Results 7,501-7,520 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Investigations (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am informed that this complex matter remains under Garda investigation and on completion of enquiries an investigation file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction. The Deputy will appreciate that in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am aware that there has been correspondence on this matter over a considerable period of time. If the individual at the centre of these allegations now wishes to write to me setting out clearly the nature and basis of his concerns, I am prepared to consider referring the matter for review under the mechanism established, following a Government decision, for the independent review by...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Irish Prison Service (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Irish Prison Service publishes on its website (www.irishprisons.ie) prisoner population figures for all institutions on a daily basis. The number of those under 18 year years of age remanded in custody to St. Patrick's Institution can change on a daily basis depending on court outcomes. However I can advise the Deputy that on Wednesday 30th July, 2014, there were two 17 year old...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Offences (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the number of fixed charge penalty notices issued to drivers by An Garda Síochána in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 for the offence of driving while using a mobile phone; the number of these drivers who did not pay the mandatory penalty fixed under the notice within 56 days and were summoned to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Offences (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system. The Road Traffic Act...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 to 665, inclusive, 669, 685, 692 and 693 together. The Direct Provision system is managed by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department. For the most part, this represents a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for providing suitable accommodation for asylum seekers on a full board basis. RIA currently provides full...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 667 together. The Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 provides for the establishment of an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including direct provision, and supports for asylum seekers. I plan to establish this group in the near future. In advance of establishing the group I am...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Accommodation Provision (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that on 1st July 2014, 1,978 prisoners were accommodated in single cells which accounted for almost 50% of all prisoners in custody on that date (4,003). In addition, there were 784 cells which accommodated 2 prisoners, 111 cells which accommodated 3 prisoners and 31 cells which accommodated 4 or more prisoners. As the Deputy will appreciate the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Correspondence (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to advise the Deputy that the correspondence referred to in the question was received by my Department on 26June 2014 and a detailed response issued on 23 July 2014. I can also advise the Deputy that a further letter has been received from the same person and a reply is being prepared, which will issue shortly.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 671 to 677, inclusive, together. The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of judicial appointments from 2010 to date in 2014 is set out in the tables. The Deputy will be aware that, under the Constitution, judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government. The current process for the appointment of judges in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Transport Provision (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the replacement of Garda vehicles is reviewed on an ongoing basis in the context of operational priorities and available funding. There are currently...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Transport Provision (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational circumstances and the availability of resources. I am advised by the Garda authorities that during 2013 83 Garda vans were allocated to the Garda fleet and 29 Garda vans were withdrawn from the fleet. I am also advised that there are currently no plans to purchase...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Funding (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Department of Justice and Equality provided no financial or other assistance to NGOs in relation to the event referred to.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Station Closures (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on requirements which are established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for capital expenditure in this area. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that plans for the provision of new Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Investigations (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Garda Síochána Act 2005 established the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to receive complaints from members of the public concerning the conduct of members of the Garda Síochána. The Act stipulates that the Ombudsman Commission is independent in the exercise of its functions. I have no role in the processing of individual complaints which are referred to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Deportation Orders Data (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that arising from the refusal of an asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), a person is notified by letter that the Minister proposes to make a Deportation Order in respect of them. They are given the following options, to be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Proposed Legislation (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 703 together. There is already legislation in place to address trafficking for the purpose of sex and those organising prostitution or living off the earnings of prostitutes. The Deputies' questions appear to refer to the Justice Committee's "Report on hearings and submissions on the Review of Legislation on Prostitution". I am examining the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Appointments to State Boards (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Chair designate of the Authority is meeting with the members of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality today and I expect to be in a position to make a formal announcement in relation to the appointment of the board shortly.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Child Maintenance Issues (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases that may be or have been the subject of an application under the UN Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance. Such applications are facilitated by the Irish Central Authority for International Maintenance Recovery which is located in my Department. I understand that the individual...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Agreements (17 Sep 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: My Department is working on a number of pieces of legislation which I believe will assist in Ireland being fully compliant with the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention. The legislation under development includes the Government commitment to introduce consolidated and...