Results 2,081-2,100 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Business of Joint Committee (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: As we have a quorum, we shall commence in public session. I remind members to please switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording equipment. I have not been advised of any apologies. We will now briefly go into private session to deal with housekeeping matters.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss again issues surrounding the recording and classification of Garda homicide figures including, in particular, the review being conducted by An Garda Síochána into the classification of homicides and the reasons for the delay in publishing the findings of that review and furnishing a report to the Policing Authority. I very warmly welcome...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Ms West for a very comprehensive presentation. I welcome her colleague, Ms Galligan, who I call on to make her opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Ms Galligan. As I indicated to Ms West, I offer a special thanks to her for a comprehensive statement. I will open the floor to members who have specific questions. Deputy Jack Chambers got in first. However, he will have to leave shortly for personal reasons.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Deputy Chambers. Before I ask Deputy O'Callaghan to come in, in deference to our visitors and members, at the end of Deputy O'Callaghan's engagement with the witnesses, we are going to take a five minute sos, for toilet purposes or whatever in order that everybody is comfortable throughout the session. I call on Deputy O'Callaghan.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We will resume in public session. I invite the next member to engage with our witnesses. I call Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire. I call Deputy Brophy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I am sorry to interrupt Deputy Daly but for her information and that of other members we had indicated to the guests that we had hoped to finish by 12.30 p.m. I suggest that the session will run on until 12.45 p.m. There are four speakers remaining, including the Chairman, and I ask everyone to be mindful of that, to not be repetitious and to be as concise as possible.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: This is the Deputy's last question.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Deputy Daly. I appeal to members. I do not wish to restrict anyone but time is very tight.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: That question may put the witnesses in an unfair position.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: As Chair, I wish to indicate that the witnesses are not obliged to respond in the blunt manner in which the question was put.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: As the Deputy always is.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: That question may also put the witnesses in an invidious position. I will leave to them the decision on whether to answer but I offer-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I am offering them the advice that if the question is too blunt, they may decline to answer.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: All members are in agreement in that regard. I must appeal to everybody to be cognisant of time pressures and I know Senator Black will be a good example for Deputy Kelly in that regard.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I call Deputy Kelly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Is the Deputy going to rob the Chair of his moment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I ask that he do his best to be brief.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2018)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I concur with the words of several members of the committee, not only in relation to Ms West and Ms Galligan's written submissions as read into the record here this morning but in their responses to questioning. Their testimony has been powerful. The most important aspect of all is that it is from the highest motivation of public service, and we acknowledge that. Certainly, Deputy Clare...