Results 7,161-7,180 of 10,319 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Special Needs Education Places: Motion [Private Members] (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Although this is a national issue, the problem is particularly acute in my constituency of Dublin Bay South, which covers Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W. The national ratio of special needs places to mainstream places is 1:100. In Dublin, the ratio is 1:119. In Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W, it is 1:782, which identifies my constituency as a pocket of extraordinary educational disadvantage for children...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Work Permits Eligibility (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: 93. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if steps can be taken to review the terms of the atypical working scheme in order to facilitate more qualified doctors to relocate here and provide general practitioner service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/19]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: National Drugs Strategy Implementation (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: 94. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the work of the working group on alternative sanctions for drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38922/19]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Closed-Circuit Television Systems Expenditure (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: 95. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications to date for funding under the community-based CCTV scheme; the number of applications that have been approved to date; the total expenditure under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38930/19]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Mr. Tyndall and his colleagues for coming before the committee. I think their involvement in the direct provision process since April 2017 has helped it. I found the two reports prepared by the Ombudsman very helpful. I am pleased that the Ombudsman is satisfied with the level of co-operation he is getting from the Department of Justice and Equality. We all agree and in fairness...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Okay.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am aware that it is not within the Ombudsman's jurisdiction, but if it was would the Ombudsman have any suggestion now as to how it could be improved? I am conscious that the Ombudsman wants to include the administrative powers within his jurisdiction and I would support that. Informally, can the Ombudsman suggest how he thinks the administrative process could be sped up?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Does the Ombudsman know whether the 16 month period takes into account any subsequent judicial review that may be instituted by an applicant?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: That, in itself, will add a much further length of time to the process. Is that correct?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Yes. In an Irish context it would be difficult to preclude people from having access to the courts after an administrative process, which is reflective of what happens here. Is that correct?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: As I have said, I support the process of the Ombudsman being given an extension of his remit to deal with administrative matters. Obviously he sought that because he thinks it will have an impact on speeding up the process. Is that so?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Is the Ombudsman aware that this works in other countries? I mean when an ombudsman gets involved in assessing the administrative process.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Has the Ombudsman sought an extension of his power from the Department of Justice and Equality? Is he aware of its attitude to such a request?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Can the Ombudsman tell us the reply?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Maybe that is something we can consider for our report, Chairman. I am sure that everyone will agree that the accommodation is entirely unsuitable for a prolonged length of time. We are dealing with people who require accommodation for prolonged lengths of time no matter what happens, whether it is through the administrative process and subsequent judicial review or otherwise. What does...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Is the Ombudsman primarily referring to a resettlement programme for people who have been in the process and granted the right to stay here?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: In theory, that sounds excellent and it is something with which we would all agree. In practical terms, where does one find accommodation for people who find themselves in that unfortunate position? Is it local authorities in different parts of the country? How can we deal with the issue?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: This is a very complicated process and no one has a simple, correct answer. Does the Ombudsman think that people in the direct provision system should be given an entitlement to go on the housing list in the same way as other persons on the housing list?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman (25 Sep 2019)

Jim O'Callaghan: Yes, once they have the right to remain. I am asking about the direct provision process, before applications are determined.