Results 7,321-7,340 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: I thank Dr. Connolly for sharing his fascinating insights into this extremely complex issue. I call on Mr. John Twomey to make his opening statement.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: There is a mobile phone on somewhere. Could those present check their phones and make sure they are turned off or put in aeroplane mode? Otherwise, they interfere with the sound system. My apologies for interrupting.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: I thank Ms Metcalfe for a very powerful presentation and for her honesty. There is a lot of food for thought there. I also recognise the presence of Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan. She is not a member of the committee but she is most welcome. I invite her to engage with the witnesses. Deputy Finian McGrath is the rapporteur and has indicated that he has a number of questions.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: Does Dr. Connolly want to reply to that?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: Does Deputy Mac Lochlainn have another question?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: What is coming across for me - and, I am sure, for Deputy Mac Lochlainn as well, is how complex this is. One could probably fill the community with gardaí all the time and it still would not solve the problem because it is so complex and entrenched. I have one or two questions myself, if I may. Dr. Connolly mentioned a presumptive drug testing system for the possession of cannabis;...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: It is in your study.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: There is a distinction between decriminalising and legalising. There is the impact on youngsters found with a small amount of cannabis. Some 80% of drug prosecutions are for possession offences, involving cannabis in many cases. This must be prosecuted and the young person then has a criminal record for the rest of his or her life, which can have other consequences later if he or she needs...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: I thank Mr. O'Driscoll.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: As a Government Deputy, I agree with Ms Metcalfe on the need to have a drugs Minister.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: To support Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn's comments, this is not just an issue in urban areas; it affects rural areas across the State.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: We need to focus on it more. It is a serious issue. I am also concerned about the health aspect. This is not the health committee, but the issue has an impact on the health service also. It impacts on a range of matters across the board. Perhaps there should be an Oireachtas committee specifically devoted to this issue, as it is so important.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: Does Mr. Twomey wish to contribute?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: Water protests were mentioned. Are they taking resources away from the work the Garda is doing?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: Does Deputy Finian McGrath wish to ask a further question?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: And possibly linked with the drugs trade.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: As Mr. Twomey probably knows, we are working on the licensing of firearms.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: Will Mr. Courage provide details of what it involves?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: We visited the Forensic Science Laboratory last week. It needs extra resources and support, but we were impressed by the work it did.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Effects of Gangland Crime: Discussion (18 Feb 2015)
David Stanton: The need for more research was the main point.