Results 12,661-12,680 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: We were in touch with Mr. Haughton last week. I understand that he is waiting on the family to revert to him with some answers. It is only right that we should give them the space to respond to him. I cannot interfere in the process, as it is ongoing. Like the Deputy, I hope that Mr. Haughton will make a recommendation as soon as possible.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Public Inquiries (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. First, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the tragic events in Hartstown last December, and in particular to the family of George Nkencho. As is the case in every incident involving the Garda that results in the death of a person, the shooting is being fully and independently investigated by GSOC, which is chaired by a High...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Public Inquiries (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I accept what the Deputy is saying but I want to be very clear that GSOC is the body that has been established to carry out these investigations. It has full powers and the authority to carry out a criminal investigation. It was set up to investigate issues such as this. The Deputy may be interested to know that agreement has been reached so that local gardaí in Blanchardstown will...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Public Inquiries (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Deputy mentioned that the Nkencho family had been abused, which is disgraceful and should not be happening. Regarding GSOC's powers, it is a statutorily independent body, which was established to investigate matters such as this. It can also make wider systematic recommendations on issues it investigates. In fact, a GSOC investigation constitutes a much more powerful and intrusive...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Wheelock family for their terrible loss, and the pain Terence's tragic death has caused to them. I am very conscious that yesterday, 2 June, was the 16th anniversary of the events which led to Terence's death in September 2005 and I know that this will be a difficult week for the family. My Department has...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: What can I say, but that this is another very sad situation for a family? I note the Deputy mentioned the cells being upgraded, which they have been. The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities, as the Deputy will be aware, in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, OPW. I am informed by the Garda authorities that...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Again, I want to express my sympathy to the family. As I said earlier, Terence's tragic death was the subject of a comprehensive GSOC inquiry which was published in 2010 and is available on the GSOC website. A settlement was also reached in the courts. As Minister for Justice I cannot comment upon or intervene in the outcome of any GSOC inquiry, nor can I comment upon the outcome of any...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Before I answer the Deputy's question, I thank Deputy Cathal Crowe for his kind comments. I know the rest of the Deputies will join me in congratulating the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on the birth of her lovely son, Michael Shane. We wish her well in her maternity leave. I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for raising this matter. As she will be aware, retirement of all members of An Garda...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I thank Deputies Conway-Walsh and Calleary. The Garda Commissioner, with the consent of the Minister, can extend the age of retirement of a Garda member where this is in the interests of the efficiency of the Garda Síochána due to special qualifications or experience in policing possessed by that member. In terms of the Covid-19 pandemic, Garda members who had reached the age...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I agree absolutely with Deputy Calleary. We need to be proactive and look at things through the lens of a modern world, where we are all living longer and are much healthier, thank God. My Department is currently carrying out a review of the mandatory maximum retirement age of 60 for the Garda Síochána. This review is taking account of retirement ages that apply generally across...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: This question relates to the training An Garda Síochána receives with regard to autism. In reply to Deputy Conway-Walsh's previous question, I am happy to look at any case and recommendation the Commissioner makes to me. I understand that he advertised to see if people wanted to stay on and it was up to them to make an application. I do not have the figures here but I can...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Deputy is absolutely correct that Adam Harris is a great advocate for people with autism. There is great work going on and great co-operation between his organisation and the Garda. We are very supportive of that. As I said, a specific training programme on autism awareness is expected to be released on the Garda learning management system on 1 July 2021.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: It is good that this work is ongoing, including on another phase of training for the human rights champions initiative. That will involve representative bodies, including Mental Health Ireland, ADHD Ireland, AsIAm, Merchant's Quay Ireland, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and the National Disability Authority. The Garda Síochána has carried out a number of changes to...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Department of Justice is making COVID-19 specific funding available to assist organisations working to support victims of crime, including victims of domestic, sexual and gender based abuse, in response to the increased demand for services during the pandemic. Additional funding of almost €378,000 was provided to organisations for additional services for Victims of Crime and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Garda Strategy Statement 2022- 2024 will set out An Garda Síochána’s long-term operational priorities, as well as the key focus areas within the organisation, framed by the actions contained in A Policing Service for our Future, the Government's implementation plan for the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. I am informed that An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Cybersecurity Policy (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: My Department takes the issues of cyber security very seriously and implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach. The Information Management and Technology (IM&T) unit operates and monitors all relevant systems to the highest levels, and is closely engaged with colleagues in the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the National Cyber Security...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Northern Ireland (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and I know that he has campaigned over many years on behalf of the families of the victims of the Belturbet bombing. Like him and many others, I would also hold the view that the perpetrators of this appalling atrocity should be brought to justice. Nearly 50 years ago, on 28 December 1972, bombs exploded in three border towns, Clones, Co....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I would like to start by offering my own deepest sympathies to the parents and family of the late Shane O'Farrell. Shane's death was a dreadful tragedy and a huge loss for his family and for his community. As the Deputy will be aware, a highly respected retired Judge, Gerard Haughton, has been conducting a scoping exercise into the tragic circumstances surrounding Shane O'Farrell's...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Data Protection (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Data Protection Commission is independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers. As the Deputy will appreciate this means it does not report to me or my Department, nor has my Department any oversight or enforcement powers in relation to the Commission. The Commission operates...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (3 Jun 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Garda Commissioner has introduced the new Garda Operating Model and it is designed to make the Division the central unit of policing administration, rather than the current District model. This is to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive policing service and will help strengthen the focus on Community Policing by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána has a long...