána, through the enactment of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025, which builds on the Garda Síochána's ability to use body-worn cameras, enabled through the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023; — continue to invest in additional measures to support the Garda College to increase capacity for up to 1,000 Garda Trainees per year, including those detailed in the An Garda Síochána Recruitment Training Capacity Group Report, published in September 2025; and — continue to support the work being done by An Garda Síochána with international partners to deal with organised crime gangs and the related issue of drugs in our communities.".”
“Obviously, the ARP is not the sole method by which accommodation is provided to people who have been granted temporary protection. There is also ongoing accommodation provided and a provision has been put in place to provide a certain amount of accommodation should people be coming from Ukraine now. The numbers of people coming have declined very significantly. I was concerned last September by the numbers of people coming here, particularly young men, from Ukraine and claiming temporary protection. Those numbers have now declined and we just need to keep a close eye on this issue.”
“I am aware from speaking to the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, that an amendment has been put down by cross-party Senators. Unfortunately I cannot accept the amendment proposed today. The order cannot be made until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, Senators' approval of the motion by the Seanad today is essential to ensure the scheme continues beyond March 2026 until March 2027. In terms of the motions that are being proposed, it is important to note the motions would interfere with the primary objective of the scheme, which is to ensure there is a mechanism available whereby we can provide secure accommodation for individuals who are beneficiaries of temporary protection until such time as the scheme comes to an end or the other accommodation comes to an end as well or both.”
“Should the scheme be extended, and subject to agreement at Government level, it is also my intention to propose to colleagues to reduce the monthly payment rate to €400 later this year as was initially provided for in the legislation. This tapering of the payment rate would support an orderly wind down of the scheme. Further steps will be considered in due course to ensure we have an orderly exit. Planning for the conclusion of temporary protection is actively under way. There is work ongoing at national level by the senior officials group reporting to the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs. Member states are also considering measures for the co-ordinated transition out of the temporary protection directive. It is an effective instrument of public policy that we cannot afford to lose at this point.”
“The reduction aims to ensure that supports for beneficiaries are proportionate and equitable. Part 3 of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 precludes from the scheme properties that were registered with the Residential Tenancies Board at any time since March 2022. That is designed to ensure we are not putting into the ARP properties that should be available for ordinary residential tenancies. The scheme has been responsible for introducing an accommodation stream that would not otherwise have been available, and which has been a vital element of the State's response in providing accommodation to those who have applied for and been granted temporary protection.”
“Should it fall, some beneficiaries could potentially be displaced into an already pressurised rental market. The latter would be a regressive step. Findings from the Irish Red Cross host survey report that 86% of hosts believe the ARP scheme is important for continuing such hosting arrangements. I acknowledge the concerns raised by Senators today such as the scheme's impact on the private rental sector. As has been mentioned, steps have already been taken to address these concerns. From 1 June 2025, the monthly contribution was reduced from €800 per property to €600 per property. This reduction was intended to address concerns voiced previously in the Oireachtas and elsewhere about the possible displacement effect that ARP is having on the private rental market.”
“It is important that we look at the basis of it, which was not to be compensating people for providing accommodation to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. It was in recognition of the charitable act they have engaged in. Obviously, approval of the motion in the Seanad today is essential to ensure that the scheme does not lapse and that it continues for a further year to align with the EU Council implementing decision that has extended temporary protection to this time next year. This will enable an orderly phasing out of the scheme and avoid a cliff edge of supports for those benefiting from the scheme. That is the sole issue for consideration today. This scheme's extension will give clarity and assurance to those involved in hosting arrangements. I reiterate that failure to extend the scheme will present significant risks.”
“The impression I get from discussions with my European colleagues is that there will probably be some form of amendment and change made, which will commence in 2027. There is obviously a variety of issues that need to be taken into account. Many Ukrainian people in Ireland and around the European Union will want to return to Ukraine. It is also clearly the case that many will want to stay in member states. It is an issue we will have to resolve and discuss within the European Union and try to come up with a harmonious response in respect of it. The discussion we are having today is in respect of the accommodation recognition payment. It is important to point out that it was introduced because the Government wanted to give recognition to the significant charitable acts of the Irish public taking in people fleeing the war in Ukraine.”
“I thank the Senators whose contributions I have been here to listen to. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, for initiating this motion and I apologise to the Senators I did not get an opportunity to hear. There is a broad recognition that Ireland responded generously to the plight of Ukrainian people who were subjected to an illegal invasion by Russia four years ago. A decision was made across the European Union that the temporary protection provision would kick in and it was appropriate and necessary at the time. As has been indicated we are now more than four years into that temporary provision directive. It is likely that a decision will have to be made later this year in respect of what will happen to temporary protection. I do not think it can continue indefinitely.”
“As I have said before, I am committed to having this Bill on the Statute Book before the start of those hearings. I hope, with the support of this House and the other House, to see it complete its passage before the summer recess. Before concluding, I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those on the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for the decision to grant my request for a waiver from the requirement to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme. I also acknowledge the intensive engagement between the inquiry team and my officials over the past months and thank the inquiry for its constructive approach as we seek to work together to support the inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference. I commend the Bill to the House.”
“Once the evidence has been taken, it will be a matter for the nominated judge to certify the transcript and make it available to the chairperson of the inquiry. The dissemination and publication of the transcript will be a matter for the chairperson of the inquiry. That brings me to the close of how the bespoke mechanism is intended to operate. As I have said, it will be open to the chairman to use the mechanism as needed over the course of his work. The Government, through a representative at the opening hearing of the inquiry on 30 July 2024, committed to doing everything in our power to support co-operation, including putting in place new legislation if that was what was required. This Bill will deliver on that commitment. The inquiry has announced that it will commence its evidential hearings on 21 September.”
“That said, I draw the attention of the House to the provision that enables core participants and their legal representatives to attend along with the chairman and the inquiry team. Those with core participant status before the inquiry include many families and survivors, along with United Kingdom state bodies. Enabling the families and survivors to attend the High Court and hear the evidence at first hand is an important new feature to ensure as much transparency as possible. The section also makes clear that the nominated judge may issue directions in relation to the arrangements for the taking of the evidence. I draw attention to the explicit reference to any arrangements necessary for securing the safety of the person giving the evidence.”
“Section 9 provides that the nominated judge shall ask the agreed questions of the designated person, while section 10 enables the chairman or counsel to the inquiry to ask follow-up questions for the purposes of clarification. This is a new feature compared with the 2019 Act and is intended to allow for minor matters to be clarified on the day rather than by way of a fresh request for assistance under section 5. Section 11 sets out that the evidence is to be taken on oath, with the witnesses having the benefit of the privileges and immunities available before the High Court. The evidence is also to be taken otherwise than in public. This is appropriate as it does not involve the administration of justice.”
“It is for the head of the State body, having come to a decision as to whether the request for assistance may be acceded to in full or in part, to designate those who will give evidence before the High Court. In the case of those no longer serving, their prior consent will be required. Section 8 deals with the nomination of the High Court judge who will act as the conduit for the evidence to be taken under sections 9 and 10. The request to the President of the High Court must be made as soon as is practicable. Again, this is intended to avoid any undue delay to the work of the inquiry. Sections 9 to 11, inclusive, deal with the taking of the evidence.”
“This consent-based approach arises from such persons being private citizens who cannot be compelled to give evidence for the purposes of an inquiry outside of the State. However, I expect co-operation from all concerned who are requested. They may, of course, of their own volition decide to attend such an inquiry. If they were to choose to do so, they would remain subject to certain residual obligations in respect of sensitive information acquired during their service but with none of the benefits of the privileges and immunities to which they are entitled under Irish law. The Bill seeks to provide a means for those retired members and officials or former ministerial officeholders to provide evidence to the inquiry under Irish law. Section 7 deals with the designation of witnesses.”
“This extension seeks to take account of the inquiry's terms of reference, which include investigation of the approach taken by United Kingdom state authorities to security normalisation before and after the Good Friday Agreement. In the event the inquiry forms a view that a former ministerial officeholder has relevant evidence to give on the approach taken by the UK authorities, it is appropriate that the State would have in place a suitable mechanism to facilitate the taking of such evidence. As I have outlined, sections 5 and 6 make provision for past members of An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces or former officials and holders of ministerial office to be requested to provide assistance. Their participation will be voluntary and subject to their written consent.”