Results 5,521-5,540 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I thank the Deputy for his question on this sensitive and important issue. Regrettably, we have become all too aware of issues connected with familicide as a result of appalling and tragic events recently which have been discussed in the public domain. I would like, at the outset, to take this opportunity once again to express my sincere condolences to the Coll family on the tragic...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to assure Deputy Collins, the House and the public that I share his concern but this is a most complex area of law. I am very anxious to ensure that there are no unintended or unforeseen consequences. It is important to consider the matter in the wider context than just the recent case which has been discussed in this House. For example, one could possibly imagine a similar case...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: It is absolutely not the case that there has been any delay in the forensic science laboratory due to overruns at the national children's hospital, as the Deputy alleged. I assure him and the House that the forensic science laboratory is one of the major capital priorities of the Government. It is proceeding in accordance with the funds available.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the support of all parties here in facilitating the ratification of the Istanbul Convention that involved four pieces of distinct legislation. Having regard to the fact that this Dáil has been dubbed the "do nothing Dáil", this is progress that is not only welcome but enduring. I acknowledge what Deputy Howlin said about refuges. This is a challenge. I have been...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Yes.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Probation and Welfare Service Data (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy is aware, the Probation Service is an agency of my Department working to reduce offending, create safer communities and fewer victims through offender rehabilitation informed by evidence-based practice.  It has a staff of about 400, located in over 35 community-based offices in every county and in every prison.  The Service's budget for 2019...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Deployment (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Firstly I would like to reiterate for the House that with regard to the deployment of Garda resources, including personnel, to specific areas, the Deputy will appreciate that this is solely the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and his management team. I am advised by the Commissioner that the distribution of Garda resources is constantly monitored and a distribution model is used...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Accidents Data (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As I have previously advised the Deputy, I understand that An Garda Síochána does not record road traffic statistics in a way that easily allows for the disaggregation of data in the manner you have requested; that is by vehicle type. However, the Deputy may be aware of the Road Safety Authority's annual Road Collision Factbooks, which provide detailed statistics in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Protected Disclosures Data (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: To begin, I believe it is important to clarify that the review panel to which the Deputy is referring was established in order to assess disclosures made to me, in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, by members or former members of An Garda Síochána.  It is not intended that disclosures made directly to An Garda Síochána fall under this review...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Stations (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.76 billion for 2019.  These resources are being provided in support of the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Welfare (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am informed that 67 prisoners have died in prisons in the period from 2011 to 7 March 2019.  All such deaths are the subject of a Garda investigation, an investigation by the Inspector of Prisons, and an inquest held in a Coroner's Court to determine the cause of death.  I understand that the circumstances of each death in custody and incident of self-harm are...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Data (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will be aware that the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistics agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. While the statistical information being sought by the Deputy is not currently being published by the CSO, I can advise the Deputy that my Department received a report from An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Civilian Staff Data (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 January 2019, there were approximately 2,530 civilian staff employed by An Garda Síochána, undertaking a range of administrative and technical duties in the organisation. As of the same date, the total Garda strength was approximately 14,000. In this regard civilian staff now account for approximately 15% of the overall Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Department of Justice and Equality, through the Reception & Integration Agency (RIA), has always facilitated and encouraged the registration of and voting by protection applicants in local elections.  Residents are advised what type of elections they can vote in and how they may register with the relevant local authority so that they may vote in elections as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Deployment (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Firstly I would like to reiterate for the house that with regard to the deployment of Garda resources, including personnel, to specific areas, the Deputy will appreciate that this is solely the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and his management team. The Commissioner has publicly spoken about issues like protecting our most vulnerable and he has highlighted that his priority is a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Brexit Preparations (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: In common with all Government Departments and State Agencies, An Garda Síochána has been preparing for Brexit and there is ongoing engagement between senior Garda management and my Department in this regard.  Preparation has had a wide-ranging focus on operational requirements, including personnel, infrastructure and technology. I know the Commissioner is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Legislation (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I can inform the Deputy that over the past three years, my colleague Minister of State Stanton who has special responsibility in this area, has led an intensive review of the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act. We hope to publish the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill early in the current Oireachtas session. This will be an interim reform measure, pending the bringing forward of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Protected Disclosures (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act allows members of An Garda Síochána to make a protected disclosure to one or more of a number of persons, including to the Minister of the day. Since 2014, my Department has received 24 letters from current or former members or employees of An Garda Síochána in relation to matters which might be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Victim Support Services (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy is aware, I have instructed my officials to draft terms of reference for a study about how best to support families in the most caring and effective way in the aftermath of murder-suicides and this work is at an advanced stage. In such tragic circumstances, I fully acknowledge that one of the supports that can be provided to remaining family members is the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Brexit Preparations (12 Mar 2019)

Charles Flanagan: In common with all Government Departments and State Agencies, An Garda Síochána has been preparing for Brexit and there is ongoing engagement between senior Garda management and my Department in this regard.  Preparation has had a wide-ranging focus on operational requirements, including personnel, infrastructure and technology. I know the Commissioner is...