Results 18,881-18,900 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: That is not true at all. That is not right. We did not say that.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the serious challenge that is direct provision in particular in the context of the current public health situation but I assure all Deputies that improvements are being carried out on a daily basis to ensure the comforts of all of those involved. There are actually 69 residents in Cahersiveen. There is capacity for 150. Anybody who has tested positive was given the...

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: There was no locked gate.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: That is not true.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I will hand over to Deputy Stanton but I will say to Deputy Danny Healy-Rae that we will continue to work hard with local management, stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and, in particular, with the HSE and public health to ensure that every possible support continues to be given to the residents in Cahersiveen and other centres in this time of difficulty and challenge.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: That will continue.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I am going to continue to deal with this issue, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, officials in my Department and local stakeholders. Indeed, I have spoken to local residents in the area and I am very happy - in fact, I regard it as my duty and obligation - to keep in regular contact with Deputies from the area. I commit towards doing that. I will not comment in any great...

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I will say in conclusion, having regard to Deputy Michael Healy-Rae's interests, I would be very happy to engage with him, and with Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, by way of telephone conversation tomorrow or at any stage, as I have been doing with the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, and other Members for the area.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I am more responsible to this House.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy that these are exceptional powers in emergency circumstances. Having said that, the regulations are clear in that they require people to remain in their residences unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave them. A reasonable excuse, as the Deputy will be aware, includes going to work in an essential service, going to the shops for essential goods, going to the...

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I am certainly aware that direct provision has been very much the focus of attention at, for example, the vulnerable persons sub-group of NPHET.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I will have to get that information for the Deputy. Regarding the emergency powers conferred on the Garda Síochána by this House, however, as far as the Garda is concerned, the operational engagement on its part is to engage with members of the public, to inform members of the public, to encourage members of the public and, as a last resort, to rely on the Covid-19-related...

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I would be happy to document that to the Deputy in respect of all the CHO areas.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I may have to get some of that information from the HSE because it is not something that is immediately within my remit but I would be happy to accommodate the Deputy insofar as I can because I believe it is a valid concern.

Covid-19 (Justice and Equality): Statements (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: We will update it.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 5 September 2018. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: The application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my officials and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Asylum Applications (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: For reasons of maintaining full confidentiality, it is not my Department's practice to comment on whether an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State. An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Vetting Applications (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will appreciate that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. It is, as I am sure the Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Communications (13 May 2020)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to assure the Deputy that I have issued the necessary direction under the Coroners Act 1962. The scheduling of an inquest will be a matter for the coroner for Galway West.