Results 3,121-3,140 of 7,789 for speaker:James Browne

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Prison Service (29 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I am in full agreement with the Deputy on this. That prevention piece is critical. One of the things I have been doing since lockdown ended is visiting youth diversion projects, initially mostly in Dublin, but subsequently widening that circle across the country. With the funding for youth diversion projects we received in the budget in October, we will now be able fund the new role of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Orders (29 Mar 2022)

James Browne: As the Deputy will appreciate, the Constitutional presumption that a person is innocent until proven guilty means that restricting a person’s liberty is a serious matter. While our laws do provide for the refusal of bail in certain circumstances, the decision to grant bail in a particular case is always a matter for the presiding judge, who is independent in the exercise of their...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Strategies (29 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I welcome the publication of the 'Ballymun - a Brighter Future' report, written by Mr. Andrew Montague. I note the Deputy's interest in this report, and I understand the report was commissioned by Dublin City Council following a request by the Deputy when he was the Lord Mayor at the time. The Deputy will be aware that the Council asked for practical and achievable recommendations regarding a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Strategies (29 Mar 2022)

James Browne: As the Deputy will be aware, Minister McEntee and I published the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 on 15 April 2021. The Strategy includes consideration of the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, including early intervention and preventative work, family support and diversion from crime, through...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (29 Mar 2022)

James Browne: Pet theft is an incredibly cruel crime which causes huge trauma for pet owners all over the country. I fully appreciate the strong emotional attachment we all have to our pets and that theft not only leads to their loss in our lives, but also a high level of concern for their welfare. It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Reviews (29 Mar 2022)

James Browne: As the Deputy may be aware, the new Justice Plan 2022 contains a commitment to undertake an expansive review to modernise firearms and explosives legislation. Within the plan, Action 34.3 outlines a commitment to identify all outstanding issues requiring overdue reform in the management and processing of firearms licensing, register of firearms dealers and inspections. It also commits to the...

European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Bill 2022: Referral to Select Committee (23 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Justice in accordance with Standing Order 95 and 181.

European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage (23 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I thank the Acting Chairman. I thank Deputies for their very considered and measured contributions on what is technical but very important legislation amending the European arrest warrant. The main purpose of the Bill is to address a number of issues identified by the EU Commission with our existing legislation in this area informing EU infringement proceedings. That is why we must enact...

European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage (23 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to introduce the European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Bill 2022 to the House. This Bill aims to address certain issues that have been identified by the European Commission with our existing legislation in this area in formal EU infringement proceedings. Timely enactment of the Bill will ensure that Ireland is not referred to...

Seanad: Gambling (Prohibition of Advertising) Bill 2021: Second Stage (23 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I thank the Labour Party and, in particular, Senators Wall, Sherlock, Moynihan, Hoey, and former Senator, now Deputy, Bacik for bringing forward this Bill. The Government fully understands the concerns Members have about problem gambling and in particular the impact that gambling and its advertising may have on children. Senator Wall’s passion for this issue has been clear since his...

Ban on Sex for Rent Bill 2022: Second Stage [Private Members] (23 Mar 2022)

James Browne: On behalf of the Minister for Justice, I thank Deputy Cian O'Callaghan for bringing forward this timely Bill with very important proposals. Members are all too aware of reports in the media of offers being made to provide accommodation in exchange for sex; there are reportedly even worrying offers being targeted specifically towards vulnerable Ukrainian women. I am also aware of reports of...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021: Second Stage (22 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I am delighted to introduce the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021 to the House on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, and look forward to hearing the contributions from Senators. This Bill is aimed at replacing the Garda compensation scheme that is currently in operation with a new statutory scheme that will reduce the waiting times and costs associated with...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021: Second Stage (22 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I thank the Senators for their contributions and the broad support they have provided. I acknowledge the huge work that is done by members of An Garda Síochána in putting their lives at risk on a daily basis, as a number of Senators pointed out. Indeed, Senator Craughwell pointed out that this is one profession where when you go out you do not if you are going to return home....

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021: Second Stage (22 Mar 2022)

James Browne: We can continue to give that consideration. In response to Senator Craughwell, one of the key distinctions with this is that generally speaking it is for no-fault applications. Psychological injury very much is taken into account. I acknowledge Senator Ward welcoming this and for pointing out the increased civilianisation. This is something we need to keep an eye on. The Senator also...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Victim Support Services (9 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I thank the Senator for raising this important matter regarding the commitment relating to the barriers facing non-fluent English speakers reporting sexual or gender-based violence. The Senator has been very much to the forefront on this matter, not only in this Chamber but also behind the scenes in working with the Department of Justice, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and other Departments....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Victim Support Services (9 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I again thank the Senator for raising this very important matter. I hear her point in regard to how sensitive these issues are. Those dealing with very vulnerable people need to understand how to deal with those situations in a very sensitive manner. As the Senator will be aware, the Minister is leading on the development of a new whole-of-government strategy to combat domestic, sexual and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Crime Prevention (9 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter, about which I know he is deeply concerned. The Minister wants to be clear that the incidences of assault or intimidation are completely unacceptable. We want people to feel and be safe, whether they live or work in Dublin city centre or want to visit and enjoy our capital city. Obviously, the distribution and management of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Crime Prevention (9 Mar 2022)

James Browne: On behalf of the Minister for Justice, I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter on Dublin’s inner city and concerns around public safety. The Minister joins all of the House in condemning all acts of violence, in particular any forms of knife crime, and in wishing the victim of the incident referred to by the Deputy a healthy and speedy recovery. I am informed by the...

National Driver Licence Service: Motion [Private Members] (2 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I acknowledge the difficulties people are experiencing in trying to get through by telephone to the NDLS booking system. It is not acceptable that service provision is not up to standard. I have been assured by the RSA that the additional training by the service provider, to be completed this week, will improve the service provided to the public. During the tender process, it was not...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Energy Policy (2 Mar 2022)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising the very important matter of Ireland's energy security following the invasion of Ukraine. I hear the Deputy's considered views and opinions. I will certainly bring them the Minister's attention. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce...