Results 5,341-5,360 of 7,312 for speaker:James Browne

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Control of Firearms (16 May 2023)

James Browne: As I previously advised the Deputy, I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána. The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related to firearms licensing in the State. In line with its...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legal Aid (25 May 2023)

James Browne: As I am sure the Deputy will be aware, criminal legal aid and civil legal aid are separate services. Criminal legal aid is granted by the courts to eligible persons being prosecuted for criminal offences to ensure that their constitutional right to a fair trial is vindicated. Civil matters concern non-criminal disputes between individuals or organisations. Civil legal aid and advice for...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legal Aid (25 May 2023)

James Browne: The Minister, Deputy Harris, expects that review later this year, having met with former Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Frank Clarke, only yesterday. The review is comprehensive and once it is published, we will have a better understanding of the recommendations therein. I would not like to anticipate those recommendations at this point in time. However, I will say the review is comprehensive....

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legal Aid (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I agree with the Deputy that access to justice is absolutely critical to any fair society to provide support for those who are of limited means to facilitate them to have access to justice. Access to justice also means that solicitors and barristers are available to provide that service supported by the State. The review will look at the entire area of legal aid and how it is being...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. The Irish Prison Service recognises the importance of promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people with disabilities committed to its care. I am strongly of the view that we need to continue to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern and fit for purpose and that it has the capacity to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I do not have a timeline for that consideration but know the director general of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, is quite a progressive director and will be taking this matter quite seriously. I agree with the Deputy. We have to ensure people with disabilities receive the services and supports they need in prison and get timely access to those types of supports. It is certainly...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: Absolutely. There has been a history in our prison service of people with intellectual disabilities or other challenges not only not getting the supports they need but perhaps not even being diagnosed. I have visited most of the prisons in the country at this point. One of the most common undiagnosed issues is dyslexia, which results in people leaving school early and getting involved in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue around the need to provide refuge centres in Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse. As the Deputy rightly pointed out, it is one of the areas that does not have those supports in place at the moment. The Deputy has raised this matter consistently with both myself and the Department of Justice and I am glad to have an...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I assure the Deputy that delivering refuge spaces in Cavan-Monaghan is a priority for the Department. We are in the process of identifying that location, working with the various different bodies to see where that location can be provided. We have to provide these spaces for very vulnerable people and we have a comprehensive programme around DSGBV in our third national strategy. ...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for raising a very important matter about the need for refuge spaces and DSGBV service in the Cavan-Monaghan area. I assure the Deputy that the key statutory bodies - Tusla, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Justice, the county councils in Cavan and Monaghan, An Garda Síochána, Tearmann and Safe Ireland - are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: The Irish Prison Service is committed to providing safe, secure and respectful care for all of those committed to custody. I accept that for those with a disability, the prison environment can provide significant challenges, but I can assure the Deputy that any prisoner who, following assessment, requires supports with activities of daily living is accommodated in a suitable setting. This...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: The provision of education and training is key to reducing recidivism. The Prison Service provides supports and services, from basic literacy and numeracy education right up to third-level qualifications. The provision of education in prisons is delivered in partnership with the ETBs. I assure Deputy Tully that at all times prison education seeks to deliver relevant programmes that ensure...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I agree that prison officers need to be trained to support people with disabilities, mental health difficulties and those with a history of trauma, and that is happening. All recruit prison officers are provided with extensive training to equip them to work supportively with and manage vulnerable people. Irish Prison Service psychologists contribute to the training on mental health...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Youth Services (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for asking this important question. Youth diversion has been in place for young people under 18 for many years. At present, a young person under 18 who commits an offence can be given access to the Garda diversion programme, including supervision by a Garda juvenile liaison officer. A diversion system can provide a second chance and enable people to avoid prosecution...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Youth Services (25 May 2023)

James Browne: On Deputy Lawless's question, we are very much aware of that situation. Amending legislation will be brought forward this year to address it. In response to Deputy Ward's question, some of the common themes that emerged from the submissions included consideration of a strategy developed specifically for young adults aged 18 to 24 who offend, grounded in evidence as to what works to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Youth Services (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for raising the question. We have significantly increased the funding for youth diversion projects. Also, I have met with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and my Civil Service staff are engaging with other Departments. I agree with the Deputy that youth diversion projects are hugely important, but we also need all our various services, whether underage addiction...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Probate Applications (25 May 2023)

James Browne: As the Deputy may be aware, the Probate Office is an office of the High Court. Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. Probate functions are also carried out by county registrars at district probate registries in 14 provincial offices. Those officeholders are also...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Probate Applications (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I certainly hear the Deputy. This is a matter we are familiar with. We want to speed up the probate process. I can confirm that a competition has been run through the Public Appointments Service to fill the country registrar vacancy in Mayo–Roscommon. That post has now been filled, with a decision having been taken by the Government on 23 May. I can further advise that where...

Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank Deputies for their contributions on this Bill. Several important points have been raised and while I will touch on some of them now, I look forward to engaging with Deputies further on them. At its heart, this legislation does two things: it places on a formal statutory footing the right to trial within a reasonable time and it establishes a simple and accessible means of...

Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023: Referral to Select Committee (30 May 2023)

James Browne: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Justice pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)(a) and 181(1).