Results 8,441-8,460 of 9,753 for speaker:Terry Leyden

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (10 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: We accept that but the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is not ineligible.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (10 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: I ask the Minister and his senior officials to closely examine the submission from the Garda Representative Association before Report Stage. I draw their attention to pages 10, 11 and 12. I can see both sides of the coin. However, it is extremely difficult for a member of the force to make a complaint against another member. This issue is not addressed in the Bill. I received the briefing and...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (10 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: A grievance procedure exists in the Garda Síochána code. There may be room to improve on that opportunity. It is noteworthy that in one instance, implementation of the grievance procedure led to a member being subjected to the Garda Síochána disciplinary regulations, under regulation 9, for having made an allegation against a superior which was not proven. The code of practice was...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (10 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: From reading the legislation there is nothing to preclude a member of the public who may or may not be related to a garda from making a complaint. The Minister may say that could not happen, but they are not precluded. I just note that this is a possibility. It might not ever arise and it would be unfortunate if it did. I am not advocating that it should arise and I do not believe it is...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Second Stage. (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: I thank the Minister of State for his attendance and wish him well in his office. He made a great success of the Department of Health and Children and I have no doubt he will be very effective in the Department of Transport. I wish him every success with his brief.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Second Stage. (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: When is it proposed to sit again?

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Second Stage. (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: The section has been welcomed by all the representative associations. I refer to the discussions in January between the associations and senior departmental officials. If a garda who is prosecuted is found innocent, the Department should be prepared to pay the full costs of the hearing. The discussions will address protocols in this regard.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: The amendment is a studied recommendation. I do not know if the Minister's officials received any recommendations on the Bill in this regard from the representative associations. I am unaware of any such case having been made. It would be difficult to enforce this measure, as it would be difficult to prove that such inducement occurred. Section 52 refers to a person who, "induces, or does any...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: Specifying actual amounts in legislation is always dangerous because this Bill could last for the next 20 years, for example, and €3,000 now will be a very small amount of money in 20 years time.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: I accept that point but many amendments to many Bills are required on a constant basis when amounts are specified which are not applicable.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: The point is that it is not linked to inflation.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: That is the point. The Bill could specify that the amounts are index-linked to the appropriate time. However, that is a matter of detail for the Minister.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: I support the amendment in principle. The Bill is flawed in not having a representative from the Garda Representative Association or the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors on the audit committee. A submission was made, arguing for one person, designated by the Garda representative bodies, to represent their interests on the committee. I do not see the rationale behind having a...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: It would help to meet the Bill's objective and make matters more transparent to the 10,000 members of the force. Membership will be 14,000 when the Minister is finished. This is a sizeable number of people to be without a representative on the committee. I will go along with the Minister but I suggest the amendment should be considered as it will not take from the Bill. The Minister knows...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: The Bill allows for the Minister to nominate a member of the audit committee. This would not preclude the Minister or his successors from appointing a member of the force thereto. This will ensure that the nominee will not be representing an organisation but will be an experienced and respected member of the force, past or present. This provision does not state that the nominee cannot be a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: I compliment the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair on a wonderful presentation yesterday. We have come so far that both Prime Ministers are equal. Their body language at the press conference was a credit to all concerned. Perhaps we can look forward to the First Minister of Northern Ireland addressing the House next year. I hope there will be a peaceful Christmas in the North and that there...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: I thank the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, who was here yesterday and gave a very good account of himself which was very much in keeping with the principle of the Bill. I compliment the Minister on bringing area committees into being. It is a most innovative idea. I note what the Minister said, that he wants to make them work well and he referred to his own area in...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: The requirement of the attendance of a superintendent is commendable but, in many cases, he or she may not be available and have to delegate to an inspector, for instance. This provision is better suited to regulations rather than legislation. It is far better to have such minute details and requirements in regard to attendance dealt with in such a manner. It is also important that, where a...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Dec 2004)

Terry Leyden: Arrangements can be made to meet at appropriate times and that should not be dictated by whether Members of the Dáil are available. If a Deputy wishes to attend the meeting, he or she has the right to do so. It is very important that Members of the Oireachtas would have the opportunity to attend those meetings, where practicable. Section 31 resonates with another section 31, which was...