Results 14,301-14,320 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: On the issue of prison escorts, only yesterday I brought to Cabinet a value for money report on the matter. It is an area where savings can be made, especially in respect of An Garda Síochána. I am anxious to ensure that if this imposes further spending obligations on the Prison Service, for example, then of course the funding could be met. There is a legislative requirement too...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: It was €40 million.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I do not have the specific figure for what that outturn has been. A budget of €65 million has been made available for investment in ICT next year. This will again allow An Garda Síochána, as has been discussed with the committee by the Garda Commissioner, to continue to deploy advanced technology in accordance with policing plans

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: That is the amount of money spent this year. I do not have that, as we are not yet at the end of the year.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I would not really have that figure as we are at the end of November. I will have the figure as soon as the year has expired, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I would expect so, and I acknowledge what Deputy Wallace and other members of this committee have placed on the record about An Garda Síochána procurement. While I neither have the figure for 2018 nor their practice, I would expect that there would be full compliance with any appropriate regulatory framework. I will confirm to the Deputy as soon as I possibly can.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: There is a new framework, which we discussed on a previous occasion this year, that is being employed by An Garda Síochána around tendering for its skills requirements.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I want to admit that it is a challenge. Of course, I have to say being in a direct provision centre is not compulsory. Nobody is forced to stay in one.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I also have to say, as I have before, that it is not ideal. I am really keen to ensure, as is the Government, that we will comply with our national and international obligations, but it is a challenge because the numbers are increasing. There are in the order of 60 new entrants into the system every week. I am very keen to ensure the State will provide the essential necessities of board...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I reject the language used by the Deputy. He used the word "hovel" in describing conditions in of some of the centres. While I readily admit that the model of direct provision is not ideal, I do not have an immediate suite of alternatives. What I can say is that there are minimum standards in the provision of accommodation and facilities in reception centres for applicants. They most...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: We are working with a number of interested and expert NGOs to ensure there is independent monitoring. I again acknowledge the independence of Mr. Justice McMahon in the process.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am not sure what State body to which the Deputy is referring.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am not sure of any units that have been specifically built to accommodate persons in direct provision. With respect to hotel accommodation both of recent origin and of longer standing, there are certain minimum standards that have been incorporated and are being monitored by many of the agencies involved, all of which keep in very close contact with agencies under my Department.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: We keep in direct contact with any of the NGOs which care to make submissions or observations on the running of or conditions in these locations. I know many of the interested NGOs have people who visit these centres on a regular basis, as I do myself.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: No, I will not name NGOs. If the Deputy wishes to indicate any NGOs that he feels have a grievance, I would be happy to have the matter pursued.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: There is an ongoing process of engagement and that will continue.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I did not say they are scrutinising them. I said there is a range of NGOs acting as interested parties in the system. The Reception and Integration Agency, under the aegis of my Department, regularly carries out inspections, some unannounced, and both the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, and I visit centres on a regular basis.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am not sure if legislation is required for that but we are working to ensure that the obligations are met. If it requires legislation, it is not something that is imminent.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: It will not be taken before the end of the year.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I reiterate that the Reception and Integration Agency regularly carries out announced and unannounced inspections. It is not true for Deputy Wallace to say there is nobody carrying out inspections.