Results 6,481-6,500 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy should let the Tánaiste answer.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to share time with the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: This House has spent a considerable amount of time this week discussing the brutal killing of Shane Geoghegan. It is right that we should mark our horror and revulsion at the outrage that has taken place. We want to show solidarity with Shane's family and friends, and stand as one with the people of Limerick and throughout Ireland in their sense of shock and grief at what has taken place....

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: It is the Special Criminal Court.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I thank all the Members opposite for their comments. As I said earlier, I am open to all reasonable suggestions in regard to changes, particularly on legislation. While I do not believe it is an occasion to be political or to score political points in regard to statements about the awful death of Shane Geoghegan, at the same time I must respond to political accusations across the House. I...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Flanagan asked a question in regard to our response. We brought forward the normal security meeting which I would have on a constant basis with the Garda Commissioner and included the Taoiseach so that he could be totally apprised of the situation. The Deputy referred to the budget cut in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. When the DPP made his statement publicly, he...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: ——such as Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Munchin's and Moyross.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: CCTV cameras are already working as we speak. There are 29 mounted gardaí on bicycles. Huge resources have been put into Limerick, where there is significant difficulty. Deputy Ó Snodaigh's suggestion about digital radio is a matter for An Garda Síochána but I will raise it with its management. The Government has introduced significant criminal justice legislation in the past two...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: However, we examined the suggestion in the 2007 legislation and it was found to be unconstitutional.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The strong advice is that, particularly in the context of a jury trial, a superintendent under cross-examination may not give adverse evidence against an accused who is still innocent until proven guilty.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The registration of mobile telephones is a difficult issue which I know from my time as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. An important trial in combating mobile telephones in prisons took place at the Midlands Prison which has been successful. Recently on a visit to a prison in Italy, its authorities told me they were fascinated by the technology we will use.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The problem with blocking mobile telephone reception in prisons such as Mountjoy and Portlaoise is they have two hospitals adjacent to them. The latest technology used in the midlands has been successful and will be rolled out.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I accept that and it is a very difficult issue. What is to be done with existing mobile telephones?

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The covert surveillance legislation will be brought to the Government next week. Deputy Rabbitte did introduce a Bill in this area but it had major flaws in it, particularly regarding its oversight provisions. His Bill proposed that the oversight of covert surveillance by the Garda Síochána would be a function of the Garda Ombudsman's office. That is objectionable as they are the very...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Yes, its function is oversee complaints about the Garda. The Government's Bill will follow the same principle of judicial oversight as set out in the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993. The Deputy's Bill proposed the Garda could not operate covert surveillance, which it is doing at the moment albeit on a non-statutory basis, until it was...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: It is true.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: While I accept putting covert surveillance on a statutory footing, the reality is that it has existed for some time. It may also be the case that the Garda does not want to bring covert surveillance in particular instances into evidence in the courts. The Deputy may or may not know that as a result of the victims initiative I announced some months ago, I will soon be bringing to the...

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I have agreed the heads of the Bill and it will go to the Government next week. It will be introduced as soon as possible thereafter.

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: With regard to the drugs task forces, ultimately the division of resources in the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, but I will raise with him the issues mentioned by the Deputy. There is a programme to increase the number of sniffer dog teams for drug enforcement duties. Deputy O'Sullivan mentioned the amounts of money involved in confiscation of assets by the CAB....

Brutal Killing in Limerick: Statements. (13 Nov 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The budget of the Director of Public Prosecutions has been dramatically increased over the last number of years. I am not aware of any delays or difficulties other than the normal legal delays. With regard to practical steps for victims, I refer the Deputy to what I said a number of months ago about the Justice for Victims initiative. I am accepting many of the recommendations in the...