Results 16,801-16,820 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of domestic violence. As she knows, I am absolutely committed to dealing with this issue by taking the actions that are necessary, ranging from stronger legislation and awareness campaigns - I will address this particular campaign in a moment - to supports for those who are working on the front line. Over the past two years, I have engaged in a great...

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is going to be evaluated and reviewed on a continual basis. There is an opportunity for all in this area to be involved, including NGOs. Presentations were made and discussions took place with them before this campaign began. That will happen again in future. We should not underestimate the importance of an awareness campaign. I am not suggesting we do not need to continually improve...

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Patriarchal attitudes were rather prevalent in many countries under communism and socialism as well. It is a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed.

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is certainly prevalent throughout the world. Let us be clear about that. I agree with Deputy Coppinger about the importance of education. The campaign takes account of the gendered nature of domestic violence and the proportion of advertisements and the campaign has been informed in that regard. More advertisements in the course of the campaign show violence against women. Equally,...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As Deputy Coppinger is aware, I have already answered this question in the House today. I fully appreciate the appalling circumstances that led to the death of Shane and the terrible trauma for his family – I know they are in the Gallery today. The Taoiseach and I met the family and had a long discussion. We heard their views on what should happen at this point. We have taken...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to repeat that what I also did with this case was to refer it to the independent review panel set up to examine cases. An independent process is under way in respect of many of the issues highlighted by Deputy Smith and the family. They are being actively examined by GSOC at present. Let me put it another way: I believe it is appropriate for me, as Minister for Justice and...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, some of the allegations in this case relate to actions by the courts and the Director of Public Prosecutions. I repeat what I have said frequently in the House and more generally, which is that the courts are independent under the Constitution. It is very important that we observe that constitutional issue and respect that independence.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: However, I note to Deputy Kenny that they are independent of us. That is the important point. It is important for us in the House to recognise that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was established as an independent prosecuting authority in the State. There is a significant benefit and reassurance to citizens of the State in knowing that decisions surrounding the taking of...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let me just conclude, if I could, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. In addition, those decisions are based primarily on the Garda file in a case and on the professional view of those who work in the DPP. No one is above the law.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: If anyone has evidence of any wrongdoing, he or she should bring it to the relevant authorities. That is the reality.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The DPP is independent. The courts are independent.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have made it very clear, as has the Taoiseach, that once I have the GSOC report, we will examine the situation once again.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The DPP is independent.

Other Questions: Criminal Assets Bureau (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank the Deputy for this question on the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB. The work of the bureau is well regarded nationally and internationally and we are committed to supporting its work through the provision of the necessary resources and we will continue to explore the further development of the bureau in line with the programme for Government. The latest report we have is for 2015...

Other Questions: Criminal Assets Bureau (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I assume the Deputy is referring to recent media reports which have highlighted bureau matters before the Supreme Court in respect of which judgment is awaited. I will not comment on them but because of the strong powers contained in the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996, several cases have been extensively litigated before the courts. While this can cause frustration, the courts are the ultimate...

Other Questions: Criminal Assets Bureau (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: We will keep an open mind on that. I have met the people running the CAB who highlighted the need for further legislation which was the legislation I brought in earlier this year, the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016. That gives additional powers to target the proceeds of crime, in particular powers for the immediate seizure of assets suspected of being the proceeds of crime. I am...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Remuneration (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the decision by Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors members to accept the independent recommendation of the Labour Court which sought to address the concerns that have been articulated in relation to their pay and conditions, the pay and conditions of new recruits, and their access to the statutory dispute resolution bodies. Arising...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Deployment (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: This Government is committed to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing throughout the country in order to strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and prevent crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Reform (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: My Department has implemented significant reform through a Programme for Change following the report of the Independent Review Group which recommended a range of organisational and cultural changes. Some actions involve strengthening structural and governance processes while others focused on changing organisational behaviour. It should be noted that many of the changes overlap with the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Levels (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand that the Deputy is referring to detection rates highlighted in the 'Garda Recorded Crime Statistics 2010-2014', which was published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) last week. The first thing that needs to be said is that this publication provides an analysis of data up to the end of 2014 only, and it would be entirely incorrect to suggest that it represents an assessment...