Results 14,401-14,420 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Security (14 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a wide range of security measures, including security screening, are operational across the Prison estate. The Operational Support Group (OSG) oversees the Security Screening Unit, the Canine Unit and the Operational Support Unit, and has responsibility for screening all persons entering the prison, using scanning equipment such as airport...

Parole Bill 2016: Second Stage [Private Members] (15 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank Deputy O'Callaghan for bringing this Bill before the House. It is undoubtedly a comprehensive Bill and while we will not oppose it on Second Stage, there are a number of points in it that may benefit from further consideration on Committee Stage. Establishing the parole board on a statutory basis has been a policy objective for some time and it is therefore not something the...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: This is an issue about which the Government and I are concerned. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, has asked the major waste collection companies to meet with him next week to discuss this, as well as other issues around the introduction of pay-by-weight. He will put it up to them to explain their justification for what is happening and...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is an incorrect analysis. The issue is how certain companies are behaving. This is a competitive market. If this is seen as taking advantage, the Minister will introduce regulations if necessary. In the first instance, however, he is meeting with the companies next week and is dealing with this as an urgent issue. We accept it is an urgent issue. We do not wish to see consumers...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is not the Government which has introduced this charge; therefore, I do not accept the way the Deputy has framed the issue. It appears the companies are taking the opportunity presented by the new legislation to change the standing charges. What I have made very clear is that this is not acceptable to the Government; it is not acceptable to the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, and, if...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The people most affected do not need political theatrics; what they need is action. I have been very clear that the Minister will take action on this issue. Previously a total of 40% of the companies were charging by weight. Legislation is the right approach as it will reduce costs for most households. If it is being exploited, the matter will be dealt with. The Minister will meet the...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have read the summary of the HIQA report and I agree with the Deputy that some of the findings regarding South Tipperary General Hospital are extremely disturbing. I noted, however, that when the HIQA inspectors returned six weeks later they had found considerable improvement in some of the issues that had been identified when they first visited on an emergency basis. The Deputy is right,...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I also note, as the Deputy says, the capacity issues, and the Minister accepts that there are legitimate capacity issues in the hospital. It has in fact been experiencing high occupancy rates since January. It is a question of reinvestment and the fact that our hospitals need further capital investment. Thankfully, because of the changes in our economy, we are now in a position to do that,...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The sort of process the Deputy has outlined is very much one in which we want to engage and every effort is being directed towards it. It involves consultation, discussion and sharing as much information on the budgetary process as possible in advance. There will be an opportunity for Opposition leaders and others to be involved in the national dialogue at the end of this month. The budget...

Leaders' Questions (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Next week we will discuss the 2016 justice Estimates in the House. I was clear with Cabinet and, indeed, with the House about the priorities that I have in respect of the need to support the work An Garda Síochána is doing at present, particularly in tackling gangland crime, but the programme of Government outlines clearly our priorities. There is no intention to do other than...

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is proposed to take No. 14b, motion re establishment of select committees; No. 14c, motion re Standing Orders 81, 84, 84A, 85, 95, 97A, 114 and 186; No. 14d, motion re report of Committee of Selection and Appointment of Chairs; No. 14e, presentation and circulation of Revised Estimates 2016; and No. 14a, Revised Estimates for Public Services 2016 - Votes 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 37,...

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I join the Deputy in again expressing our sympathy to the families who so tragically lost loved ones on this day last year. To reply to the Deputy's question about St. Augustine's special school, it was the subject of a Topical Issue discussed in the Dáil, I believe, only two days ago. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is examining the matter. European funds were in...

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy said, the report by Women's Aid published yesterday detailed horrific instances of domestic violence and abuse, thousands of cases of women who had reported to that organisation the most horrendous abuse experienced by them. It is a very sad and disturbing report, which shows what the Taoiseach noted yesterday is often a hidden Ireland. Thankfully, more and more women are...

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: There are no proposals on the table to change the way child benefit is paid. What is on the table is the paternity leave legislation of which Deputy Burton is a very strong supporter. I am very keen to see that paid in September. It went through Cabinet this week and will be debated in the Dáil as soon as time allows. With the co-operation of everyone, it should pass through the...

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I agree with Deputy Burton that the-----

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: All right.

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: There is no legislation planned such as Deputy Burton has outlined. The other Bill that she asked about is on the Order Paper and is awaiting Committee Stage. I believe that the Deputy heard the Minister, Deputy Bruton, speaking in the Chamber on this matter last week in terms of reviewing certain issues that had arisen. At present, it is on the Order Paper and awaiting Committee Stage.

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have already made it clear that the Minister is working on this issue right now. Part of his response will be meeting the companies. I have said very clearly that he will take action to deal with this issue, which is causing concern. If the spirit of the legislation is being abused or if the companies seek to exploit the situation by increasing charges when the intention behind the...

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: That does not arise. We have a situation-----

Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have initial details in respect of that issue. The Garda has started an urgent examination of how many cases are involved. In the first instance, every one of those individuals who are involved broke the law. Clearly, inappropriate action was taken. People had paid a fine and subsequently received summonses. Clearly, this issue must be dealt with. I will put as much information as I...