Results 13,781-13,800 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (5 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that in general terms, anyone who held an existing right of residency in the State, for example, on Stamp 1 terms (work permit), Stamp 2 (student permission) or Stamp 3 (spouse or dependant) and who wished to have their immigration status upgraded, in accordance with the judgment was directed by INIS to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Civil Legal Aid (5 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy may be aware, on 22nd January 2016 the Government announced a scheme to help persons who are insolvent and in mortgage arrears on their home, to access independent financial and legal advice. This scheme is being co-ordinated by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection, and with the involvement of agencies including the Insolvency Service of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Transport Provision (5 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am informed by Garda management that there are no plans at present to purchase command and control...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Transport Expenditure (5 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am informed by Garda management that the Office of Government Procurement is responsible for the awarding of the contract for the supply of fuel to the fleet of An Garda Síochána and that the current contract runs until 31 January 2017. I understand that the contract was put out to tender in 2013 and that the current Fuel Charge Card Framework Agreement began on 1 February 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Station Refurbishment (5 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has the primary responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and works closely with the Garda authorities in this regard. I am happy to inform the Deputy that the provision at Naas Garda Station of a new property and exhibit management storage facility was included in the Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (6 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: What a refreshing speech we heard from Deputy Eamon Ryan, who noted how important it is even occasionally to comment on what is going well. If we could do that even occasionally in this House we would be able to think more clearly and find better solutions to the many problems out there. I believe the people watching today, the citizens, would welcome it, because there are things that are...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, the Taoiseach and I recently met with senior Garda management and were briefed on the significant progress being made in investigations into recent gang-related murders in the Dublin region. As these appalling crimes, which we all condemn, are the subject of ongoing Garda investigations, it would not be appropriate for me to make detailed comment on them. However,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The money made available continues to be used. I have told the Garda Commissioner that, if further money is needed for overtime resources, it will be made available. The Taoiseach and I gave her that reassurance. A budget is available for that purpose. Contrary to reports, there has been no cutting back of patrols in the Dublin area. The Garda Commissioner continues to make the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: No.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Quite a lot has happened. It has been advertised within the Garda and there have been hundreds of applications. Interviews must take place and are beginning. It is hoped that, once the extensive interviews and assessments have been completed, the unit will comprise approximately 55 gardaí and three sergeants. I will send the Deputy the details. The unit will operate in the Dublin...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Reports (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Last week I published the report of the O'Higgins commission into certain matters relevant to the Cavan-Monaghan division of An Garda Síochána. It is a report that deserves the most careful consideration in order that we can do everything possible to avoid a repeat of the mistakes and issues outlined in it, particularly from the victims' perspective. I am sure most Deputies will...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Reports (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The first point I would make on the Deputy's question is one I made when publishing the report, namely, that we should not lose sight of the central fact that at its heart are the victims who were let down. That was a very key point for all of us to note. Our central focus should be on doing everything possible to make sure what is outlined in the investigations does not happen again. ...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Reports (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I stress that it would be highly unusual to ask one party to a legal proceeding to disclose to another party its dealings with its legal representatives. Imagine if such a demand were made of everybody who gave evidence to a commission of investigation. It is important that people have confidence in the commission of investigation structure. More than 97 witnesses were called to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: This question also relates to the commission of investigation carried out by Mr. Justice Kevin O'Higgins. I thank Mr Justice O'Higgins and his team for the manner in which they fulfilled their mandate. Mr. Seán Guerin, on presenting his report to Cabinet, recommended the establishment of a commission of investigation into all of the matters addressed in his report. The Cabinet...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Protected Disclosures Act was important legislation. Many organisations face challenges and need cultural change in order to deal and work effectively with whistleblowers. I believe the legislative framework we now have in place supports this and is helpful in terms of how whistleblowers within An Garda Síochána are dealt with. I have discussed this subject on a number of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: On cultural change, I obviously rely on the answers given to questions I ask and the reports I get from An Garda Síochána. Looking back at the controversy in regard to penalty points, the Garda involved Sergeant McCabe in that process. Also, based on the information I have on the position in regard to Sergeant McCabe, I believe the cultural change Deputy Howlin mentioned is in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: We now have the report, which shows very clearly that the former Minister, Alan Shatter, operated properly and that there is no question of any corruption relating to the Commissioner. There will be a debate in the House. The former Deputy has written to the Taoiseach and there will be a detailed response.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Strength (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Deputy Collins asks about the visibility of police throughout the country. Key to achieving that goal is the commitment in the programme for partnership Government to continue the ongoing accelerated garda recruitment programme. Templemore had been closed but the last Government made a decision to open Templemore and begin a process of continuous and ongoing recruitment. There is agreement...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Strength (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: 3 o’clock With the numbers of trainee gardaí who are to be attested this year, the force will come to approximately 13,000. I agree with the Deputy that, in order to reach 15,000 in a timely way, we will need to accelerate the intake. Obviously, I will be having discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in that regard. Perhaps by September we will be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Strength (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I agree with the Deputy on the need for transparency in the criteria to be used in the reopening of stations and that certainly will be the case. It is an operational matter, but, clearly, I expect the Policing Authority to oversee this work and there to be discussions between the authority and the Garda Commissioner. Nonetheless, it is an operational decision that will depend on needs and...