Results 2,341-2,360 of 4,915 for speaker:Jim O'Keeffe

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: He came from a good stable of course. It shows what we can do when we are put to the test.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: It is proceeding at a slow pace.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: We are here to discuss the findings and conclusions of a number of important reports. I pay tribute to all those associated with the production of the Morris, Barr, Birmingham and Nally reports. Those who worked in producing those excellent reports have been of service to the State. While one might not agree with every expression or recommendation in the reports, those involved made an...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: I am glad we have the support of our future partners in government and I acknowledge Deputy Howlin's interest in this issue for quite some time. Such an independent Garda authority would incorporate the existing Garda inspectorate. Its function would be to drive the agenda for reform and ensure measures are implemented rather than put on the long finger. Obviously, any such body would have...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: That is the point. The authority would be accountable to the House through the Minister. The same would apply to the Minister for Health and Children under the next Government because what has happened there is a travesty of democracy. That would not be an impediment to the establishment of an independent Garda authority.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: It can be provided for and will be provided for. Like the private sector, such a body could monitor trends among competitors, modernise and even keep ahead of the pace. These ideas should govern the thinking of top Garda management. We need to constantly look at other police organisations comparing and contrasting and taking the good and benefiting from the experiences of similar...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: They are the new recruits and I applaud that. However, the majority of gardaí did not have that opportunity. They should have the kind of opportunity that is made available to officers in other services. We should also consider modules of shared training with the PSNI. We must be open to innovative ideas for the future. I welcome the publication last week of draft regulations for a...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: Better late than never.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: One of the problems I have with the Minister is that we face an appalling delay in getting anything done. He mentioned the establishment of the ombudsman commission in his opening remarks. Last February members of the ombudsman commission were formally appointed by the President, but where is it and what is it doing?

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: Nothing is happening. It will all happen in the future.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: The issue is about getting something done. Making ministerial announcements that certain things will happen does not mean they will happen. They are not happening and the ombudsman commission is a prime example. We talk about what the Garda Síochána can do and about what we expect from them. My approach is simple — provide the best, expect the best and there is a fair chance we will...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: We are not talking about recruits. The promise was to produce gardaí, but that has not been done.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: The Garda Síochána is entitled to an honest reaction from the Minister. We have a ludicrous situation where the Taoiseach is now talking about even more numbers. We do not even have 13,000 gardaí, not to mind 14,000. I know there is an election round the corner and he will try the same old game and con the people again on the matter.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: The same expectation of an honest approach arises with regard to equipment. Every time I raise the matter with the Minister, the response is always about the significant billions of euro being spent. However, one wonders what is the reality. For example, driver training for gardaí is increasingly important as they put their lives on the line and must also have regard for the general...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: As long as it is not gathering dust.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: I am glad the Minister has listened to me.

Leaders' Questions (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: Record bad results.

Leaders' Questions (29 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: He does not have an answer.

Written Answers — School Curriculum: School Curriculum (28 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: Question 51: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of single sex girls schools offering the subject music to both junior and leaving certificate respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40186/06]

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (28 Nov 2006)

Jim O'Keeffe: Question 73: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects assessed as being of Band One priority awaiting progression by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40238/06]