Results 18,161-18,180 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Criminal Law Review (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be aware, Tom O’ Malley, Senior Lecturer in Law at the National University of Ireland, Galway and member of the Law Reform Commission, is chairing the working group carrying out this review. He is joined by representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Probation Service, the Courts Service and my own Department. I...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Stations (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will appreciate that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As a result, all works to the Garda estate involve close cooperation between the OPW and the Garda authorities. Major investment is being made in the Garda estate, to provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff, as well as the...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am not convinced by the arguments put forward. We will be discussing the constitutional position under Article 35 at a later stage, as mentioned by Senator Norris, relating to the advice to the President and that arrangement as currently under the Constitution. It is quite clear, and we have known for many months, that no recommendations can be binding on the Government in this process...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Senator does not require forgiveness from me or anybody else.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: It has to be remarked on that we are joined by illustrious company from the Lower House.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Acceptance of the amendment would represent a massive U-turn on the part of the Government and that will not happen. A thorough examination of the entire Bill of the type that we have gone through in the Seanad for the past year or more clearly shows the importance of the lay majority throughout the Bill. There is no reference in any section of the Bill to a lay minority. As such, why...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am not going to engage in what would be a massive misrepresentation of this Bill, if the Long Title were to describe a minority of the members of the commission as being persons other than members of the Judiciary. I cannot accept it.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: On a point of order, I am precluded from entering into a debate about something that is not before the House, namely amendment No. 7.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: That is a threat.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Senator might even be part of the Government himself.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am standing by it.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I thank the Acting Chairman for introducing a measure of reality into this debate, because what we are dealing with here is a breathtaking departure from all precedent. There are no circumstances under which a piece of legislation such as the one we are debating can be dependent upon the future composition of a Government or Parliament. I cannot think of any precedent. It is a fundamental...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am reluctant to prolong the debate, but I want to respond briefly, having regard to the vehemence and determination of Senator McDowell in making his argument. I again remind Senators that the content of the amendment would, in effect, subvert the wish of the Dáil and the Seanad. If it would not do so, it has certainly been designed to circumvent it in a way that would removed the...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: -----Gabrielle McFadden and others.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Let that Dáil then decide on its priority legislation. I wish Senator Craughwell well in awaiting the phone call but I do not think it will happen.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: With the greatest of respect, the Senator is no Jim Dooge.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I will conclude my point by issuing a direct challenge to Senator McDowell. I challenge him to join us in the next Dáil and then exercise the power he is now trying to impose upon the current Seanad. I ask him to stand in Dublin Bay South and put his name forward for election to the Lower House. He might have the opportunity to sit once again in the seat I occupy. It is unlikely that...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I will not accede to the content of the amendment having regard to the fact that it is obvious to anybody in this House if he or she would care to admit it that this is, at best, a circumvention of the long-standing practice and procedure and the Standing Orders of this House and the Lower House in terms of practice-----

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: -----on First, Second, Committee and Report Stages and enactment of the legislation. When I foretell all the Senators who will be in the next Dáil and the next Government-----

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: ------I am sure it was obvious to Senator Norris that I did leave him out.