Results 2,521-2,540 of 7,789 for speaker:James Browne

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Control of Firearms (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 953, 974, 995 and 1070 together. I can advise the Deputies that I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána. The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: Funding and administration of addiction treatment and support services falls within the remit of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department have any role in, or responsibility for, funding of supports for people with a gambling addiction.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: As the Deputy will be aware, the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was published on 2 December 2022. The Bill sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland - and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: As the Deputy may be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. There are currently over 100 YDPs in operation and the intention of this year’s Justice Plan, under the Youth Justice...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: I am very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities and the Government is determined to tackle this issue.  The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), which I am pleased to chair, is examining a broad range of issues to address the factors which give rise to ASB, including knife crime. The knife crime sub-group of the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to building stronger and safer communities and implementing policies designed to create a pathway to divert young people away from a life of crime. As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people who...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Missing Persons (18 Apr 2023)

James Browne: As the Deputy will be aware, by law the investigation of any missing persons case is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in any individual Garda investigation. I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 13 April this year, there are 847 persons reported as missing recorded on the Garda PULSE database. This data is...

Taisceadán (Valuable Property Register) Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (30 Mar 2023)

James Browne: Often we see that apart from what is stolen, the damage done to the houses often costs more than whatever money obtained for the stolen property. The damage to people's minds is often far more profound. I thank Deputies Ó Laoghaire and Kenny for bringing forward this Bill and for speaking on it this evening. I am acutely conscious of the impact of property crime, not only in financial...

Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces: Statements (30 Mar 2023)

James Browne: I welcome the publication of the report of the independent review group into the Defence Forces. It is very much a watershed report that a lot of people have waited for, for a very long time. It makes for very stark reading and raises very profound issues in how women were treated in the Defence Forces. Nonetheless, what the report sets out very clearly is a critical need for fundamental...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (30 Mar 2023)

James Browne: On the issues raised by Deputies Nolan and O'Sullivan, the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner. However, record funding has been put in place for the recruitment this year of an additional 1,000 gardaí, many of them have already been recruited and have entered training. There are additional 400 civilian staff as well, which will release gardaí to carry...

Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021: From the Seanad (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: I am pleased to bring the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021 back before the House. This Bill has successfully passed all Stages in the Seanad with two amendments, and I would like the support of the House in agreeing to these changes. The amendments are technical in nature and do not change in any substance the Bill. The amendments are simply to reflect the change in the name of the...

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: I am glad to speak in favour of the Government's motion of confidence. We are here because of the Labour Party's motion of no confidence. It is notable that only two Deputies were here for the start of the debate. That sends out a clear message as to whether this is serious or simple gamesmanship. It was a bizarre situation. One Deputy complained about the Taoiseach's speech, but he was...

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: Let us remind the people of why the Labour Party went from 37 Deputies to only seven in one election cycle. It started with then leader throwing out the word "treason" in a heated situation, playing on people's anxieties and fears and manipulating them at that time. I remember canvassing in Wexford town. My canvassers were young women in their 20s and 30s.

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: They knocked on doors and Labour Party supporters, taking their cue from the then leader, gave abuse to young women at the doors. It was not supporters of Sinn Féin, Independents or Fine Gael; it was Labour Party supporters-----

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: -----taking their cue and giving abuse to young women at the doors. It was not Sinn Féin supporters, Independents or Fine Gael; it was Labour Party supporters taking their cue. Does that remind the party of the campaign slogan "Frankfurt's Way or Labour's Way"? Does it remind the party of the slogan "Every Little Hurts" and promises on student fees and protecting the vulnerable, and...

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: When it got into government it broke all of its promises. There were water charges and the housing assistance payment, HAP, and it invited in vulture funds. That is what it did. That is its record. The party can either argue whether those decisions were right, but it brought them in.

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: What did it do and where did it get?

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: It was warned about an impending crisis in housing supply, but disparaged the people who warned it.

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: Where did it end up? There were 75 social houses. The party turned off the tap for housing and broke the pipe.

Confidence in Government: Motion (29 Mar 2023)

James Browne: It had choices to make, and it made them at the time.