Results 3,901-3,920 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I understand that debate was in the Seanad yesterday on a Bill relating to mandatory minimum sentences. I am not a fan of such sentences. I believe that each case should be judged on its merits. In that regard, the element of judicial discretion is important. I understand the amendment was not pressed. There is potential for an investigation under section 59, which deals with the...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I move amendment No. 9:In page 73, to delete lines 36 to 38. The amendment is important and relates to the annual report of the judicial conduct committee. The purpose of the amendment is to confirm that, in all cases, the name of the judge against whom a complaint has been substantiated and the reprimand issued will be published in the annual report of the judicial conduct committee....

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: What we are doing is flipping the position regarding publication to some degree. I refer the Deputies to section 87(6), wherein specific information is referenced as to what shall be included in the report. That will include the fact that a reprimand was issued, and the name of the judge to whom the reprimand applies. That will be included in the conduct committee report unless there is...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I have no principled objection to the idea that the committee would have the power to conduct public consultations on the guidelines. I addressed this matter in reply to Deputy Sherlock in particular on section 18 and that reply holds in respect of amendment No. 5. What is proposed in the amendment is already contemplated in section 18. The provision which the Deputy seeks to amend clearly...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I can do that.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: My understanding is that amendments Nos. 1 to 4 are to be discussed together for the purpose of debate.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the amendments. Reference was made to the importance of this Bill and its urgency. As I said at the outset, it is a comprehensive Bill dealing with the reform of law that has remained unreformed since the foundation of the State but, during the course of debate on the Bill, it was decided that the issue of personal injuries might be addressed. I very much appreciate the...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: We will have an opportunity later in the afternoon to revert to some of the important points that have been raised by Members but in the meantime I merely wish to acknowledge the contribution of Deputies to this debate on Second Stage so far. The extent of participation and the diverse views offered demonstrate to me the importance of the issue and underline the concerns Members have on a...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: A jungle.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Seanad.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: It does not say much for the Deputy's speech if he is withdrawing aspects of it already.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to be here to debate the Judicial Council Bill 2017, important and long-awaited legislation and, as the House will know, its early enactment is a priority for the Government. The primary purpose of the Bill, as published, is to provide for the setting up of a judicial council. Such councils are generally seen as having...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Inquiries (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be aware, the matter of the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the late Shane O'Farrell has been addressed by me on several occasions in both the Dáil and the Seanad.  Following the Dáil motion calling for an inquiry last year, I sought the advice of the Attorney General on how best to move forward while taking...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that on 27/06/2006 the person concerned applied for a residence card as a spouse of an EU citizen under the provisions of S.I. No. 656/2006 - European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006.  This application was approved at review stage on 15/08/2008 and the person...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has submitted written representations. These representations, together with all other information on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Offices (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The majority of properties occupied by my Department are owned or leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW).  All Department buildings have bike parking facilities.  However, due to space constraints lockers are not generally provided.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Ministerial Transport (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion.  Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021.  This continuing investment is intended...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Data (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing An Garda Síochána including personnel, and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.  ...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Transfers (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Section 11 of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act, 1995 requires me to make a report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on the operation of matters within the Act in the preceding year I have just received the 2018 Annual Report on the operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts 1995 & 1997. I appreciate that the timeframe of 4 months after the end of preceding year for...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Transfers (4 Jul 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to advise the Deputy that since the Act came into operation on 1 November 1995, 552 inward applications have been received up to 2nd July 2019, of which 10 were received in 2018 and a further 6 in 2019. During that period 154 prisoners have transferred here from abroad. I can further advise the Deputy that since 1 January 2018, I have made decisions on...