Results 721-740 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Gangland Killings. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the Minister expresses concern about this matter. However, in doing so, I say to him that the time has come to express more than concern. The situation is deteriorating quite rapidly. This year alone, there were over 100 shootings in the city of Dublin, which have been accompanied by 40 bomb attacks. As recently as last weekend, a grenade attack on a private house took...

Gangland Killings. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: Regarding firearms, the recently announced proliferation of handguns is totally unacceptable. We have had 1,600 more handguns licensed last year. The Minister expresses his acknowledgement and thanks to a High Court judge for reminding him of that situation. Could I remind him that we had drawn his attention to that by way of parliamentary question on 28 May and 17 June, to which we...

National Drugs Strategy. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: Question 54: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to address the widespread availability of illegal drugs here. [27209/08]

National Drugs Strategy. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: I join with the Minister in acknowledging the success of the Garda Síochána in seizing €4 million worth of heroin last night. However, if such a seizure took place five years ago it would have meant a shortage of heroin on the streets. This did not happen because it was the tip of the iceberg such is the problem and the difficulties involved. As far as cocaine is concerned, this week...

National Drugs Strategy. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: I regret we do not have sufficient time to probe the matter of aerodromes in a meaningful manner. Does the Minister accept a report published in February this year which states that seven aerodromes frequented by aeroplanes of international origin have not been inspected or had a visitation by anyone in the customs service? The situation in our private airports, airstrips and aerodromes is...

Garda Communications. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: Question 55: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress achieved in respect of the provision of a national digital radio system for the Garda Síochána. [27210/08]

Garda Communications. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: If I used the word "farce" in response to a previous reply given by the Minister, I must use the words "monumental fiasco" to describe this issue. We are waiting ten years for the digital radio system. Earlier this year, the Minister's predecessor engaged in a fine public relations stunt called the signing of the contract. I was present at the Garda conference when much was made of the...

Garda Communications. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: How long will it take?

Garda Communications. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: What is the Minister doing about it? Has he made representations to ComReg?

Garda Communications. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: That was not stated at the public relations stunt announcing this.

Constitutional Amendments. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: It is more than the Government has done.

Casino Regulation. (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: Perhaps I am missing something here. We are dealing with an issue which the Minister states is of some importance. He quotes from a report in his possession that no Members of this House or any members of the public have seen, yet he expects people to engage, at his invitation, in some informal group to discuss the matter. It is at least a discourtesy to Members of the House to selectively...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: PPARS.

Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste need a safe harbour.

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: The Minister made an important point in his reply to Deputy Rabbitte with regard to codification and further reports pending. I respectfully suggest we park this Bill until such time as we have further and more lengthy legislation. Earlier this year, my party indicated we would consent to the passage of an interim measure. However, since then the situation has changed substantially. The...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: It is compounded by the fact that we have merely 90 minutes to discuss it. I suggest we park it. Earlier today, the Minister spoke about all-party committees. This Bill is ideally suited to such a committee.

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: The difficulty is, as the Minister stated, this is a series of technical and necessary amendments but they are confusing. The confusion is compounded by the fact that the amendments are dependent on the Minister introducing regulations, which he proposes to do at some time in the future. We do not know what will be the import of the amendments until the regulations are drafted and the...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: The Garda will be empowered to move people on if they are, in the opinion of an officer, drunk and disorderly. How will people be moved on? Where will they be moved to? Will they be moved from one corner to the next corner of a street? Will they be moved from a park bench to the corner of the street? Will they be moved from outside the public house to outside the chipper? The wording is...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: What will be the practical import of the amendments and the regulations? Deputy Ó Snodaigh made a reasonable point. An alleged offender will be questioned by a garda, presumably at the scene of the public disorder or drunken state. He or she will be taken to the Garda station and an arrest will be made followed by a caution and a charge. Is it envisaged the person will be released at...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Jul 2008)

Charles Flanagan: If a person opts to go to court, will that choice result in a greater penalty? Will going to court militate against the citizen?