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<title>Dermot Ahern - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/mp/?pid=22</link>
<description></description>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:16+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.30.0&amp;m=16#g86.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.30.0&amp;m=16#g86.0</link>
	<description>No provocation should be allowed.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="86.1">No provocation should be allowed.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.30.0&amp;m=16#g82.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.30.0&amp;m=16#g82.0</link>
	<description>We are still paying for the Insurance Corporation.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="82.1">We are still paying for the Insurance Corporation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.2.0&amp;m=16#g18.0">
	<title>Requests to move Adjournment of D&Atilde;&iexcl;il under Standing Order 32 | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.2.0&amp;m=16#g18.0</link>
	<description>He did not say it himself.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="18.1">He did not say it himself.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-07.2.0&amp;m=16#g20.0">
	<title>Leaders&acirc;€™ Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-07.2.0&amp;m=16#g20.0</link>
	<description>Hear, hear.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="20.1">Hear, hear.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-07T14:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-01.2.0&amp;m=16#g51.0">
	<title>Leaders&acirc;€™ Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-01.2.0&amp;m=16#g51.0</link>
	<description>Hear, hear.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="51.1">Hear, hear.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-01T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-26.10.0&amp;m=16#g163.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-26.10.0&amp;m=16#g163.0</link>
	<description>The Deputy spends most of his time here asking nonsense questions.  </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="163.1">The Deputy spends most of his time here asking nonsense questions.  </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-26T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-26.10.0&amp;m=16#g161.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-26.10.0&amp;m=16#g161.0</link>
	<description>If Deputy Durkan sat down we would have time. </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="161.1">If Deputy Durkan sat down we would have time. </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-26T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.2.0&amp;m=16#g8.0">
	<title>Leaders&acirc;€™ Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.2.0&amp;m=16#g8.0</link>
	<description>It went over the Deputy&acirc;€™s head.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="8.1">It went over the Deputyâ€™s head.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-24.154.0&amp;m=16#g163.0">
	<title>Leaders&acirc;€™ Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-24.154.0&amp;m=16#g163.0</link>
	<description>Deputy Gilmore&acirc;€™s young team.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="163.1">Deputy Gilmoreâ€™s young team.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-24T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-12.2.0&amp;m=16#g14.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-12.2.0&amp;m=16#g14.0</link>
	<description>They are rubbish.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="14.1">They are rubbish.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-12T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-11.111.0&amp;m=16#g181.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-11.111.0&amp;m=16#g181.0</link>
	<description>Good news.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="181.1">Good news.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-11T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g138.0">
	<title>Appointment of Chairperson to the Garda S&Atilde;&shy;och&Atilde;&iexcl;na Ombudsman Commission: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g138.0</link>
	<description>It was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, in February 2005, I believe.  Proposed textual amendments are listed at the back to the 2005 Act.  I do not want the House to divide on this.  If...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="138.1">It was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, in February 2005, I believe.  Proposed textual amendments are listed at the back to the 2005 Act. </p><p pid="138.2">I do not want the House to divide on this.  If we set up something independently to look at a profession, it is best to allow it to operate without restriction, but there are issues concerning the complexity and volume of work that needs to be addressed.  Even if we were to double or treble the resources of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission, I do not know if we could still deal with the bulk of relatively minor cases.</p><p pid="138.3">I thank Members of the House for the confidence they will place in Mr. Dermot Gallagher.  He is one of the best possible candidates that could have been chosen for this job.  I wish the Ombudsman Commission well in the future.  It is a pity that Deputy Ă“ Snodaigh cannot support this nomination.  It would be preferable if it was unanimous in the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g136.0">
	<title>Appointment of Chairperson to the Garda S&Atilde;&shy;och&Atilde;&iexcl;na Ombudsman Commission: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g136.0</link>
	<description>Which document is that? </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="136.1">Which document is that? </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g134.0">
	<title>Appointment of Chairperson to the Garda S&Atilde;&shy;och&Atilde;&iexcl;na Ombudsman Commission: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g134.0</link>
	<description>I thank the members of the Opposition, in particular the spokespersons for Fine Gael and the Labour Party, for their approval of the nomination of Mr. Dermot Gallagher.  In reply to Deputy &Atilde;“...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="134.2">I thank the members of the Opposition, in particular the spokespersons for Fine Gael and the Labour Party, for their approval of the nomination of Mr. Dermot Gallagher.  In reply to Deputy Ă“ Snodaigh and the other two Deputies opposite, the criticism that has been made of the appointment selection is ironic.  What more transparent appointment can be made than the nomination coming before the Oireachtas which is representative of the people?  The appointment is debated in the House and Members have the opportunity to express their opinions on it.  I do not accept the criticism of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties in that respect.  </p><p pid="134.3">Deputies expressed the view that Government should have consulted but we followed the letter and the spirit of the law with regard to the Act passed by the Oireachtas in 2005 which stipulated the appointment would be a Government nomination and a three-stage process, including the passing of resolutions in both Houses and appointment by the President.  In my view, the Government has behaved correctly in accordance with the legislation.</p><p pid="134.4">I refer to some of the high-profile cases which Members have raised.  This is an independent commission and for that reason it should be left to independently examine the issues referred to it.  There has been publicity about some cases in recent times.  The Boylan case was the subject of a recent â€śPrimetime Investigatesâ€ť programme.  I asked for and received an interim report from the Garda Commissioner on that case and this interim report was passed on to the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission.  An internal Garda inquiry is ongoing and the ombudsman commission has indicated it has opened a public interest investigation on that case.  Two inquiries are ongoing, in particular the independent inquiry of the Garda ombudsman commission, and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.</p><p pid="134.5">Deputy Rabbitte raised the issue of the handling of informants.  He is correct in saying that as a result of the earlier reports of the Morris tribunal, a full review of the existing policy and practices was carried out and as a result of that review a new code of practice was drawn up which encompassed best police standards in the management and use of informants and this was put in place in the force in 2006.</p><p pid="134.6">With regard to the recent case in Galway, it is inappropriate for me to comment on the specific case.  However, in the context of the legislation, and reviewing the result in that case, we are happy there is not a problem with the legislation.</p><p pid="134.7">The commission in its February 2008 report referred to required legislative changes.  The main changes proposed included a leaseback provision whereby the commission could refer cases involving allegations of less serious criminal offences back to the Garda for investigation.</p><p pid="134.8">I hear what Members are saying.  That is one of the reasons we have taken our time as regards the potential changes in any legislation.  Deputy Charles Flanagan asked how many times I had met the Commissioner.  I met him many times on the proposed changes, as well as the Garda Commissioner.  I strongly believe that self-regulation is not good, whether in my own or in other professions.  If an independent body is set up, it should be allowed to do its work independently.  However, a strong case has been made on the issue of minor cases and there has been a response from the Garda to that whole issue of leaseback.  Deputy Rabbitte referred to what is or what is not a minor case.  Everyone who makes a complaint believes that his or her concern constitutes a major complaint.  A judgment call must be made in this and there must be balance.</p><p pid="134.9">I would tend to err on the side of leaving as much discretion as possible to the independent body, as set up.  At the same time, however, given that it has been inundated with a significant number of cases in its first couple of years in operation, we need to see things settling down to determine how that will pan out.  Given that it has already dealt with some 3,500 cases out of the more than 5,000 it has on its books, it is clear that it is still grappling with some 1,500, which is a substantial number.  I thank Deputy Rabbitte and accept his confirmation that the Government has allocated the necessary resources, which we believe we have, in these straitened times.</p><p pid="134.10">The Commission has asked for other changes in the legislation.  It is only fair and proper that a balance is achieved in any proposals we bring forward.  I will listen and be amenable to suggestions from the Opposition because the House should not divide on this.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g123.0">
	<title>Appointment of Chairperson to the Garda S&Atilde;&shy;och&Atilde;&iexcl;na Ombudsman Commission: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.122.0&amp;m=16#g123.0</link>
	<description>I move:  That D&Atilde;&iexcl;il &Atilde;‰ireann, noting that the Government on 3 February 2009 nominated Mr. Dermot Gallagher for appointment by the President to be a member of the Garda S&Atilde;&shy;och&Atilde;&iexcl;na Ombudsman...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="123.2">I move: </p><p pid="123.3">That DĂˇil Ă‰ireann, noting that the Government on 3 February 2009 nominated Mr. Dermot Gallagher for appointment by the President to be a member of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission and to be its Chairperson, recommends, pursuant to section 65(1)(<i>b</i>) of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Act 2005, that he be appointed by the President to be a member and to be Chairperson of the Commission.</p><p pid="123.4">The Government at its meeting of 3 February decided to nominate Mr. Dermot Gallagher for appointment by the President as chairperson of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission in accordance with the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Act 2005.  A vacancy in the position of the chairperson arose following the untimely death of Judge Kevin Haugh.</p><p pid="123.5">On my own behalf and on behalf of the Government, I place on the record my appreciation of the work done by Judge Haugh as the first chairperson of the ombudsman commission.  He devoted his considerable talents and much energy to its establishment and was assiduous in his concern that the commission should operate to the highest standards.  In addition to his formidable intellect, he was possessed of a warm personality and great good humour that won him many friends at the Bar and beyond.  I would also like to express, once again, my condolences to his family and many friends on their loss.</p><p pid="123.6">The motion which comes before this House today arises from the operation of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Act 2005.  This is a piece of legislation which has thoroughly reformed the institutional landscape of policing in Ireland.  As Deputies will be aware, the Garda Commissioner has been given greater autonomy in the management of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna.</p><p pid="123.7">Along with greater autonomy the Act has provided for greater accountability.  For example, as Accounting Officer, the Garda Commissioner is directly answerable to the Committee of Public Accounts and has come before that committee on many occasions since the passing of the legislation.  He has also taken over responsibility for the employment of the civilian staff of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna from my Department.  The Act also provided for the Garda Inspectorate, which acts as a driver of efficiency and effectiveness for the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna as it benchmarks the performance of the force against comparable police services and international best practice.</p><p pid="123.8">One of the most significant and most important changes instituted by the 2005 Act was the establishment of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission, which replaced its forerunner, the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Complaints Board.  I put on record my thanks to the members of the board over the years, and all the staff who served there, for the commendable work they did.  The replacement of the board is in no way a reflection of the quality of its efforts and it is rather a recognition of the weaknesses in the legislation under which it operated.</p><p pid="123.9">As the body charged with handling complaints against members of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna the ombudsman commission is empowered to independently investigate complaints against Garda members.  It has also been conferred by the Act with policing powers of arrest and detention.  The commissionâ€™s role and values are summed up in the words contained in its official logo â€”  inquiry, independence, impartiality.</p><p pid="123.10">The ombudsman commission has been in operation since May 2007 and has received just over 5,000 complaints to date, 3,539 of which have been finalised.  I know that there is a lot of interest in the work of the ombudsman commission and, in particular, in certain cases it has dealt with, as well as other cases it is currently pursuing.  As the commission is a fully independent body, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific facts or other elements of any particular case handled by the commission.</p><p pid="123.11">With regard to staffing matters, there are 98 sanctioned posts in the ombudsman commission, not including the three commissioners, along with four seconded Garda superintendents.  The ombudsman commission has invested heavily in the training and development of its staff.  In that area it has worked extensively with the University of Portsmouth and the Kingâ€™s Inns in developing state-of-the-art training for its investigative staff, in particular.</p><p pid="123.12">The ombudsman commissionâ€™s budget allocation for 2009 is more than â‚¬11 million.  This represents a significant investment on the part of the State in the commission and it also reflects the importance of the functions that are involved.</p><p pid="123.13">Arising from the experience of its initial period of operation, the ombudsman commission has brought forward a number of proposals for amendments to the provisions of the 2005 Act governing the investigation of complaints against members of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna.  The proposals made by the ombudsman commission are still under discussion with the commission and with the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna.  The issues concerned involve considerable complexity not only from a legislative standpoint but also from an operational one.  They require careful consideration by all parties concerned.  However, work has been done towards preparing the necessary statutory amendments.  I hope that any outstanding issues will be resolved quickly and that I will shortly be in a position to bring proposed legislative changes to Government.</p><p pid="123.14">The appointment of members of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission is dealt with by sections 65 and 66 of the 2005 Act.  There is a specific formality about the appointment provisions which marks the importance of the commission and its independence.  In that context it should be noted that the Act requires the President to make the appointments.  Aside from members of the Government and the Judiciary, a very limited number of public appointments are made by the President.</p><p pid="123.15">While a person is nominated for appointment as a member of the commission by the Government, it is a requirement that any such appointment must be approved by the Oireachtas in the form of the passage of resolutions by the DĂˇil and the Seanad recommending the appointment.  This is the purpose of the resolution which is before the House today.</p><p pid="123.16">The first members of the commission, the late Mr. Justice Kevin Haugh, Ms. Carmel Foley and Mr. Conor Brady, were appointed for a six year term with effect from 12 December 2005.  There was unanimous support in both Houses for these appointments.  I sincerely hope that this will also be the case in respect of Mr. Gallagher.</p><p pid="123.17">The tasks of the chairperson of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission are wide-ranging and demanding.  They include overseeing the investigation of complaints of misbehaviour on the part of members of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna; the exercise of policing powers by the commission; management of a large caseload; and supervision of the operation of the relevant provisions of the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Act.  These, and the other challenges of the office, require a chairperson of excellent judgment and decision-making, proven management skills and the ability to lead a team of fellow commissioners, investigators and administrative staff.</p><p pid="123.18">In Mr. Dermot Gallagher the Government has nominated a public servant who has served this country with great distinction for many years as a senior diplomat and in other fields of public administration.  In that regard the Government is fully satisfied that Mr. Gallagher has the necessary capacity and qualifications to make an excellent chairperson of the ombudsman commission.  Members of the House will be aware Mr. Gallagher recently retired as Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs.  He previously served as Secretary General in the Department of the Taoiseach.  At Secretary General level, which is the very highest post in the Civil Service, he managed the work of two Departments at the heart of Government with broad and complex remits.  Mr. Gallagher is one of Irelandâ€™s most distinguished public servants.  In particular, he played a central role in the negotiations which led to the conclusion of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.  As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I saw at first hand the diligence, acumen, judgment and leadership skills that I have no doubt he will be in a position to bring to bear as chairman of the ombudsman commission.</p><p pid="123.19">Section 66(6) of the Garda Act provides that a person appointed to fill a vacancy following the death of a member of the ombudsman commission shall hold office for the remainder of the term of office of the replaced member.  Therefore, the new appointee will only serve until 2011.</p><p pid="123.20">Given the importance of the post and the limited duration of the appointment, the Government decided that the position should be filled without delay.  It should also be noted that the nomination process adopted in the case of Mr. Gallagher is very much the same as that which was followed when the first members of the commission were nominated by the Government in 2005.</p><p pid="123.21">In addition, I would like to mention another aspect of the terms of the appointment.  Unfortunately, there has been some speculation in regard to the remuneration for this appointment.  In that regard, I want the House to note that Mr. Gallagher has offered to take on the position at an annual salary of â‚¬90,000.  This will result in a saving of â‚¬153,000 per annum.</p><p pid="123.22">The role of any police force is extremely challenging.  At its core is the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.  This role frequently brings gardaĂ­ into contact with members of the public in what are often difficult circumstances.  To carry out their tasks gardaĂ­ are given extensive powers, including powers of arrest and detention.  These powers, although used in challenging and often dangerous circumstances, must be exercised in a lawful and proportional manner.</p><p pid="123.23">The Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission has been established to investigate complaints of misbehaviour by members of the public on the part of gardaĂ­.  It too has a very demanding role.</p><p pid="123.24">The highly skilled and dedicated staff of the commission require a chairperson equal to the challenges of the brief.  The Government considered carefully the question of whom to nominate to the post of chairperson.  In Mr. Dermot Gallagher we are satisfied that we have found a public servant with an outstanding record of achievement who clearly has with the intellectual capacity, expertise and personal dedication to lead the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna Ombudsman Commission.  I am therefore very happy to recommend the adoption of this resolution to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.2.0&amp;m=16#g68.0">
	<title>Leaders&acirc;€™ Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.2.0&amp;m=16#g68.0</link>
	<description>The Deputy should be serious.  This is a serious situation.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="68.1">The Deputy should be serious.  This is a serious situation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g618.2">
	<title>Garda Operations. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g618.2</link>
	<description>The protocols are there, first and foremost, to protect employees.  It is only by rendering these so-called tiger kidnappings unsuccessful that we will stop them happening, thereby protecting...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="618.2">The protocols are there, first and foremost, to protect employees.  It is only by rendering these so-called tiger kidnappings unsuccessful that we will stop them happening, thereby protecting innocent employees in future.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-03T22:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g616.3">
	<title>Garda Operations. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g616.3</link>
	<description>However, Members should not forget that the banks and other institutions have their part to play in this regard.  If tried and trusted protocols are put in place to defeat criminal attempts to...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="616.2">However, Members should not forget that the banks and other institutions have their part to play in this regard.  If tried and trusted protocols are put in place to defeat criminal attempts to rob cash, it is imperative that these are followed to the letter.  That is the important lesson from last Friday.  I echo the words of the chief executive officer of Bank of Ireland that the objective of the protocols is to provide for the â€śsafety and well-being of all staffâ€ť.  I have stated repeatedly that my primary priority is to focus on the fight against crime.  That remains the case.  By the end of this year, there will be just short of 15,000 gardaĂ­ on the streets, the same number which Deputy Flanaganâ€™s party pledged to have in place by the end of 2012, a full three years later.</p><p pid="616.3">Regarding the events of last Friday, I do not underestimate the difficulties involved in trying to deal with incidents where people are taken hostage.  For those involved, their instinct is understandably to protect their loved ones.  However, this only makes it more important that financial institutions follow the robust protocols and procedures in place to ensure employees are, to the greatest possible extent, not placed in such a position in the first place.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-03T22:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g614.2">
	<title>Garda Operations. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g614.2</link>
	<description>Perhaps I will be allowed to continue, with the consent of the House.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="614.2">Perhaps I will be allowed to continue, with the consent of the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-03T22:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g612.3">
	<title>Garda Operations. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.602.0&amp;m=16#g612.3</link>
	<description>The Deputy is not correct in this regard.  The Government is devoting enormous resources to the fight against crime.  I have made it clear that it has absolute priority in the allocation of...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="612.2">The Deputy is not correct in this regard.  The Government is devoting enormous resources to the fight against crime.  I have made it clear that it has absolute priority in the allocation of resources within my Department.  That will remain the case, even though I am criticised by Deputies opposite for the consequences of that approach.</p><p pid="612.3">The Government has also approved my proposals to introduce new legislation underpinning the use of covert surveillance methods by the Garda.  Under the legislation, the State will be able to use collateral material obtained by means of covert surveillance as evidence to support or strengthen the case for the prosecution at a criminal trial.  This legislation will be introduced to the DĂˇil shortly and should be of considerable assistance in achieving successful prosecutions of gang members.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-03T22:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>


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