Results 12,181-12,200 of 15,908 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Ukraine War (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that EU Council Implementing Decision 2022/382 applied the provisions of the Temporary Protection Directive to persons displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including persons recognised as refugees in Ukraine. At a meeting of EU Home Affairs Ministers on 13 June 2024, political agreement was reached to extend the Temporary Protection Directive until March...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. The person concerned is a minor and their naturalisation certificate will be issued by registered post shortly. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them. The unprecedented allocation of over...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: The person referred to by the Deputy was issued a letter refusing permission to remain in the state on 7 November 2019. In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned. These representations, together with all other information and documentation on...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. It...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: My Department has no role in the issuing of visas to enter the Schengen Area. Any queries relating to Schengen visas should be addressed to the immigration authorities of the country the person intends to visit. All travellers should check with the carrier (airline or ferry company) to ascertain what documents they require for travel.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Ukraine War (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: Based on the information supplied it has unfortunately not been possible identify records for either person referred to by the Deputy. If they have not yet received their Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) letter they should visit a Ukraine Support Centre. There are currently 3 Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. They are at the following locations: Citywest Hotel,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Probate Applications (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy is aware as Minister for Justice, I have no role in the exercise of Probate functions. The Probate Office is an office of the High Court, and management of the courts is the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Probate...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain absolutely committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. In 2024, I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána which represents a 25% increase on 2020. A new recruitment campaign was...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: Restricting an accused person’s liberty prior to trial is a very serious matter, given the constitutional presumption of innocence and the presumptive entitlement to remain at liberty that flows from that. The State’s bail laws do provide for the refusal of bail in certain circumstances, but as the Deputy is aware, judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. However, it is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process, and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to tackle drug dealing and associated criminal behaviour, including by organised crime groups. The funding made available to An Garda Síochána has enabled the Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime. These include the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that educational and rehabilitation facilities are available in all prisons throughout the country and all prisoners, including first time offenders, have access to those services. Teachers and Work and Training Officers support and encourage those in custody on a daily basis in what can be a very challenging environment. Education and Work and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Anti-Terrorism Measures (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, combatting terrorism is a top priority for the Government, working with other countries in Europe and the international community. Protecting Europeans from terrorism is one of the strategic priorities set out in the European Commission’s Security Union Strategy covering the period 2020 – 2025. In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Human Trafficking (20 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime that preys on some of the most vulnerable, and is committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights. Across Government, we acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and are determined to reach and help those who have been affected by it and to take them out of these horrific situations. ...

Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009: Motions (25 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: I move: That Dáil Éireann resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2024 and ending on 29th June, 2025. The two motions before the House seek the approval of Dail Eireann to continue in force provisions in the Offences Against the...

Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009: Motions (25 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: As I did not do so earlier, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. I had the pleasure of meeting him on many occasions. I know people remember him fondly for many different reasons, in particular his wonderful and colourful coverage of our national sports. Later on, as the Minister of State with responsibility for older...

Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009: Motions (25 Jun 2024)

Helen McEntee: I move: That Dáil Éireann resolves that section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 (No. 32 of 2009) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2024 and ending on 29th June, 2025.