Results 3,821-3,840 of 9,174 for speaker:James Browne

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Prison Service (25 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. The Irish Prison Service recognises the importance of promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people with disabilities committed to its care. I am strongly of the view that we need to continue to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern and fit for purpose and that it has the capacity to...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legal Aid (25 May 2023)

James Browne: As I am sure the Deputy will be aware, criminal legal aid and civil legal aid are separate services. Criminal legal aid is granted by the courts to eligible persons being prosecuted for criminal offences to ensure that their constitutional right to a fair trial is vindicated. Civil matters concern non-criminal disputes between individuals or organisations. Civil legal aid and advice for...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legal Aid (25 May 2023)

James Browne: The Minister, Deputy Harris, expects that review later this year, having met with former Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Frank Clarke, only yesterday. The review is comprehensive and once it is published, we will have a better understanding of the recommendations therein. I would not like to anticipate those recommendations at this point in time. However, I will say the review is comprehensive....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (25 May 2023)

James Browne: The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will cover gambling online and in person, and include powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be provided with the necessary enforcement powers to...

Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 May 2023)

James Browne: I move "That the Bill be now read a Second Time". I am pleased to introduce the Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023. Article 6.1 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides for the right to a fair trial in a reasonable time period. This right already has constitutional and common law standing in Ireland, and this Bill will place it on a statutory footing and ensure an effective and...

Extension of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (24 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputies for their time and contributions. I hope the extension of the Act until 30 November 2023 sends Members the message of our determination to continue to support and provide clarity to businesses, An Garda Síochána and communities. Deputy Pa Daly raised the issue about the number of gardaí. We have approximately 380 in training at the moment at various...

Extension of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (24 May 2023)

James Browne: I move: That Dáil Éireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of six months, beginning on the 1st day of June, 2023 and ending on the 30th day of November, 2023. I am here to introduce a resolution on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Control of Firearms (24 May 2023)

James Browne: I can advise the Deputy that I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána. The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister. In line with its comprehensive terms of reference, which were made publicly available, the FEC was tasked with making...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (24 May 2023)

James Browne: I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) in June 2022 on a non-statutory basis, with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána. The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related to firearms licensing in the State. In line with its comprehensive terms of reference,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and providing me with the opportunity to address the matter on behalf of the Minister. I confirm that the Department’s multi-annual rural water programme, through Exchequer funding, delivers improvements to water services in areas of rural Ireland where there are no public water services. The programme provides capital funding...

Hospital Waiting Lists: Motion [Private Members] (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I will begin by mentioning the significant investment in the health service since 2020. The Government allocated €23.6 billion net to the health budget in 2023, both current and capital, and an extra €3.2 billion or 15% over the original net budget allocation for 2020. This is the largest allocation ever for the Department of Health. The Government has allocated 27% more in...

Hospital Waiting Lists: Motion [Private Members] (23 May 2023)

James Browne: He is in Geneva.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Work Permits (23 May 2023)

James Browne: The framework around access to employment permits for this role, as agreed with the Department of Health, includes the requirement for the employment to offer a remuneration level of €27,000 or more, and for the permit holder to achieve a relevant level 5 QQI qualification after two years' employment in the State. The level 5 qualification after two years' employment is the minimum...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Work Permits (23 May 2023)

James Browne: This question is for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I am answering on behalf of that Department.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Work Permits (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I am answering on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Work Permits (23 May 2023)

James Browne: The framework for the HCA provision intended that education and training needs be provided by employers, with employees to be given access to funded educational programmes to gain the required level of qualifications as part of paid employment. Given the mix of public, private and voluntary providers in the nursing home sector, it is important to ensure that there is a common validated...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Dillon again for raising this important matter. On the multi-annual rural water programme, as I indicated, to date, allocations of just over €74 million have been provided nationally and just under €36 million has been recouped by local authorities. Mayo County Council was allocated over €25 million, of which, to date, just over €8 million has been...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Work Permits (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter. Ireland’s employment permits system is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy in the short to medium term. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure there are no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals available to undertake the work...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Control of Firearms (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together. I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána. The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister. In line with its comprehensive terms of reference, which were made publicly available, the FEC was...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Control of Firearms (23 May 2023)

James Browne: I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the only incidents requested by the Deputy recorded on PULSE are discharging a firearm and possession of a firearm. I am further advised that it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a breakdown of offences at a District level as there is not a sufficient volume of incidents recorded in order to report at this level. The Deputy may find...