Results 461-480 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I wonder if the Minister of State will examine this matter again before we consider the Bill on Report Stage. The manner in which this section is framed provides for the possibility of concealment, which is not what we want to happen. Such concealment may require a conspiracy between a number of people, but it could happen.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Perhaps we could consider a proposal along the lines suggested by Senator Maurice Hayes. Rather than designating what can be checked by the ombudsman, I would approach it from the other angle. I would identify what the ombudsman cannot access, for example on the grounds of its being sensitive. If identifying such matters by name is a security breach in itself, perhaps they could be identified...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Perhaps those involved will take a look at it because that is what the Members of the Seanad ultimately want to achieve. I do not think we can prescribe the mechanism for achieving that. It is important that the ombudsman should not be denied the information which is necessary if he is to conduct a thorough investigation. A certain level of protection is needed to ensure that security...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: As Senator Maurice Hayes said, it is important that the Minister, who is ultimately accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas, would be in a position to make regulations. It does not follow that he or she would decide on the individual promotions within the force. The amendment provides for the setting up of promotion boards consisting of three members, one of whom shall be a member of the...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: The Minister is right to change the age threshold. I am sure Senator Burke would agree. Many people suggested that he do so. Whether people continue in the force beyond the age of 57 years would have to be decided on an individual basis. It would depend on the ability of the garda to carry out his or her functions at that age. Some people aged 57 would be in a position to do so, but others...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: The Minister was specific and I welcome this positive provision. Given the talk about releasing gardaí for more effective work, this is a positive move. Throughout the public service, value for money is a major issue but gardaí are tied up in these locations which relate to specified State operations. It is appropriate, therefore, that if the Minister in conjunction with these bodies feels...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: While six agencies have been identified, the Minister might clarify whether gardaí are utilised for this kind of duty in other bodies when better deployment of their skills and time is possible. Will the Minister consider the extension of the list prior to Report Stage? The Minister referred to the powers of security officers. I presume they have powers of arrest. I think particularly of the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I support Senator Brian Hayes in his call for a debate in January on No. 2. Will the Leader let us know if she can bring forward the fundamental recommendation of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Law Reform that there be a resolution of this House and the Dáil calling on the British Parliament to support the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry in Northern Ireland to get to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: We are one of the leading countries, we are top of the league in terms of contributions. We are short of the 0.7% of GDP target but it is still a good news story. I agree with Senator Norris that the M50 should be debated in this House. That debate should include the serious delays at the toll bridge that is so lucrative for NTR and the need to change that.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Senators Cummins and Tuffy are missing the central point here, namely that gardaí are tied up in these duties involving many gardaí and hours. Most people do not see that as the most productive use of Garda time and experience. Senator Tuffy said that when one goes to other jurisdictions and visits art galleries and so on one does not see the local police there. One sees special security...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I will talk about the Courts Service in a minute. There is prudence in this section. For example, it mentions only six areas in which these security officers will serve. The list could be more exhaustive and the Minister should consider other areas and identify them on Report Stage. If the Minister is to implement this measure he should have provision to roll it out without having to come...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I do not know why the Opposition cannot see the merit of this proposal. It seems extraordinary because it is apparent to any casual observer that to have gardaí standing at these locations, while serving a function, is not serving the function for which the gardaí were recruited and trained. These tasks could be adequately carried out by officers with far less training in general Garda...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I note the Minister's remarks in regard to the power of arrest, and it is important this would happen. However, he made the analogy that security officers in the relevant State bodies would have similar powers and be exposed to similar litigation to those engaged by private companies. Should they have an extra element of protection in this regard? They will train and operate on behalf of the...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: The dearth of merit in the argument from the Opposition can best be illustrated by reference to security officers at our airports, which are much more vulnerable and sensitive in a security sense than the locations identified in the Bill.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: The system works effectively to protect the people. Given events in the context of international terrorism, nobody would dispute that our airports are more sensitive and top class security is required. We undertake this with security officers, not with gardaí.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: If the Opposition reflect on this and if you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, put the question, they will come to their senses and support section 114.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Some people have used them.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: What aspect of the statute would the Senator remove?

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: This is interesting as it deals with breach of discipline. It refers clearly to discourtesy, prevarication, abuse of authority and so on. All are part of the disciplinary code. Perhaps the Minister might amplify those issues. Gardaí have a difficult job and, in general, carry out their duties with diligence, often putting themselves at considerable risk. It is important for the effective...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: In regard to amendment No. 129, is there an Irish translation for "ombudsman"? In terms of the preservation of the Irish language, it is important that we produce Irish words for such terms. The word "ombudsman" is perhaps understood in several languages but an Irish translation would be helpful. The Minister of State is more adept in the Irish language than I am.