Results 581-600 of 3,337 for speaker:Patrick Costello

Garda Siochana (Functions and Operational Areas) Bill 2021: Second Stage (22 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: Like previous speakers, I agree that this is a welcome Bill in terms of its reform of Garda structures. Many Members have spoken about the lack of community gardaí and the lack of gardaí on the ground in general. The Dublin metropolitan region has made a lot of strides over the years towards small-area policing. This needs proper resources and more community gardaí....

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (21 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: 419. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider making it mandatory for all crèches to undergo inspection from Tusla upon their opening and to have regular inspections taking place once operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44438/21]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Patent Applications (22 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: 76. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current approximate wait time for first-time passport applicants to receive their passport; and when his Department estimates the wait time will return to its pre-pandemic duration. [45328/21]

Ombudsman for Children's Initiative on Eliminating Child Poverty and Child Homelessness: Statements (23 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: I thank the Minister. This is a matter that the Minister and I have spoken about at times before. I do not doubt his sincerity and commitment to addressing this issue. I am pleased to see there are commitments in the programme for Government on the difficult issue of child poverty. There has been work across government to address the issue of food poverty to ensure no child goes hungry....

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (23 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: 87. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps her Department has made to further the availability of ASD education in Dublin 8. [45689/21]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill 2021: Discussion (21 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: On the issue of data retention, the Court of Justice of the European Union is dealing with a case at present that may influence all of that. I am conscious of the various codes of practice that are required under different parts of the legislation. The Bill states: "In addition to the consultations undertaken [with certain named persons] the Commissioner may consult with any other person or...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill 2021: Discussion (21 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: I thank the Chairman. I want to continue some of my questions to the Department about elements of the drafting that I am concerned are unnecessarily broad and concerns about a lack of safeguards. Head 5(1) sets up that the use of the recording will be in areas where gardaí are legally permitted to be, where they are authorised by law or where they are expressly invited or impliedly...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill 2021: Discussion (21 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: As I said, the difference between public spaces and private spaces is addressed in head 5. It would, therefore, seem that there is a text that can be used for head 9. It is not just the issue of the time with regard to head 15. It is the urgency test. The Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Act 2012 sets up three criteria: a member of An Garda Síochána must not be below the rank...

Housing for All: Statements (Resumed) (29 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: I believe I am sharing some of that time. I certainly have not prepared to contribute for 20 minutes, and I hear incredulity from behind me at my having 20 minutes, so I assume I am sharing time with Deputies Jim O'Callaghan and Durkan.

Housing for All: Statements (Resumed) (29 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: I did not think I would be sharing that much. I had better get moving. I will be as quick as I am forced to be. I welcome the Housing for All plan. I think one of the key issues regarding the housing crisis facing renters and people looking to buy is affordability and people being unable to find suitable homes. We are talking about a home, not just a house or a place to stay. To build...

Afghanistan Crisis: Statements (29 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: I am sharing time with Deputy Haughey. Like many colleagues, I want to express my concern around the situation in Afghanistan. In some ways, it is hard to find the words to express that concern. It is a very serious, multifaceted and multilayered issue and there is an immediate urgency to it, but it also speaks to wider problems we face here and as part of a global community. On the...

Afghanistan Crisis: Statements (29 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: The reply I received stated that the decision was taken in light of the resources needed for the several missions being run in the area. The House recently passed legislation relating to being able to clarify the chain of command in the context of multinational operations. That is very useful legislation but it is only needed now, rather than also in times gone by, because we are not able...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (28 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: 243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will re-examine licensing laws surrounding mopeds recognising the excessive qualification criteria for use in Ireland which are out of step with the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46055/21]

Climate Action: Statements (30 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: It is good to discuss in the Chamber the climate action plan. We are also discussing other matters, those being the recent UN meeting and the national development plan, NDP. The national climate plan and the NDP are inextricably linked and our climate action depends on them working in harmony. Our ability to face down climate change depends on all of our plans and organs of government...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: Yes. I hope I am facing the right way.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: Apologies.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: I will lean in and speak a bit louder. One of the purposes of pre-legislative scrutiny is to ensure that we hear the voice of everyone who can contribute meaningfully to the creation of the legislation. What consultation has the Minister had with survivor groups and family groups before this? To reflect what Deputy Murnane O'Connor said, there is a need to be able to progress this as...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (30 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: 35. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on adding a human rights observation mandate to MINURSO when it is renewed in October 2021. [42383/21]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (30 Sep 2021)

Patrick Costello: 47. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the Independent Commission on Information Retrieval contained in the Stormont House Agreement which requires legislation to be passed through Dáil Éireann in the context of the current discussions in relation to legacy issues regarding the Troubles prompted by British proposals of a general...