Results 881-900 of 4,915 for speaker:Jim O'Keeffe

Garda Vetting Procedures. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I trust the Minister of State accepts this is an important issue, as we have had a number of paedophile refugees from the UK. We could certainly do with a warning system to ensure the Garda is notified. I am keen to have an assurance from the Minister of State that the system will be fully in place as soon as possible.

Garda Traffic Corps. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: The record is broken at this stage.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I am glad there is unanimity among all Opposition parties on the issue of protecting and promoting human rights. I invite the Minister to join that club. I am surprised that an issue such as the protection of human rights is not deemed sufficiently important to be a key function of the Garda Síochána. This matter was raised by the Human Rights Commission but I am not sure of the Minister's...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: If we ever get there.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I am willing to accept that.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: The word "vindicating" is stronger than the phrase "having regard to". If colleagues are agreeable, I welcome the proposal to accept my amendment as modified to use the word "vindicating". This would be stronger than subsection (4).

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I agree.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: The human rights of non-citizens must also be protected.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: It will only take me a few minutes to draw up the wording for the Chair.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: It occurs to me that the Ceann Comhairle's procedure is correct because, apart from changing one word in my amendment, it also involves deleting a subsection, as mentioned by the Minister. We probably need a minute——

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: We will in effect be deleting subsection (4).

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: That is my understanding of the situation.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I will withdraw amendment No. 27 in those circumstances.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I move amendment No. 22: In page 11, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: "(c) respecting the human rights of each individual,".

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I formally accept the Minister's amendment to my amendment.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I have no problem with it.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I move amendment No. 24: In page 11, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: "(3) In achieving its objectives and performing its functions, the Gardaí shall have available to it modern and effective communications systems and leading edge technology for the recording of crime and the collation of data.". I always held the view that the Garda Síochána should be the best police...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: In some ways what I want to do is get a message to the Garda Síochána, not just from Fine Gael but from this House——

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: ——that we expect the highest standards but are prepared to provide the best support to ensure those high standards can be achieved and maintained. I listened to the Minister's response and I take on board the fact that he accepted there is a need for the best resources and technology, whether it be from the point of view of communications or otherwise, and that they must be made available...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: The first issue I wish to comment on is how we select the top appointments in the Garda Síochána. Let us be blunt. Much of the criticism of the Garda Síochána is not concerned with the lower ranks but with management. The question is whether there is sufficient management expertise in the Garda Síochána. I am not pointing a finger at any individual at the top level of the Garda but at...