Results 12,461-12,480 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: Dr. Cahillane's submission referred to England to Wales and used the phrase, "assessed based on merit". She referred to the qualities of a judge, including the ability to understand and deal fairly with people and awareness of diversity of communities. In broader society, there is a perception that some judges are out of touch in some of their crazy decisions in the justice system.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: That is a broad statement. I am not naming a judge.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: There is a perception that there is a disconnect between some judicial decisions, communities and the implementation of the law. I refer to people, particularly in disadvantaged communities, who often see violent criminals getting away with light sentences while people who commit less serious crimes receive prison terms. People regularly tell me judges are out of touch. The ability to...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: Dr. Cahillane can give a general answer. I do not want to get her into trouble.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: I was surprised at some of the figures in Dr. Cahillane's submission - for example, that 30% of judges are women, and female representation is 30% in the Supreme Court, 22% in the Court of Appeal, 22% in the High Court, 42% in the Circuit Court and 30% in the District Court. I thought it would be lower. On last night's "Prime Time" there was a discussion about trying to increase female...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: Dr. Cahillane said the judges or the Government that appointed them have an excellent record in terms of independence. What is this statement based on? Her submission also stated that judges had admitted using political influence to ensure their appointments. We all know legal people who canvass for certain politicians and a few months or a year or two later become judges. How can this be...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: Is it?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: I would not agree with it.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: On the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, Dr. Kenny mentioned that we could have more lay members. Does he think that would be a good thing?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: On the broader principle, does Dr. Kenny think it would be positive?
- Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary) (26 Nov 2014) Finian McGrath: A total of 100 new recruits will start in December. Will a further 100 come on stream after Christmas?
- Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary) (26 Nov 2014) Finian McGrath: Is the cost of 400 new vehicles included in this subhead?
- Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary) (26 Nov 2014) Finian McGrath: I have received an answer. That is fair enough.
- Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary) (26 Nov 2014) Finian McGrath: I heard a figure of 17,000, but I do not know whether that is correct.
- Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Examinations (27 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: 3. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will support the integrity of the junior certificate for students by retaining the principle of having external examiners grade the examinations. [45414/14]
- Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Examinations (27 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: Will the Minister for Education and Skills support the integrity of the junior certificate for students by retaining the principle of having externally examiners grade the examinations? I welcome the debate because we need a detailed debate in this area. The bottom line is that the Government wants the abolition of an independent State assessment. School-based assessments with teachers...
- Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Examinations (27 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: The bottom line is that an independent outside examiner does not know where the pupil comes from. He does not whether the pupil is rich or poor, male or female. He is coming at it objectively. Teachers have led the charge for reform. School assessment and project work goes on every day in every school in Ireland. The Minister referred to the rationale and children dropping out of school....
- Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Examinations (27 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: The Minister is a great woman for distracting us. She is misrepresenting most teachers and educationalists. The teachers support a move away from reliance on a terminal exam, and we all support that principle. The problem is the actual assessment. Take a small school in a village or parish. What about the parents who make their presence felt every day in the primary schools and micro...
- Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Examinations (27 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: It does happen, unfortunately.
- Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Examinations (27 Nov 2014)
Finian McGrath: I never said that.