Results 2,341-2,360 of 7,789 for speaker:James Browne

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Health Services (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for raising the ongoing issues with regard to delays in scoliosis surgeries and, in particular, for his mentioning of the very difficult situation which Leah is experiencing. As has been acknowledged, many patients, including children, who are waiting for scoliosis treatment are waiting for an unacceptably long time. While significant work continues to positively...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Funding (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, overall investment of €210 million issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding has supported schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure and to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment. The new digital strategy for schools to 2027 was...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Funding (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: As previously stated, I expect that the next tranche of funding under the digital strategy will issue in the coming school year, by January 2024. The ongoing commitment to embedding the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning is demonstrated through the continued investment in teacher professional learning, relevant resources and the schools' broadband programme, with policy...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: International Protection (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy again for his question. I do not have the figure he seeks to hand but I will undertake to get it for him. Regarding the information, part of the challenge is the sheer volume of requests that come in. However, the Department and the Minister have undertaken to reach out to Deputies to see what the particular difficulties they are having in dealing with international...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: International Protection (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I suppose the challenge is that many of these applications can be very complex. People often come to Ireland from some very traumatic situations looking for help. They often have had to flee their situation with no notice and it can be quite challenging to process those people. It is not a simple case of moving along A, B, C in a processing plant. These cases can be very complex and they...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Prison Service (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising the important matter of prison access to psychology services. As he pointed out, a significant number of people committed to prison have mental health issues. I assure him I am aware that if we address these issues, we can help to break the cycle of offending. The programme for Government commits to considering the mental health and addiction treatments of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Prison Service (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I agree that the numbers are unacceptable. That is why we are determined to get them down. Competitions for principal, senior and staff grade psychologists are under way, with a closing date for applications of Friday, 4 August 2023. It is envisaged that recruitment will be completed and assignments made to existing and new vacancies by the end of 2023. The prison psychology service...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Prison Service (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: It is worth noting that the increased staffing in prisons of one additional psychologist has allowed the Prison Service to do more group sessions in 2022. An additional 1,842 group sessions were held in 2022 compared with 2021. Consequently, I believe the additional recruitment that is ongoing will provide significant help. In working to reduce waiting lists for psychology...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: International Protection (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising the important matter of the number of applications on hand for international protection, the average length of time to process applications and the steps being taken to reduce the processing time. My Department is taking all necessary steps to manage the international protection process fairly and efficiently, as part of the broader Government response to this...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Process (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: The amendment was sought by the Data Protection Commission in support of its ability to carry out its functions under GDPR in an effective, efficient and lawful manner and to ensure fair procedures are maintained for data controllers and data subjects. I will give an example. The Data Protection Commission will, from time to time, need to engage with parties other than the entity whose...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Process (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: As I outlined, this will protect very particular information that is given in confidence, in line with the relevant functions of the Data Protection Commission. It is very important that the Data Protection Commission can carry out its duties under GDPR in compliance with EU law in a safe manner that can protect the information provided to it through its audits, investigatory powers or any...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Process (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, which was signed by the President on 5 July 2023, makes a number of amendments to the Data Protection Act 2018. As the Deputy will be aware, section 67 inserts a new section 26A into the Data Protection Act to provide a prohibition on disclosure of confidential information by...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Antisocial Behaviour (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: The Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and a number of priority actions are contained in the Programme for Government and Justice Plan 2023 to reduce instances of such behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. A number of actions have been proposed and are being implemented by Government. These include: Giving An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 509 together. Youth Diversion Project (YDPs) are community based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime/anti-social behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk. The YDPs act as a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Policies (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: The Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) was made up of five members: an independent Chairperson, a representative of An Garda Síochána, a representative of the Department of Justice, and two non-governmental Ordinary Members having experience of firearms. This structure was chosen to give balanced representation to both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. The FEC was a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will cover gambling online and in person, and include powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps. When established, Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: At the outset, I would like to assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities in rural Ireland and in our towns and cities. Everybody has the right to feel safe and to be safe in their homes and on their land and property. The Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024, published by my Department, is the result of strong collaboration between all the relevant...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 523, 524 and 525 together. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will cover gambling online and in person. The Bill was published and completed Second Stage in the Dáil in early December 2022. Committee Stage is taking place...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (11 Jul 2023)

James Browne: The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the...