Results 7,621-7,640 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Criminal Law (11 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Any level of crime that is motivated by hate or prejudice is a matter of concern and figures for recorded incidents involving discrimination are published by the CSO. I can inform the Deputy that, in 2016, there were 308 recorded incidents with a discrimination motive. I would also like to note that 2016 was also the first year in which the CSO figures fully reflect the changes in the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Data (11 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, to collate the specific information requested by the Deputy on the number of vehicles seized by the Gardaí and disposed of for each year from 2010 to 2016 would require An Garda Síochána to manually search and review all seizure and disposals records held within each Garda Division, which would involve a disproportionate use...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Strength (11 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (11 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I must inform the Deputy that there are currently no plans to provide a grant scheme such as the one outlined in his question. However, I want to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs who target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property crime. As the Deputy is aware, Operation...

Leaders' Questions (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Not here you will not.

Leaders' Questions (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: More threats.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the urgency and importance of this legislation. What the leader of the Labour Party has said is accurate. I very much regret that the deadline of the end of term is most unlikely now to be met. I assure the Deputy and the House that every effort is being made at drafting stage to have this legislation signed off and published. I expect this will happen during the summer...

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy should not be quoting people who are not in the House.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This is not sibling rivalry; it is constituency rivalry.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This is a very important issue, notwithstanding the fact that there is not any promised legislation.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have questions this afternoon on the matter. I assure the Deputy that it is a priority for me in the context of my Ministry and with particular reference to rural crime. I have raised the issue with the Garda authorities at the highest level. I am anxious to ensure that we can continue to roll out what is a very successful initiative in conjunction with community alert and voluntary...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Anti-Terrorism Measures (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The recent attacks in London and Manchester were barbaric acts of senseless violence that targeted defenceless people. They fit a sadly familiar pattern of terrorism that has blighted many countries around the world. The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely, and there is no specific information relating to any threat to Ireland from...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Anti-Terrorism Measures (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy on the importance of measures in this regard. The Garda authorities have been implementing all necessary security measures proportionate to the threat, and all relevant agencies co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Garda Síochána will continue to take all possible steps to deal with any threat to this country, combining its strong...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Anti-Terrorism Measures (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The point raised by the Deputy is not unreasonable. However, the arrangements that are currently in place have served the State very well in countering threats to the security of the State over the years, particularly from terrorism and terrorist acts in the course of the Troubles during our lifetime. While public discourse and debate on terrorism, its impact on communities and threats to...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As was mentioned by the Taoiseach in the House last week, the issues relating to the recent trial of persons, including Deputy Paul Murphy, involved in water charge protests in Jobstown have been considered and processed by the appropriate State authorities, which are established under the Constitution and by statute enacted by the Oireachtas. Following a Garda investigation and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy appears to be basing his question on public commentary by the Taoiseach. I am aware of those comments. However, the key issue remains that this case was fully considered before the court and a verdict was returned after due and careful consideration over a lengthy period. This point was made by the Taoiseach at the outset. Regarding concerns that have been voiced about the role...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy says he wishes to get to the bottom of the issue. Addressing questions in this House is perhaps not the best means of getting to the bottom of the issue.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Deputy O'Brien will be fully aware that if any citizen, including a Deputy, is not satisfied with the manner in which he or she has been dealt with by An Garda Síochána, it is open to that person to contact the GSOC, the independent body charged specifically with receiving complaints from members of the public concerning members of An Garda Síochána. Contact with GSOC can...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Rural Crime (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs that target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property crime to which he referred. As the Deputy will be aware, Operation Thor entails a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Rural Crime (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the importance of community-based support groups and voluntary organisations, which continue to be assisted by my Department in many endeavours. I am familiar with the report to which the Deputy refers, which was compiled by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association. I welcome the report and similar reports and look forward to giving all of them due consideration when...