Results 3,561-3,580 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Remuneration (17 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of Garda resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters. However, the Garda authorities have informed me that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows: - - 2015 - 2016 Division Hours Expenditure Hours Expenditure Cavan/Monaghan 22,333 €740,921 30,699...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Protected Disclosures (17 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy is referring to a report which I have received from Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill of his Review relating to two protected disclosures which were made to me by members of An Garda Síochána in early October. Mr Justice O'Neill was asked to review the allegations of wrongdoing contained in the disclosures, to make any inquiries with persons or bodies that he considered...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Offences Data (17 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of information on the courts system, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the table...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Deployment (17 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Operations (17 Jan 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The primary aim of deployment by An Garda Síochána at Shannon Airport is to protect the safety of passengers and other people working at and using the airport and its environs. It is not to provide protection for one type of aviation or another. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the cost to An Garda Síochána of deployment at Shannon Airport was...

Other Questions: Criminal Assets Bureau (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank the Deputy for this question on the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB. The work of the bureau is well regarded nationally and internationally and we are committed to supporting its work through the provision of the necessary resources and we will continue to explore the further development of the bureau in line with the programme for Government. The latest report we have is for 2015...

Other Questions: Criminal Assets Bureau (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I assume the Deputy is referring to recent media reports which have highlighted bureau matters before the Supreme Court in respect of which judgment is awaited. I will not comment on them but because of the strong powers contained in the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996, several cases have been extensively litigated before the courts. While this can cause frustration, the courts are the ultimate...

Other Questions: Criminal Assets Bureau (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: We will keep an open mind on that. I have met the people running the CAB who highlighted the need for further legislation which was the legislation I brought in earlier this year, the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016. That gives additional powers to target the proceeds of crime, in particular powers for the immediate seizure of assets suspected of being the proceeds of crime. I am...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, some of the allegations in this case relate to actions by the courts and the Director of Public Prosecutions. I repeat what I have said frequently in the House and more generally, which is that the courts are independent under the Constitution. It is very important that we observe that constitutional issue and respect that independence.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: However, I note to Deputy Kenny that they are independent of us. That is the important point. It is important for us in the House to recognise that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was established as an independent prosecuting authority in the State. There is a significant benefit and reassurance to citizens of the State in knowing that decisions surrounding the taking of...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let me just conclude, if I could, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. In addition, those decisions are based primarily on the Garda file in a case and on the professional view of those who work in the DPP. No one is above the law.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: If anyone has evidence of any wrongdoing, he or she should bring it to the relevant authorities. That is the reality.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The DPP is independent. The courts are independent.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have made it very clear, as has the Taoiseach, that once I have the GSOC report, we will examine the situation once again.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The DPP is independent.

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is going to be evaluated and reviewed on a continual basis. There is an opportunity for all in this area to be involved, including NGOs. Presentations were made and discussions took place with them before this campaign began. That will happen again in future. We should not underestimate the importance of an awareness campaign. I am not suggesting we do not need to continually improve...

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Patriarchal attitudes were rather prevalent in many countries under communism and socialism as well. It is a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed.

Other Questions: Domestic Violence (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is certainly prevalent throughout the world. Let us be clear about that. I agree with Deputy Coppinger about the importance of education. The campaign takes account of the gendered nature of domestic violence and the proportion of advertisements and the campaign has been informed in that regard. More advertisements in the course of the campaign show violence against women. Equally,...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As Deputy Coppinger is aware, I have already answered this question in the House today. I fully appreciate the appalling circumstances that led to the death of Shane and the terrible trauma for his family – I know they are in the Gallery today. The Taoiseach and I met the family and had a long discussion. We heard their views on what should happen at this point. We have taken...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to repeat that what I also did with this case was to refer it to the independent review panel set up to examine cases. An independent process is under way in respect of many of the issues highlighted by Deputy Smith and the family. They are being actively examined by GSOC at present. Let me put it another way: I believe it is appropriate for me, as Minister for Justice and...