Results 3,421-3,440 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy probably knows, the family remediation Bill is on the priority list and I hope we will be in a position to introduce it during this term. It is important legislation which will give people an opportunity to avoid costly court proceedings and try to resolve their difficulties through mediation.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I deplore the senseless loss of life we have seen again in recent days. I am ensuring that the Government will provide resources to An Garda Síochána to ensure it can intervene effectively. We have also made a decision to increase the number of gardaí in all areas, including Lucan and Clondalkin. Other areas, for example, Blanchardstown, the local area of Deputy Burton and...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: We have changed that completely. We are determined that every community will have Garda resources in place to intervene. The Garda has been intervening, preventing crime, bringing people to justice and seizing weapons and drugs. It has achieved significant success. 1 o’clock Unfortunately, there are people who are intent on violence. I want to ensure that every community has...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand that EU rules require public consultation to take place first. This will take place in March or April. It is a precursor to the legislation.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill has been published and was approved by Cabinet before Christmas. I agree it is important legislation that will change the balance in our criminal justice system in terms of victims and victims' rights and hope that the Business Committee will agree to it being taken this term.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will ask the Minister to communicate directly with the Deputy on the matter.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand that the Minister is dealing with a Topical Issue matter later which will address these issues. For 2017, the Minister, Deputy Ross, has secured an 11% increase in Exchequer funding for PSO services generally. That means that Bus Éireann's PSO funding will likely increase in 2017.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will ask the Minister to communicate directly with the Deputy in regard to that issue. I agree it is important and we would all like to see it progressed.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Some countries sign it, but they do not do very much.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: We have consistently improved services for people with disabilities and have taken a huge range of actions to make a difference to the lives of people who have a disability. We want to sign the convention when we have done the required work. The Bill went to and was agreed by the Cabinet before Christmas. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, will take the Bill in the second week...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The review of DEIS areas is at an advanced stage. It is being discussed at a Cabinet sub-committee and decisions are expected shortly. As the Deputy is aware, this week the Cabinet sanctioned a further 900 teachers and resources for schools for children with special educational needs. The review is under way and nearing completion.

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: County registrars are officers of the court and independent in the exercise of their functions and duties under statute and the rules of court. It is important to point out the following. As a matter of law, they may only make an order for the possession of any land in cases where no defence to an action for possession has been delivered by the defendant or no appearance has been entered by...

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let me finish. Therefore, the power of a county registrar to make orders for possession is extremely limited.

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Where any defence is raised by a defendant, including any defence in relation to the nature or terms of the mortgage contract between the borrower and lender, the matter must, when it is in order for hearing, be transferred by the county registrar to the judge's list at the first opportunity. The courts are independent, which is an important point to make. Following the transfer, it will be...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I ask the relevant Minister, Deputy Michael Creed, to reply.

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: This issue was the subject of a Topical Issue debate in this Chamber earlier this week. The reply that was given on that occasion, like the reply that was given to Deputy Shortall's parliamentary question, outlined the approach that is being taken in this regard. Both replies made it clear that further legal advice is being taken on this issue, that the court statements and judgments have...

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy is well aware of the challenges this country faced and he was instrumental in ensuring we moved forward on the right path to ensure the economic recovery. The last report from the commission made several points on concerns about remaining competitive, the fragile recovery and the impact on Border areas and SMEs. The commission has commenced work on its third report regarding the...

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank Deputy Howlin, who quoted Tom Johnson, and I recognise the anniversary today to which he referred. The Deputy spoke about people benefiting from the fruits of society. That is precisely the approach the Government took in the budget. We passed a prudent budget. The ESRI recognised that those earning the least benefited the most. There are now 2 million people at work and it is...

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I recognise the points the Deputy has made with regard to the challenges being faced in Clonmel. One of the key targets of the various health initiatives, particularly the €40 million initiative announced by the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, is to reduce delayed discharges nationally from a high of 695 earlier in 2016 to fewer than 500. The HSE has exceeded this target. It is...

Leaders' Questions (19 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Neither the Deputy nor I want to undermine confidence in the screening processes we have in place for various illnesses and health issues. Having said that, in October 2014 when the national bowel-screening programme was informed of the two cases, it took action. In November 2014 Wexford General Hospital, BowelScreen and the particular clinician, let us say clinician Y, said no further...