Results 18,341-18,360 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Stations (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion and this is due to increase further to an unprecedented €1.88 billion for 2020. The capital budget for An Garda Síochána has also been significantly increased - a total of €92 million was provided this year, representing a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Data (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: Significant progress is being made by An Garda Síochána in targeting organised crime and associated violence.I understand from the Commissioner that since its establishment in March 2015 the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau has been responsible for: - seizure of controlled substances with an estimated street value of approximately €167 million; - seizure of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Assisted Decision Making (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Assisted Decision Making (ADM) (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 but has not yet been fully commenced. As the Deputy will be aware, the High Court has jurisdiction in Wards of Court matters. Management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. The ADM...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Family Law Cases (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be aware, the Courts Service Act 1998 provides that management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, including the provision of facilities for court users. The scheduling and hearing of court cases is a matter for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding Judges. The Presidents of the Courts, in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Offences Data (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to advise the Deputy that the information sought cannot be provided in the time available. As soon as the information has been collated I will write to the Deputy on the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Reports (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together. The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent body tasked with investigation of complaints in relation to members of An Garda Síochána. I am informed that GSOC conducted a criminal investigation into the matters referred to and sent a file to the Director of Public...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together. Community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must: - be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee, - have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Accommodation (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The information sought by the Deputy is detailed and I regret that it has not been possible for the Irish Prison Service to collate the information requested in the timeframe available. I have requested the Irish Prison Service to collate this information and I will write directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Investigations (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy refers to a review by a Senior Counsel, appointed by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy TD, in relation to alleged payments by construction companies on specified social housing construction sites in order to address anti-social behaviour. I understand from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government that the review is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commissions of Investigation (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The murder of Seamus Ludlow was a callous and senseless act of random violence perpetrated against an innocent man. I have the utmost sympathy for the Ludlow family who feel the pain of his loss every day. It is a matter of profound regret that, in common with so many troubles related deaths, nobody has yet been brought to justice for his murder. The Barron Commission of Inquiry carried...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Freedom of Information Requests (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be aware, I have no involvement in processing Freedom of Information requests nor am I involved in reviews of requests. I can confirm that a response to the Freedom of Information request was issued by my Department on 25 November 2019 to the requester. If the requester is dissatisfied with the decision, they have the right to seek a review, details of which have been...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Reviews (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to advise the Deputy that the Group reviewing the administration of civil justice in the State is continuing its work. Chaired by the President of the High Court, Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, the Group is expected to make recommendations for changes with a view to improving access to civil justice in the State, promoting early resolution of disputes, reducing the cost of litigation,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Programme (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy referred to the theft of catalytic converters from cars. The Deputy may wish to note that the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 provides for offences of theft, the handling of stolen property and the possession of stolen property. The offence of theft provided for by this legislation would, based on the broad nature of the offence, include the theft of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: In 2018, my Department launched a Scheme that was open to non-EEA nationals who held a student permission in the State during the period 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. This scheme applied to non-EEA persons who commenced their presence in the State lawfully under a student permission with a limited right to work and who maintained that lawful presence for at least two years. The scheme...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: It will come as no surprise to Senators that I do not intend to side with them on the amendments. This issue was the subject matter of endless hours of debate not only here in this House in the presence of the current group of Senators who now propose amendments but also in the wider Oireachtas. I made it clear then and I make it clear now that the shape and form of the Bill as originally...

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I regret that I do not intend departing from what is a core policy decision in the Bill. Should Senators in my own party decide to vote against what is a core policy issue, I would very much regret it.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I do not think the Chair would notice.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: I am bound by the Leas-Chathaoirleach's earlier exhortation that amendments Nos. 5 and 6 would be taken together. That was my understanding.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: On a point of order, if I can make one. The Leas-Chathaoirleach will probably tell me that I cannot.

Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (26 Nov 2019)

Charles Flanagan: It seems clear to me from what the Chair has said that he has introduced an element of confusion. To my mind, amendment No. 12 must be read in conjunction with amendment No. 10. The Chair has now split them. I advise against the type of decoupling that we had on an earlier Stage that resulted in contradictions in the Bill, but I am in the hands of the House. I just-----