Latest news with #Carthy
ITV News
5 days ago
- ITV News
Two burglars jailed after two-month crime spree across the South East
Doorbell camera and footage inside home shows burglars break in and ransack property in broad daylight. Credit Surrey Police. Two burglars have been jailed after taking part in a two-month crime spree across the South East last year. Terence O'Reilly, 23, and James Carthy, 33, carried out burglaries across Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, and Sussex. O'Reilly would often be the one to approach the house first, wearing a cap and a mask, and knock or ring the doorbell to check if anyone was inside. Once satisfied the house was empty, he and Carthy would break in through rear doors and windows. The pair used covid-style surgical face masks to conceal their identities while they ransacked homes looking for safes, loose cash and jewlery. The pair also stole expensive cars and designer handbags. A distinctive modified silver Audi S3 with its front grille and badge painted black was seen in multiple CCTV clips at or close to the scenes of the offences. The car was also seen at the scene of a burglary in Billingshurst in September 2024, where a rare Mercedes E43 AMG was stolen. The Mercedes was recovered several weeks later stuck in a ford in Bordon, likely dumped after the driver misjudged the level of the water. A sledgehammer was found inside. The pair were caught on 2 October 2024, after the silver Audi made off from police in Hascombe, the driver and passenger discarding a Louis Vuitton and Chanel handbag and a dirty pillowcase containing jewellery out of the window before decamping a few minutes later. Officers swarmed the area and they were soon cornered. A police dog kept O'Reilly at bay on a hillside long enough for officers to detain him, and Carthy was found trying to hide from police under a bridge in the nearby river. Carthy and O'Reilly had discarded some of their clothes and shoes when they ran from police and covered the inside of the car with bleach in an attempt to cover their tracks. Inside the Audi officers found two baseball caps, a crowbar, a chisel, a pickaxe, and a pair of Covid-style surgical face masks. On Monday (21 July) at Guildford Crown Court, Terence O'Reilly, of Cranleigh, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and theft of motor vehicle. James Carthy, of Dunsfold, was sentenced to six years imprisonment for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and theft of motor vehicle. O'Reilly and Carthy are also both subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO), a court order designed to stop persons from engaging in further serious criminal activity by setting restrictions on their behaviour and outlining conditions they need to adhere to. Investigating officer DC McBain said: "This was a challenging case of organised criminality spanning the Southeast. Carthy and O'Reilly showed no remorse or regard for the effects of their crimes and locking them up will prevent many more burglaries."
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Sinn Féin call for review of Government refugee accommodation plans
Sinn Féin has called for a review of the Government's policy of paying people to allow Ukrainian refugees to use their spare rooms or properties, saying the scheme is unfair on other people, and is potentially disrupting the wider rental market. The party's Justice, Home Affairs and Migration spokesperson Matt Carthy called for the policy to be examined, before rejecting claims he and his party are using the issue to "dog whistle" to anti-immigrant groups. According to figures obtained by Sinn Féin, the number of properties receiving a payment under the Government accommodation recognition payment scheme rose by 17% between January and July of this year. This, a party statement said, is "deeply unfair" to other people who are renting as the supports are not means-tested, and are distorting the wider rental market. Asked about the claims by journalists today, Mr Carthy said the "evidence appears to be bearing out" the Sinn Féin concerns, but did not provide specific examples of how this is the case. He said the scheme is giving landlords "a tax free payment" of hundreds of euro a month to cover costs, as well as "top up payments", which he said are "unregulated". 'Wide open for landlords' While saying the initial objective of the policy, namely to help Ukrainians fleeing war, was "laudable", Mr Carthy said subsequent changes by Government have left the scheme "wide open for landlords" and others to use the scheme, saying that 21,000 properties owned by less than 17,000 people are the subject of payments. Mr Carthy said "now is the time to carry out a review", but said when asked if the call is a "dog whistle" to anti-immigrant groups: "This is about setting out very clearly that what is going on is fair." The Sinn Féin TD said his party "wouldn't want to see at the end of this a cliff edge where people housed under this scheme all of a sudden become homeless, no one's suggesting that". However, he added that "nothing" causes "social anxiety or division more than if people see one set of people being treated differently than another set in housing need".
Irish Examiner
20-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Use of private properties to house Ukrainian refugees up by 17% this year
Concern has been voiced about the impact of a Government scheme for housing refugees from Ukraine on the private rental sector as new figures show the number of private properties being used has increased by 17% since the start of the year. A record number of over 21,800 dwellings are currently being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice. It represents an increase of over 3,100 additional properties being involved in the ARP scheme since January. Owners or tenants of such properties were entitled to claim a monthly payment of €800 for housing Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive but the sum has been reduced to €600 per month since June 1. Sinn Féín justice spokesperson Matt Carthy said the 'deeply unfair' scheme 'gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing.' File picture: Liam McBurney/PA A total of 21,803 properties are now being used as part of the ARP scheme to provide homes to almost 39,600 Ukrainian refugees with 16,900 hosts in receipt of monthly payments. The figures show that over €339 million has been paid to date to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the scheme was launched in July 2022. The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson, Matt Carthy. Highest numbers in Dublin, Donegal, and Cork Not surprisingly, the largest number of properties involved in the scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently housing refugees from Ukraine. The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308). Scheme uses 1% of Ireland's housing stock The figures indicate that approximately 1% of the Republic's stock of 2.1m homes is being used to house Ukrainian refugees with varying differences across the country. The proportion ranges from an estimated 2.4% of all dwellings in Donegal to just 0.4% of all homes in Roscommon. Less than 1% of residences in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Kilkenny and Wicklow are involved in the scheme. The number of properties being used to house Ukrainian refugees has risen by at least 10% since the start of the year in all counties with the exception of Kildare and Kilkenny where the increases were at a slower rate. 'Deeply unfair' scheme Mr Carthy criticised how the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been operated in Ireland and claimed the ARP is 'deeply unfair and caused huge divisions within communities". Mr Carthy said: It gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing. He claimed the measure was also driving up rents particularly in parts of the country that traditionally had lower rents. 'These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. There are 21,803 properties being provided by 16,900 owners which clearly means that a significant number of people have more than one property under this scheme. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, this month. Picture: Michael Shtekel/AP 'It indicates that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies." Department and RTB analysing scheme Asked by the Sinn Féin TD about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rented sector, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said his department is awaiting the outcome of an analysis being carried out by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Board. Property owners or tenants were originally paid a rate of €400 per month when the scheme was introduced before it was increased to €800 per month in December 2022 and lowered to €600 last month. Accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards in relation to structural condition, fire safety, ventilation and various facilities. The ARP scheme has been extended to March 31, 2026 in line with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Separate figures provided by Mr O'Callaghan earlier this month show that the State had contracts with 670 different commercial properties including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation at the start of July to provide temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in addition to the ARP scheme.
The Journal
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Over 22% of jobs at International Protection Appeals Tribunal are currently sitting empty
OVER 22% OF the jobs at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal are currently sitting empty. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) was established in December 2016 and is the appeal body for applicants for international protection. Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson Matt Carthy recently lodged a Parliamentary Question with Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan on the current number of vacancies in IPAT. In response, O'Callaghan's office revealed that there are currently 87 people employed with IPAT and 25 vacancies. Carthy noted that this represents a vacancy rate of over 22% in relation to the overall staffing levels at IPAT. O'Callaghan said his Department has been 'actively recruiting for additional whole-time and part-time Tribunal Members over the last two years'. He added that he 'expects to be in a position to significantly increase the number of part-time and whole time Members between now and the end of 2025'. O'Callaghan also noted that the number of staff at IPAT has increased from 37 at the start of 2023 to 87. He further remarked that there's been a 'substantial increase in resourcing to IPAT through both its budget and staffing' and that its budget has increased by 95% since 2023. Advertisement While Carthy acknowledged a 'notable increase in IPAT staff and budgeting', he added that the 'level of vacancy shows there are significant problems'. 'This level of vacancy is undoubtedly creating issues in terms of the length of time it is taking to process international protection applications, including those related to people from countries subjected to accelerated procedures,' said Carthy. He added that the 'current level of vacancies in IPAT also raises serious questions about the government's plans in relation to the EU's Asylum and Migration Pact '. Carthy said additional staff will be required for IPAT under the government's plans and that with the current level of vacancy, 'it is hard to see how the government is going to deliver on its own plans and targets'. Meanwhile, there are currently 614 staff within the International Protection Office (IPO), an increase of 190% since 2022. However, there are 69 vacancies. The IPO is responsible for examining and processing applications for international protection. O'Callaghan remarked that recruitment and appointments are continuing. He added that vacancies 'need to be seen against the backdrop of dramatic expansion in staff numbers in recent years, such that the level of staff deployed in this field is by far the highest it has ever been'. Meanwhile, the average tenure at the IPO is 21 months and 26 months within IPAT. The Department of Justice has been approached for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Dublin Live
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Dublin Live
Sinn Fein TD denies having Special Criminal Court debate 'tactical wee'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Sinn Féin TD has denied taking a "tactical wee" in order to miss his opportunity to call a Dáil vote on the Special Criminal Courts. Matt Carthy was absent from the Dáil chamber on Wednesday afternoon when a debate on the Special Criminal Court was passed without a vote. Sinn Féin traditionally voted against the non-jury court when the legislation came up for renewal every year. However, for the last number of years, it has abstained from the vote as new reforms were under consideration. On Wednesday, the debate ended more an hour earlier than expected as there were no more speakers in the Dáil chamber. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy stated that she had to call a vote on Sinn Féin's amendment but there was a "difficulty in that Deputy Carthy has stepped out". Junior Minister at the Department of Justice Niall Collins, who had declined an opportunity to speak and conclude the debate, stated that "that is the way it goes". A vote on the amendment was not called and those present in the Dáil Chamber then agreed to pass the legislation underpinning the Special Criminal Court without a vote. Mr Carthy returned and asked if he could move his amendment and that he was absent as he "had to take a call". However, the Ceann Comhairle told him that she "did not know if you were coming back" and that it was too late. Speaking on the Leinster House plinth on Thursday, Mr Carthy admitted that he had actually gone to the toilet and missed the end of the debate. However, he denied that it was a "tactical wee", a reference to the Australian children's TV show Bluey. He said: "It was just one of those occasions. There was a very long debate. I was there for the vast majority of it. "There was a number of groups left to speak, including several independent TDs, a number of government speakers, and the Minister of State, Niall Collins, was to give a closing address. I stepped out to answer nature's call, to be quite frank about it. While I wasn't there, the minister saw an opportunity and didn't take his opportunity to give a closing address. "The independents who were due to speak weren't present, and therefore he was able to ensure the passage of the legislation without any vote. I thought it was petty to be honest, but that is politics." He added: "No, [it wasn't a tactical wee]. It was a tactical position on the part of the Minister of State. It was what we call an old fashioned political stroke." Government sources, however, denied that there was any "stroke", arguing that there was also a Sinn Féin speaking slot that Mr Carthy and other TDs were not present for. They also suggested that he "effectively got rid of opposition speaking time" as the Sinn Féin slot was skipped and independent TDs missed their slots that were pushed forward as a result. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
