Results 3,381-3,400 of 4,915 for speaker:Jim O'Keeffe

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: How many hours will be allowed for Report Stage?

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: It could be the crucifixion.

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: In respect of the civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill and the question of casino clubs, the Minister backed off on his threat to close these clubs and set up a committee to look at the prospect of regulating them. I understand a report from that committee has been on his desk since last December. When will he publish the report and why has there been a delay in doing so? What are his...

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: I heard it was in the Department.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: It would be helpful if the Tánaiste could give us notice of his final intentions arising from the Committee Stage debate before Report Stage.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: Have we cleared section 31?

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: In broad terms it is agreed but arising from the debate yesterday the Tánaiste said he would come back to us on issues relating to constitutional points raised. Deputy Howlin's point about the disparity between the €500,000 fine and others that are a fraction of that sum is relevant.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: I could not imagine a less clear signal than imposing similar sentences for possession of €13,000 worth of drugs and €500,000 worth.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: That is the real problem arising from this section.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: On that basis we could agree the section. We will be returning to it on Report Stage but the Tánaiste has taken the points on board.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: Does the Minister appreciate our objective is to pass decent legislation and not to use an empty formula such as calling a division on this issue? We have stood up to that mark throughout the debate. What is happening now is the inevitable consequence of the rushed manner in which the Bill is going through the House. The separation of Committee and Report Stages is a slight improvement and...

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: Will the Minister clarify the "exceptional and specific circumstances" that will apply to avoid a mandatory sentence?

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: Can I take it the "exceptional and specific circumstances" are not being specified? This loose reference will remain and it will be a matter for the Judiciary to decide whether a case constitutes "exceptional and specific circumstances".

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: I also do not have a magic formula but it is important that we tease out the issue. I can understand the use of the word "exceptional" but what is intended by the use of the word "specific"?

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: By whom?

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: I support that.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: The Minister seems to have covered this issue by providing that at least one member should be a woman and one a man. I approve of the approach whereby the third post is open to the most appropriate candidate. On the section, the Minister proposes to establish a Garda Síochána executive management board, which seems to be a pale imitation of an independent police board or Garda authority....

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: I thank the Deputy.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: We would not want people who are merely pals of the Taoiseach.

Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Apr 2007)

Jim O'Keeffe: Plastered or plastering.