Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

607. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will outline her priorities for the remainder of her term in office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32780/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since taking office on 8 May, I have been actively involved in delivering the Government’s comprehensive programme of justice reform which is aimed at ensuing ongoing confidence in the performance, administration and oversight of policing and justice in Ireland. Implementation of this programme will be a key priority for the remainder of my term in office, including the establishment of a new Independent Garda Authority; the opening-up of Future appointments to the position of Garda Commissioner; the enactment of new legislation to reform, strengthen and clarify the remit and operation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, so as to ensure it is fit for purpose and to further ensure that the men and women of An Garda Síochána, as well as the wider public, can have the fullest confidence in its workings.

In addition, I expect to receive substantial reports from the Garda Inspectorate on the investigation of serious crime and a report on the review of An Garda Síochána conducted on foot of the Haddington Road Agreement. I will consider the implementation of any necessary measures or reforms recommended in these reports.

The White Paper on Crime, incorporating a National Anti Crime Strategy, will also be finalised in the context of the reform programme and will provide an overall framework for strategies to combat and prevent crime. My Department's focus with regard to crime and security centres on combatting crime in all its manifestations and dealing with the threat posed by terrorist groups who refuse to accept the principles of a free and democratic society. In this context,I am further committed to supporting the ongoing recruitment and training of new members of An Garda Síochána, to the ongoing provision of new Garda vehicles and to supporting measures and reforms to enhance the efficiencies of Garda working, including, for example, the recently-announced measure to improve the Garda's capacity for computer crime investigation. In addition, I will be introducing the necessary measures to implement the EU Directive on victims of crime.

In line with the Statement of Government Priorities 2014 – 2016, in the area of asylum seekers I will be bringing forward legislation to reduce the length of time the applicant spends in the system through the establishment of a single applications procedure. This will be achieved by the introduction of a Protection Bill.

Moreover, work on Immigration and Residence Bill will also continue. The commitment in the Statement of Priorities in respect of Direct Provision for asylum seekers will also be acted upon during the remainder of the term of office of the government.

In line with the Statement of Government Priorities 2014 – 2016, I am also committed to bringing forward a referendum on marriage equality in 2015. I am currently working to complete the establishment of the Court of Appeal, the legislation for which completed it's passage through the Oireachtas yesterday. I am committed to the establishment of a new system for Legal Services regulation, the legislation for which is currently going through the Oireachtas. I intend to progress a substantial legislative programme, with a view to enacting key elements of legislation including, but not limited to, the Children and Family Relationships Bill, Judicial Council Bill, Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill, Bail Bill, Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill, Mediation Bill and Sale of Alcohol Bill. I am also committed to the enactment of legislation to give effect to those recommendations of Judge Quirke in relation to support for women were admitted to and worked in a Magdalen Laundry which requires a statutory basis.

I am committed to reviewing the legislation in place pertaining to domestic violence, with a view to expediting Ireland’s signing an ratification of the Istanbul Convention. I have committed to implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Inquiry by Ms. Emily Logan into the taking into care of the children of two Roma families. My Department is continuing to review a range of matters, including in relation to judicial appointments, firearms licensing and penal policy, which may result in the implementation of any key findings or recommendations emerging. My Department has a significant remit and work programme but I hope this reply gives an indication of some of my key priorities for the remainder of my term in office.