Results 8,501-8,520 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (4 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: Officials in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Firearms Legislation (4 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: In light of public safety concernshighlighted by An Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the judiciary, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by my Department to review firearms licensing. The Report of this Working Group was published on 13 November and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Drugs-Related Intimidation (4 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: Under the National Drugs Strategy (2009-2016) framework a ‘Drug-Related Intimidation Programme’ has been established by the Garda National Drugs Unit in conjunction with the community based National Family Support Network (FSN) with the support of the HSE's Social Inclusion Unit. Under the programme, nominated Garda Inspectors for every Garda Division have been designated by...

Confidence in Taoiseach and Government: Motion (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: To speak in favour of this motion, expressing confidence in the Taoiseach and the Government, offers an opportunity to answer one of the easiest and one of the most damaging accusations that can be put to a politician, which is "You’re all the same." By its actions in recent weeks, Sinn Féin has established how untrue that accusation is. We are not all the same. We are not even...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Services Regulation (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: During the Second Stage debate on the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, the Dáil was informed of the decision taken in May 2011 not to proceed with the appointment of a Legal Services Ombudsman. This is because the oversight model proposed in the Legal Services Ombudsman Act of 2009 does not meet this Government’s policy commitment to greater independence in the regulation of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Promotions (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 to 262, inclusive, together. I am currently reviewing the range of issues referred to in your questions and where relevant I have requested responses from the Garda Commissioner. I will respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Operations (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, one of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Strength (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including Community Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. The Deputy will...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Licence Applications (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: While the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality to interpret the law or to provide advice in relation to a particular case in response to a Parliamentary Question, I can say the statutory provisions in relation to applications for a temporary dance licence or temporary music and singing licence are set out in the Public Dance...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Firearms Seizures (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the item in question has never been in the possession of An Garda Síochána.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: English Language Training Organisations (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand that the Deputy is referring to the application by the college in question for ACELS accreditation from QQI. The Deputy will be aware that from 1 January 2015, non-EEA nationals wishing to obtain a student immigration permission to study English in Ireland will only be permitted to do so at an ACELS recognised school or college. This new policy was jointly announced by myself...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: In 2014, as in previous years, my Department has provided funding to Muintir na Tire to support the operation of the Community Alert Scheme, and I expect to be in a position to continue to provide funding in 2015. In relation to the employment issues referred to, and as I have previously advised the Deputy, my Department does not employ staff in connection with the Scheme, and such issues are...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, family law proceedings are held in-cameraand the protection of the privacy of all parties is of paramount importance. The law contains a number of provisions to ensure that payments are made by spouses in support of their dependent spouses and children. The Courts Service has indicated that in the majority of maintenance cases, the Judge will order that...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Welfare (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: There is no provision for solitary confinement in the Irish Prison Service. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, on occasion, it is necessary for vulnerable prisoners and others to be separated from the general prison population. The restriction of a prisoner's regime can occur due to a number of factors, including the protection of vulnerable prisoners. This is provided for under...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: English Language Training Organisations (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together. I would advise any international student in the situation outlined by the Deputy to seek legal advice regarding the return of their funds from the private colleges in question. If they booked their course through an agent they should also enquire from that agent as to whether they are entitled to any form of learner protection from...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Repatriation Costs (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: There are no arrangements in place for funding return flights for students in this situation, arising from the closure of a private sector enterprise. As to the learner protection offered by immigration agents or consular assistance available from their embassy in Ireland or accredited to it I am not in a position to comment. The International Organisation for Migration manages Ireland's...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The matter to which the Deputy refers is amongst complaints being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Family Reunification Applications (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The position on such applications is set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification published by my predecessor on 31 December 2013. In general, the sponsor must be in a position to support such family members by not having been reliant on State benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of two years immediately prior to the application. Disability...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Investigations (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am informed by the Garda authorities that all incidents reported to Gardaí are responded to a soon as possible and any complaint made to An Garda Síochána regarding illegal hunting is fully investigated. I am further informed that the specific incident referred to by the Deputy is currently under investigation.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Seirbhísí Aistriúcháin (9 Dec 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: Faoi mar is eol don Teachta, b’fhéidir, sa bhliain 2010 ghlac an Chúirt Uachtarach leis nach bhfuil dualgas bunreachtúil ar an Stát aistriúchán comhuaineach go Gaeilge a chur ar fáil ar gach Riail Cúirte. Tá dualgas air, áfach, na Rialacha sin a chur ar fáil i nGaeilge a luaithe agus is féidir tar éis dóibh a bheith...