Results 1,981-2,000 of 10,120 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Communications Surveillance (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I can inform the Deputy that my Department is not aware of covert listening devices being unlawfully present in public places nationwide. I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to any such activity to bring this to the attention of An Garda Síochána.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Child Protection (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I know the Deputy appreciates the importance of this task and I am sure he agrees with the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly. I believe the many organisations concerned with the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister I have role in these matters. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am advised that the policy in relation to dealing with such matters has been followed and the outcome of an external evaluationis being considered by my Department. Following completion of this process, officials will be in contact with the individual concerned.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the implementation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and the roll out of the new regime for CCTV. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. The Programme For Government commits to expand the number of cameras using Automatic Number Plate Recognition...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Official Engagements (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The information requested by the Deputy with regard to my engagements for the week ending 16 February 2025 is set out in the following table: Monday 10 February 9:30 -10:15 Meeting with ISME 10:45 - 11:15 Clip for Media 11:00 - 11:30 Meeting RE: Local Community Safety Partnerships 14:00 - 15:00 Briefing with...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Artificial Intelligence (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: My Department complies with the “Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in February 2024 and also with guidance issued to all Government Departments in June 2023 by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in relation to the cyber security aspects. To further support our modernisation...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (20 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: My Department is working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that Ireland's labour market migration arrangements are fair, efficient and meet the needs of our economy and society. Currently, a person from outside the European Economic Area wishing to work in Ireland must make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: There must be a multifaceted response to knife crime. One of the responses has to be ensuring that we have greater numbers of gardaí on the streets to seize knives. Last year, over 2,100 knives were seized by An Garda Síochána. That is part of the solution. Another part has to be powers for An Garda Síochána in order that gardaí can stop and search people...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I raised that issue in the Department shortly after I was appointed. I am aware that the review has been ongoing. It is not yet completed but I agree with the Deputy regarding the urgency of it being published. I will go back to the Department and find out the date of publication.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I have been told by my Department that a contract has been signed in respect of Clonmel Garda station, which, as the Deputy knows, is badly needed. I am also told that it will be finished by the end of 2026, which is very good news. Obviously, we are doing our best to ensure we recruit up to 1,000 gardaí each year. The intention is that they will be spread around the country....

Seanad: EU-UK Youth Experience Scheme: Motion (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Ar dtús báire, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach as a hoifig nua. Is é sin mo chéad uair sa Seanad i gcomhair díospóireachta. Is mór an onóir dom a bheith anseo mar Aire Cirt agus Dlí. Déanaim comhghairdeas freisin le gach Seanadóir atá anseo inniu. This is my first time before Seanad Éireann speaking...

Seanad: EU-UK Youth Experience Scheme: Motion (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I greatly respect this House and I recognise that we probably get a higher level of deliberation and reflection on legislation here. That has been seen before on many Bills that have come before the Seanad. I will listen and take into account everything that is said by Senators. I respect the mandate they have and the constitutional position of this House. If Members feel that I am not...

Seanad: EU-UK Youth Experience Scheme: Motion (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Senators for their kind reception and illuminating comments. I agree with Senator Clifford-Lee. This proposal is an easier task that I have here at the outset of my career appearing before the Seanad. I must say, however, that it could be a consequential one. If we find ourselves in a situation a number of years from now whereby an agreement is in place for a youth scheme between...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: In recent years my Department has taken a number of steps to upgrade the visa processing system and improve the service offered to individuals applying for Irish visas. This has included availing of services provided by VFS Global at their Visa Application Centres (VACs). Applications for Irish visas made by residents of South Africa are processed at VACs located in Cape Town, Johannesburg...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Family Reunification (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The review of the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification, including the nature and suitability of current income thresholds and waiting periods. My Department has consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders and the expectation is that the review will be brought...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Expenditure (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It has not been possible to collate complete information as requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Criminal Assets Bureau is a multi-agency statutory body established in 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target a person's assets, wherever situated, which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct. Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in this jurisdiction and disrupting the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (19 Feb 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the allocation of Garda resources in respect of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. The Deputy will appreciate that the execution of warrants, including bench warrants, can be impeded by persons actively seeking to evade...