Results 3,781-3,800 of 6,188 for speaker:Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products (9 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: 501. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the prescription of synthetic T4 drugs in response to a diagnosis of hypothyroidism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29872/19]

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I might take a second to examine that briefly. While I am doing that, could the Minister respond to the specific query about misconduct that has been asked two or three times now?

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: It is valuable legislation in several respects, and it is good that it has finally been brought through this House. As I said before, it is vitally important for the accountability of judges, but also in supporting them and providing structures for education and training. The provisions on insurance are of value, though they are not the entire solution in and of themselves. A key...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: The amendment derives from an amendment proposed by Senator Lynn Ruane and others in the Seanad. It deals with a review of current statutory mandatory, minimum and presumptive sentencing provisions. There is no difficulty with that. This amendment is simply a redrafting, as I understand it, and those in Senator Ruane's office are happy enough with it. I will support it as I think it is...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: That does not answer the question, which was specific enough. The matter will not affect my support for the Bill as I am reasonably happy with the legislation in any event. Would it constitute misconduct if a judge persistently departed from the sentencing guidelines? It is a technical question but it can be answered.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: That is a concern of mine as well. My concern relates to amendments Nos. 9, 10 and 13. The three sections that are proposed to be deleted will result in the removal of the provision for naming a judge against whom an allegation or complaint has been substantiated. I do not believe that is right. The matter was discussed in the Seanad and the majority of Senators voted in favour of the...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I move amendment No. 5:In page 24, line 29, after “Council” to insert “and this may include public consultation processes”. The amendment relates to the provision that the sentencing guidelines and information committee may consult such persons as it considers appropriate for the purpose of drawing up guidelines. I am proposing that this be made explicitly clear....

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: Amendment No. 7 places additional emphasis on the welfare of the victims of crime and puts such consideration in a category of its own, which is important. If the amendment were to be defeated, as I expect it will, I would ask the Minister to ensure insofar as possible that the voices of the victims of crime are heard through this process.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: In addition, I ask that he ensure that the importance of the phrase "may consult with such persons as the committee sees appropriate" be recognised and that, as the Minister stated, it would, where appropriate, involve full public consultation of the kind that involves submissions, hearings and so on in addition to a targeted form of consultation.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I move amendment No. 6:In page 26, to delete line 36.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I move amendment No. 7:In page 26, after line 39, to insert the following:“(4) The Public Appointments Service shall have regard to the objective that the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee will at all times have knowledge of, and experience in, the promotion of the welfare of the victims of crime.”.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I will be brief. As I said in my Second Stage contribution, I do not believe this is the be-all and end-all but it is of value. We need to get this process under way as quickly as possible to have the guidelines and general damages. The sooner we start the process, the better. Therefore, we will be supporting amendments Nos. 1 to 4.

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: This is significant, landmark legislation for a number of reasons. One of my main priorities in this area has been the introduction, for the first time, of a legislative basis for sentencing guidelines. I will return to that but this is a significant moment for sentencing policy. It is also significant in respect of its provisions dealing with the awarding of general damages in personal...

Judicial Council Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: Expensive premiums cannot all be attributed to what is happening in the District or Circuit Courts. The insurance firms' profits topped €227 million last year. Industry profits have surged by 1,300% with 17 general insurance providers making combined operating profits of €227 million. Profits have jumped from €16 million in 2016 with cover for drivers proving...

Parole Bill 2016: Fifth Stage (3 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: Very good.

Parole Bill 2016: Fifth Stage (3 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I will not be long as I am aware that there is other business before the House that requires to be done. The Bill is good legislation. It will make a significant difference. There are difficult considerations to balance in this regard and the Bill strikes the right balance. The Bill started well and improved through amendment as it passed through the Dáil. It will now proceed to the...

Parole Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (3 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I support this amendment. It is the kind of section that is frequently seen in legislation. It makes sense. We are putting this on a statutory basis. It had an institutional basis without having a statutory basis. It is important that we see the patterns that emerge, the experience of the board with the new procedures, and the organisation that is involved. It would be a useful exercise...

Parole Bill 2016: Report Stage (3 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I agree generally with the principle involved but am a little uncomfortable with the way it has been drafted. Obviously there is a process there in that a person who breaches his or her parole conditions could potentially be arrested, have his or her parole revoked or there is a hearing of the parole board and so on. It is structured in such a way, however, that it is essentially an...

Parole Bill 2016: Report Stage (3 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: Perhaps the Minister can talk us through it. I understand the point that is being made but it appears that this is a criminal offence on top of a decision on whether to revoke the parole order. A person could have an additional six months of an offence, and then a decision as to whether the parole order is to be revoked. This is an offence in itself. I understand the point about the...

Parole Bill 2016: Report Stage (3 Jul 2019)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I am not sure that we are getting this right. I agree with the objective but a person could be out on parole for several years and then may come across a situation or have an adverse relationship with an individual garda. That garda would have the power to arrest the person for something that is potentially not a criminal offence. I believe it is right that it is possible for a person to...