Results 12,381-12,400 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Other Questions: Asylum Seeker Employment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy that there are people going through the various stages of the process who have skills that could be put to good use in their occupation while awaiting a final decision. It is not open to them to apply for public service jobs, but there are many similar arrangements in the private sector and I am sure they would be welcomed in that sphere. I am committed to...

Other Questions: Asylum Seeker Employment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am very pleased to note the success of the initiative undertaken by Judge McMahon whom I thank for his engagement and ongoing interest in the area, in which he plays a very important role. My Government colleagues, including the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, and I are very appreciative of the role he plays. I am keen to ensure a first instance decision at an early date. If...

Other Questions: Garda Resources (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: As the House is aware, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is co-ordinating the whole-of-government response to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. In this capacity, he is working closely with all Ministers, including me, to address the many challenges Brexit will present in a joined-up manner. However, I emphasise that it is the...

Other Questions: Garda Resources (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I reiterate that it is the firm commitment and determination of the Government to ensure that the current border arrangements continue. In this regard, I acknowledge the repeated statements of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, in regard to the current border arrangements, a seamless border, maintaining the freedom of movement of goods and people between North and South on the island...

Other Questions: Garda Resources (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I can confirm that I have already met the Garda Commissioner designate and I look forward to working closely with him. I understand that he will take up his position in early September. I agree with Deputy O'Callaghan that be brings a unique perspective on the matter of policing across the island of Ireland. I look forward to working closely with him in this regard. There is...

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I fundamentally disagree with Deputy Wallace's description of Mr. Drew Harris as an outsider. He is not an outsider. He is a policeman, an Ulster man and an Irishman and I very much welcome his appointment.

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am sure he will lead An Garda Síochána in terms of its modernisation and reform programme. Mr. Harris is far from an outsider. He comes to the role with a wealth of experience and knowledge, not only in terms of policing in Northern Ireland, but in international policing. His relationship with An Garda Síochána down through the years will stand him in very good stead....

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Following the establishment of the commission my Department engaged with the chairperson and secretariat on its budgetary needs, as mentioned by the Deputy. Sanction was obtained from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for €1.5 million. This budget includes the expected cost for the commission, including remuneration of the members and secretariat research in the conduct...

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I very much reject the Deputy's suggestion that nothing has been done with the Garda Inspectorate's report. I cite, for example, the welcome visibility of reforms that are under way on issues such as human resources and ICT. Another example is the conduct of an independent cultural audit of An Garda Síochána, which was published in May. This was the first such audit of the...

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be well aware, the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. In this regard, Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. By way of assistance to Deputy Byrne, I...

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Deputy Byrne will be aware that it was the Fianna Fáil-led Government that closed the Garda training college in Templemore in its entirety in 2010.

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Regrettably, despite considerable progress, it will take some time to recover from the legacy of the decision to close the college in 2010. I am pleased to inform the House that funding is in place to ensure the 2021 vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 remains firmly on track. This year, a further 800 new Garda recruits will enter the Garda training college, some 400 of whom have...

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: As I said earlier, it is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to distribute the resources available to him, both in terms of personnel and equipment. I am pleased, however, to record unprecedented funding for An Garda Síochána, in excess of €1.6 billion. I am also pleased the recruitment programme is firmly on track. I recently had the privilege of attending Templemore...

Other Questions: Stardust Fire (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: My office was recently informed by legal representatives acting on behalf of the families that the Stardust campaign has formally petitioned the Attorney General to order a second inquest under the provisions of section 24 of the Coroners Act 1962. I have no role in the ordering of a second inquest under this provision and it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in regard to...

Other Questions: Stardust Fire (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Stardust Victims Committee and Ms Keegan on several occasions. However, I wish to stress again the independence of the role and function of Judge McCartan. The former judge was the choice of the committee which had been consulted in order to ensure its assistance, advice and guidance was taken on board. Judge McCartan’s...

Other Questions: Stardust Fire (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I do not have any role in the ordering, or otherwise, of a second inquest under the provisions of section 24 of the Coroners Act. This is exclusively and solely a matter for the Attorney General. My expectation would be that the Attorney General will be in contact with the lawyers acting on behalf of the families. As regards the independent report, the Government was pleased with the...

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: The distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure the optimum use is made of these resources. 12 o’clock As I have stated at committee and in the House, community policing is at the...

Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputies' comments on the importance of this legislation. I acknowledge again the leadership of Deputy Alan Kelly in this. Like the other Members, I hope we can have an early passage of the Bill. The early afternoon was mentioned by Deputy Breathnach. Let us see what we can do. At the outset I must make it clear that I will not accept the amendments tabled by Deputies...

Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I would not expect anything more from the Deputy.

Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Actually, I am not the one who has an interest in the business.