Results 4,481-4,500 of 7,312 for speaker:James Browne

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: Before we start into it, there has been a desperate tragedy in the channel between France and the UK. I would like, at the outset, to speak on that appalling tragedy that has unfolded. It is now thought over 30 migrants have lost their lives tonight. Our thoughts are with their families. It is an awful tragedy and I want to express our deepest condolences on that event. It shows the...

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: Sorry, the Deputy should always be ready.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: He should stop politicking.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: The Deputy had his opportunity and did not turn up.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: The Deputy did not turn up. He had his opportunity to speak and he did not turn up. He was not here to take up his speaking slot.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Connolly for the proposed amendments. As she pointed out, the humanitarian assistance offence would be reframed as an element of the offence. The burden would be on the prosecution to prove the absence of a humanitarian assistance motive in almost all cases. The reversal of the burden of proof is a central policy element of the Bill. Our primary motivation for amending...

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: Yes.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I understood it could be adjourned at 9.30 p.m.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I do not mind adjourning.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: No.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: We can simply agree to adjourn, can we not?

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: There are a number of issues there. I will take Deputy Howlin's point. If one excludes from prosecution anybody working for a bona fide organisation and if such a defence is raised, the prosecution will have to prove a negative - that somebody was not part of a bona fide organisation. It is almost impossible for a prosecutor to prove a negative. It would make it extremely difficult. I...

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: In order to answer that question, I would have to give the opinions of previous justice ministers and governments, which I cannot do.

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I propose that we adjourn the debate.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Charitable and Voluntary Organisations (23 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 469, 470 and 471 together. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is not in a position to interpret the law as passed by the Oireachtas. The Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 commenced on 1 December 2020, with all sections coming into effect. The 2019 Act modernises the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 and helps the better promotion of local...

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (25 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I am introducing a resolution to extend the sunset clause in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021. Members will be aware that section (9)(4) of that Act provides that the Act, other than section 8, shall continue in operation until 30 November 2021 unless a resolution approving its continuation has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas before that date. That section...

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (25 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I thank the Senators for their time and contributions. These are still extraordinary times and, with the extension of this Act to 31 May 2022, I hope it sends a message of our determination to support and provide clarity to businesses, An Garda Síochána and our communities. This extension clarifies the position of licence holders who wish to sell and serve alcohol adjacent to a...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (25 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising the important issue of the number of gardaí in the Ballymun Garda district. The Deputy has been very strong on this matter, both in this Chamber and behind the scenes. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, for the deployment of An Garda...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (25 Nov 2021)

James Browne: I again thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising the issue of the number of gardaí. As stated, the distribution and designation of members of An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and the local chief superintendent. However, everybody deserves to feel safe and be safe in their communities. We are absolutely committed to making our communities stronger, safer and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (25 Nov 2021)

James Browne: The Deputy touched on an important point. Tackling the situation with drugs is not simply a matter for the Garda. A whole-of-community approach is required, including from all the State agencies. This broader, health-led response is key to the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm and Supporting Recovery, which is being led by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan....