Results 1,141-1,160 of 4,787 for speaker:Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Industrial Relations (Members of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces) Bill 2015: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Apr 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: It is a shame that Deputy Calleary cannot stay for the remainder of the debate, as I was going to respond to some of his points. However, seeing as it is Friday morning, I will leave the political footballing for another time. The House will see that in respect of the members of An Garda Síochána, the Government currently has the main issue raised in this Bill under detailed...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Ombudsman for Children Reports (29 Apr 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: As indicated at the launch of Ms Logan's Report in July 2014, the Minister for Justice and Equality fully accepted the Inquiry’s recommendations in relation to engagement with and supports for the Roma community. An Implementation Group, chaired by the Department of Justice and Equality, which comprised membership from all relevant Government Departments and Agencies, was established...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan (6 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government continues to prioritise the needs of people with disabilities. Responsibility for coordinating policy on disability lies with my Department. However, the implementation of sectoral policy is a matter for a number of Government Departments, with responsibility for provision of services resting mainly with the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes (6 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Seanad: Appointment of Receivers: Motion (6 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I welcome the opportunity to discuss the topic of mortgages and receivers. This issue forms part of the overall context of mortgage arrears and it should be recognised that things are improving in this area. There has been a welcome increase in engagement between borrowers and lenders which has resulted in over 115,000 sustainable...

Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: The Minister for Justice and Equality, who introduced the Bill in this House last evening, regrets that she is unable to be here today and I am pleased to stand in for her for the remainder of the debate. On behalf of the Minister, I wish to thank the House for giving its time to this most important matter. I thank Deputies for their contributions, comments and general if not unanimous...

Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014: Referral to Select Committee (7 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and 126(1) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business and paragraph (8) of the Orders of Reference of Select Committees.

Topical Issues: Garda Strength (7 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality who regrets she cannot be present due to other official commitments. She is grateful to the Deputies for raising this important matter in the House, one of importance not just for Kildare, but for the country and society as a whole. The Minister has asked me to assure the Deputies that she is, of course, aware of the...

Topical Issues: Garda Strength (7 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: On behalf of the Minister, I again thank the Deputies for raising this important issue. I will share the points that have been made with her. As I said, the Minister has been assured by the Garda Commissioner that the necessary and appropriate actions are being taken in response to the threats that have been made, as we would all expect. There is no question of resources constraining the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Local Drugs Task Forces Review Report (7 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 to 175, inclusive, together. As the Deputy will be aware, the conclusions of a review of the future direction and role of Drugs Task Forces and the national structures that underpin the general drugs area were announced in December 2012. The review recommended a series of changes to better equip the Task Forces to respond to the current pattern of...

Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014): Second Stage [Private Members] (8 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I welcome the opportunity to respond to the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014, introduced by my colleague, Deputy Eamonn Maloney, and commend him on the work he has put into this measure. Unfortunately, the Minster for Justice and Equality cannot be here today to address the House due to a prior engagement elsewhere. As Deputy...

Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014): Second Stage [Private Members] (8 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: No, they have not.

Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014): Second Stage [Private Members] (8 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: It is 9.8%.

Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014): Second Stage [Private Members] (8 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: Since 2009 there has been an effective 9.8% reduction.

Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014): Second Stage [Private Members] (8 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: The Irish Timeshas already accepted that the relevant report was wrong.

Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014): Second Stage [Private Members] (8 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: Deputy Maloney will appreciate my earlier point about the Government’s ongoing review of this area and that it does not intend to oppose the Bill. I commend the Deputy for introducing this Bill. It is typical of the work he has done in this House, focusing attention on issues of this nature. He has been working diligently in this area for many years, even before he was elected to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: UN Conventions Ratification (19 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I refer the Deputy to previous answers on this issue on 16 April and 23 April 2015. The Government has given a firm commitment to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and intends to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. As the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Equality Issues (19 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I have met TENI, as has my predecessor as Minister of State for Equality, and I am of course happy to do so again to discuss issues for which I have Ministerial responsibility. I should point out that the legislation in which they are particularly interested - the Gender Recognition Bill - is a matter for the Department of Social Protection and any issues the group is concerned about in that...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Local Drugs Task Forces Funding (19 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together. In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Department of Health (DOH) administers a Drugs Initiative which primarily funds community based drugs initiatives supported by Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. In addition, the Health Service Executive (HSE) also funds community based drugs initiatives supported by the Task...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Rehabilitation Clinics (19 May 2015)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.