Results 8,061-8,080 of 9,409 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Seanad: EU-UK Youth Experience Scheme: Motion (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Senators for their kind reception and illuminating comments. I agree with Senator Clifford-Lee. This proposal is an easier task that I have here at the outset of my career appearing before the Seanad. I must say, however, that it could be a consequential one. If we find ourselves in a situation a number of years from now whereby an agreement is in place for a youth scheme between...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Correspondence (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visa was issued on 10 February 2025. The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: as an Oireachtas member, you can also request the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Deputy will appreciate that my Department has no role with respect to the processing of visa applications from Irish nationals or other persons residing in Ireland who wish to travel to other jurisdictions. Insofar as visa applications to travel to Ireland are concerned, I am advised that the issue identified occurs infrequently and should the Deputy wish to submit the person's name and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sentencing Policy (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 513, 529, 566 and 567 together. It is important to emphasise that the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, including sentencing. The Judicial Council Act 2019 provided for the establishment of an...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 January 2025, there were 22 Garda members of Detective...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Ceremonies (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Last week, I was pleased to attend, as Minister, the first Citizenship Ceremonies of 2025. These took place on 13 and 14 February at the Convention Centre Dublin. I can advise the Deputy that planning is underway for the next citizenship ceremonies to be held in the second quarter of this year but no date has been set at this time. My Department is committed to providing regular...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Probation and Welfare Service (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The number of Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE) Probation Officers, by grade, employed by the Department of Justice, as of 10 February 2025 are:14 Assistant Principal Probation Officers49.9 Senior Probation Officers243.6 Probation Officers In addition, there are 31 WTE Probation Assistants that support the functions of Probation Officers.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Offences (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions. This Government is committed to tackle anti social behaviour in our communities by ensuring that An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Bench Warrants (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 519, 520, 521 and 522 together. It is a central priority for me as Minister that our immigration laws are robust and enforced. The removal of persons in the immigration system who are involved in criminality or who are a danger to society is an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters and the administration of the PULSE system. As Minister, I have no role in decisions related to the information recorded on PULSE. I am advised by the Garda authorities that where...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 524, 525 and 526 together. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. I can advise the Deputy that the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sentencing Policy (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It is important to emphasise firstly that the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. Judges are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, including sentencing. The Judicial Council Act 2019 established an independent Judicial Council, and, within that body, a Sentencing Guidelines and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sentencing Policy (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It is important to emphasise that the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, including sentencing. The Judicial Council Act 2019 provided for the establishment of an independent Judicial Council, and, within that body, a Sentencing...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Funding (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Neither my Department, nor any of its aegis bodies, have been in receipt of funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period specified.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes the enforcement of all applicable legislation. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, this was...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The State Claims Agency (SCA) manages personal injury and third-party property damage claims against the State and State authorities, including An Garda Síochána. The SCA also manages claims for legal costs against the State and State authorities. Each claim is assessed on its own merits by the State Claims Agency. I have no remit over the agency as Minister for Justice, and any...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Abortion Services (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The right to protest is guaranteed under the Constitution. Of course, people do not have the right to behave in a way that causes others to fear for their safety, and An Garda Síochána monitors protest activity where there is potential for breaches of public order. The rule of law, human rights and the principle of proportionality are respected at all times. The policing of any...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Official Engagements (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The information requested by the Deputy in relation to my engagements since being appointed as Minister is contained in the attached document. In relation to Minster Helen McEntee and Minister of State James Browne, their diaries up to the end of 2024 are published at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/collection/ab070-ministerial-diaries/. In addition, Minister Browne attended the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Contracts (18 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.