Results 10,101-10,120 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality: Motion (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I move:That Dáil Éireann: approves the calling of a Citizens’ Assembly to consider the following matter and to make such recommendations as it sees fit and report to the Houses of the Oireachtas: — to advance gender equality by bringing forward proposals that:— challenge the remaining barriers and social norms and attitudes that facilitate gender...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: In the time available it has not been possible to compile up-to-date information in the format requested by the Deputy. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Youth Diversion Projects (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The allocated budget for Garda Youth Diversion Projects in 2019 is approximately €15.3m and increase of 10% would bring the allocation to approximately €16.83m. This provision includes funding to support the operation of 106 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) currently. These projects are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: All accommodation centres providing services to persons seeking international protection are subject to an inspection programme.  Each centre is programmed to receive three inspections annually. Two of these inspections are carried out by staff of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) and the third is carried out by an independent company (QTS Limited). All...

Seanad: Parole Bill 2016: Second Stage (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank the Acting Chairman. I am pleased to address the House today on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality. I want to acknowledge Deputy Jim O’Callaghan’s role in originally drafting this Private Members’ Bill. Although it has been extensively amended by Government after a massive work programme in the Department of Justice and Equality, its core substance...

Seanad: Parole Bill 2016: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank Senators for their contributions and I acknowledge their concerns and passion. Similar concerns were raised and passion displayed when the Bill went through the Dáil last week. The issues raised by Senator McDowell and other Senators will be dealt with on Committee Stage on Thursday. The subject matter of the Bill is difficult and the balancing act required is very...

Seanad Public Consultation Committee: Travellers Towards a More Equitable Ireland Post-Recognition: Discussion (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: Good morning everybody, Senators, ladies and gentlemen. I thank the committee for inviting me here today to this unusual but very important event to speak at the committee hearings on the specific theme of Traveller participation and politics. These hearings promise to provide valuable insights on the current situation of Travellers in Ireland and on issues needing to be addressed. Those...

Seanad Public Consultation Committee: Travellers Towards a More Equitable Ireland Post-Recognition: Discussion (9 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I must excuse myself at this stage.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gender Recognition (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: On 8 March 2019, Ireland became the 34th out of 47 members of the Council of Europe to have ratified the Istanbul Convention. The Government has committed in the National Strategy for Women and Girls to considering gender impact in the development of new strategies and the review of existing strategies. It will also require all public bodies to assess and identify the human rights of women...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The figures requested by the Deputy are contained in the following table. It should be noted that the average length of stay in Direct Provision accommodation has reduced from 32 months in 2015 to 24 months at the end of 2018 and significant efforts are being made by my officials to further reduce this period. More generally, as you are aware, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank the Chairman and colleagues on the committee for the opportunity to comment. The amendment proposed to our laws under this Bill comprises an interim reform measure. While it is limited, it will have the effect of modernising and clarifying the provisions of what is, as matters stand, greatly outdated legislation. I imagine everyone agrees with that. Work on comprehensive...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank the Deputy for tabling the amendments. My response is similar to responses I have given to representatives of a private members' club on the text submitted. I wish to provide some background. Early in the debate on the Bill, I made the point repeatedly that the existence of such clubs arises on foot of constitutional protection. Members' clubs are not governed by the Gaming and...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank colleagues for their questions. I will do my best to respond to them. If I miss something, they might remind me of it. Deputy Pringle asked about GAA clubs and so on. These amendments have nothing to do with any of them, so there is no cause for concern there. A number of colleagues asked about timelines and so on. I said in my opening remarks that we would not see the heads...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The Gambling Control Bill provides for the establishment of a social fund through a levy on the industry, which will be used specifically to help people with gambling problems and addictions. It will also fund research which is important and provide information and education to people about the dangers of gambling. If someone has an addiction issue, that is a health issue and my colleague,...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: Deputy Jack Chambers rightly pointed out earlier on that this is the first Bill since 1956 dealing with gambling. I have worked hard, as have many of us here, to get this to this point. The gambling levy is not there yet because the main legislation is not there yet but, when it comes in, it will be there. Deputy Fitzpatrick made some good points and I will contact the Minister of State,...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: We are making gambling under 18 years of age an offence. It will not be allowed anywhere and it is the first time it is being done. Section 18 lists the offences and lays out the punishments. There are consequences if people break the law in this area. Enforcement is a matter for the enforcement authority, the Garda and others. The amendments proposed relate to the maximum stakes and...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: We might go together.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: Some attempts have been made in the media. On the situation in the United Kingdom, there is a category of machines colloquially known as fixed odds betting terminals, FOBTs. Four of these machines were allowed per shop, which led to a big increase in the number of pop-up bookmakers. The UK Government has reduced the maximum stake for the four category B gaming machines to £2. There...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: No.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: No; we do not want to have them here at all.