Results 3,541-3,560 of 7,010 for speaker:James Browne

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (5 Nov 2020)

James Browne: I am pleased to introduce the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2020. The purpose of this relatively short Bill is to complete the transposition of Directive EU 2017/1371 on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law, commonly referred to as the "PIF directive". This directive further harmonises the approach across the EU...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (5 Nov 2020)

James Browne: I thank Senators for the support expressed for the Bill, which while technical is important. I thank them for their contributions and the points raised, some of which were very interesting and relevant as I expected. I am glad the Bill was commenced in the Seanad and that adequate time is provided in that regard. It was suggested by my Department that the Seanad be used in this manner as...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Leave to Remain (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Flaherty for raising this very important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy McEntee. I know that it has been a cause of concern and that some Deputies have contacted the Minister directly over recent days to express that concern. Our objective is to have decisions made on international protection applications and permission to remain considerations...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Leave to Remain (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: I again thank Deputy Flaherty for his contribution. I hear his passion for this very important issue. For those found not to be in need of international protection, full consideration of all aspects of their case is carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a deportation order. This includes full consideration of their private and family...

Written Answers — Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: 190. To ask the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment the position regarding a trade (details supplied) and the current restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32796/20]

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: 499. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a practice (details supplied) and the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32797/20]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: 1325. To ask the Minister for Health the number of vacant positions within CAMHS Wexford south. [33160/20]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: 1326. To ask the Minister for Health the number of vacant positions within CAMHS Wexford north. [33161/20]

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Message to Dáil (3 Nov 2020)

James Browne: I thank the Chair. I congratulate Deputy Lawless on his appointment as Chairman of this committee. I look forward to working with him and all our colleagues on this committee in the future. Hopefully, all Bills will be passed as collegially and quickly as this one. This is an important Bill, which will give effect to the provisions of the European Council framework decision on the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for bringing this very important issue of knife crime to the Dáil today. I share the concerns of Deputies across the House relating to knife crime. We are all familiar with the problems that have emerged in neighbouring jurisdictions in this regard and the Government is determined to ensure similar problems do not develop here in Ireland. Although the problem is not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: So far this year reports of assault have decreased against the same period last year, due in part to the increased restrictions of movements due to Covid-19. There has been a reduction in reported crimes against persons in the first two quarters of this year versus last year and according to the Central Statistics Office, in the first quarter the "assault causing harm" category fell 23.9%...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. I know he has genuine concerns, particularly relating to his own area of Cork. The Garda has a proactive approach to these kinds of concerns when hotspots develop so gardaí can intervene very early to address the matter at an early stage. The youth justice strategy that will be published towards the end of this year will also...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: A record €3 billion was secured for the justice sector in last week’s budget 2021. This will fund key changes across the entire Justice sector including dealing with Covid. It will build on the July stimulus package for these purposes. The Minister is also in advanced discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: These matters are kept under review. I acknowledge a backlog was built up during the initial Covid period. Maintaining access to justice and the courts system has been a key priority in my Department's response to the ongoing Covid pandemic. There has been a substantial level of engagement between my officials and senior officials of the Courts Service. This engagement with the Courts...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: The Deputy has raised important issues. Ten or 12 years ago, my home town of Enniscorthy lost its courthouse and this had a serious impact on the town. I encourage the Courts Service to keep town centre courthouses open as this facilitates access. On the access aspect, I participated in the National Disability Authority's conference on access to justice only yesterday and I echoed the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Legislative Programme (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Diverting young people from getting involved in criminal activity is a key priority for the Government. The exploitation of young people and children is a particular concern. As the Deputy will be aware, while an adult may be prosecuted for a crime which has been committed by a child who has been incited to do so...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Legislative Programme (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising this issue, which is an extremely important one. The Deputy has been leading the charge in this area for some time, as has the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. She has done a great deal of work on this issue. A twin-track approach is required. One concerns criminalising those people who groom young children. We must also have the correct...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Legislative Programme (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I hear the concerns of the Deputy about this important issue of children being groomed by serious criminals. There is temptation if young people are promised easy money in the absence of alternative supports being in place. We must ensure there is a whole-of-government approach and not simply a theoretical approach. Appropriate interventions must be put in place on the ground to ensure...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Citizenship Applications (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for his question. The fees charged in respect of applications for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011. The fee is charged in two parts. The current application fee is €175, payable when an application for naturalisation is lodged, in addition to which is a certification fee,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Citizenship Applications (22 Oct 2020)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. All fees are kept under ongoing review. Citizenship fees have not increased in the past nine years, notwithstanding the significant investment that has taken place in facilities such as a new website and e-payment facility. More enhancements to the application process are also in development, including plans to introduce...