Results 3,981-4,000 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (11 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The statistical data requested by the Deputy is contained in tabular excel spreadsheets at the following link: The Deputy should note that a further 988 persons are currently accommodated in emergency accommodation in hotels and guesthouses. 

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (11 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: In January and again in September of 2018, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department published a call in the national press for expressions of interest from potential contractors to meet the increasing demand for accommodation for persons in the protection process. The criteria against which the Department assessed the offers of accommodation were...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (11 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: While an international protection claim is being examined, the Reception and Integration Agency(RIA) offers accommodation and related services to anyone without means. The Department of Education and Skills provides school places for children resident in the centres. All children in Ireland, including children seeking international protection, can access pre-school, first and second...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (11 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: While an international protection claim is being examined, the Reception and Integration Agency(RIA) offers accommodation and related services to anyone without means.  There is no obligation on anyone to accept the offer of accommodation. Accommodation is provided under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 which came in to effect in June...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gender Recognition (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: On 8 March 2019, Ireland became the 34th out of 47 members of the Council of Europe to have ratified the Istanbul Convention. The Government has committed in the National Strategy for Women and Girls to considering gender impact in the development of new strategies and the review of existing strategies. It will also require all public bodies to assess and identify the human rights of women...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The figures requested by the Deputy are contained in the following table. It should be noted that the average length of stay in Direct Provision accommodation has reduced from 32 months in 2015 to 24 months at the end of 2018 and significant efforts are being made by my officials to further reduce this period. More generally, as you are aware, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank the Chairman and colleagues on the committee for the opportunity to comment. The amendment proposed to our laws under this Bill comprises an interim reform measure. While it is limited, it will have the effect of modernising and clarifying the provisions of what is, as matters stand, greatly outdated legislation. I imagine everyone agrees with that. Work on comprehensive...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank the Deputy for tabling the amendments. My response is similar to responses I have given to representatives of a private members' club on the text submitted. I wish to provide some background. Early in the debate on the Bill, I made the point repeatedly that the existence of such clubs arises on foot of constitutional protection. Members' clubs are not governed by the Gaming and...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank colleagues for their questions. I will do my best to respond to them. If I miss something, they might remind me of it. Deputy Pringle asked about GAA clubs and so on. These amendments have nothing to do with any of them, so there is no cause for concern there. A number of colleagues asked about timelines and so on. I said in my opening remarks that we would not see the heads...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The Gambling Control Bill provides for the establishment of a social fund through a levy on the industry, which will be used specifically to help people with gambling problems and addictions. It will also fund research which is important and provide information and education to people about the dangers of gambling. If someone has an addiction issue, that is a health issue and my colleague,...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: Deputy Jack Chambers rightly pointed out earlier on that this is the first Bill since 1956 dealing with gambling. I have worked hard, as have many of us here, to get this to this point. The gambling levy is not there yet because the main legislation is not there yet but, when it comes in, it will be there. Deputy Fitzpatrick made some good points and I will contact the Minister of State,...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: We are making gambling under 18 years of age an offence. It will not be allowed anywhere and it is the first time it is being done. Section 18 lists the offences and lays out the punishments. There are consequences if people break the law in this area. Enforcement is a matter for the enforcement authority, the Garda and others. The amendments proposed relate to the maximum stakes and...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: We might go together.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: Some attempts have been made in the media. On the situation in the United Kingdom, there is a category of machines colloquially known as fixed odds betting terminals, FOBTs. Four of these machines were allowed per shop, which led to a big increase in the number of pop-up bookmakers. The UK Government has reduced the maximum stake for the four category B gaming machines to £2. There...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: No.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: No; we do not want to have them here at all.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I thank colleagues for their questions. To be clear, I am dealing with amendments Nos. 5 and 6.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: I will start by dealing with amendments Nos. 5 and 6, which, as the Chairman said, are related. They concern section 12, which substitutes section 28 of 1956 Act with a new section that sets out the application process for a lottery licensed by the District Court. This section maintains the current maximum prize amount of €30,000. However, it makes provision for a prize fund limit...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: The current position is that an agent can be appointed but, as the Deputy will have noted from my response, there are inherent dangers and risks around that. The amendment as drafted would allow the transfer of a licence to an agent who had not been through the checks and balances of the court. For example, Deputy O'Callaghan could get a licence and transfer it Deputy Jack Chambers who may...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2019)

David Stanton: Correct.