Results 4,541-4,560 of 45,291 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I respectfully suggest that we should allow the discussions between the Garda, the OPW and Dublin City Council to conclude. This will then enable them to prepare for planning with a view to bringing forward planning in 2024 potentially. This is the window or timeframe that we potentially have. Of course it will be important that local communities are updated and kept engaged and informed...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Ó Cuív for his question and for his ongoing work. I only wish I had counterparts in Northern Ireland. I do not say that to be facetious but the Deputy will see during my answer how the absence of an Executive stymies some levels of engagement. However, I am pleased to say there is excellent ongoing cross-Border co-operation with counterparts in Northern Ireland on...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I will seek confirmation on the two issues the Deputy has raised concerning the recent engagement my colleagues had with their counterparts. I believe in all jurisdictions, including for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland, people having swift access to justice is an important part of any effective justice system. I am personally engaging with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: The fifth report of the IRC was brought to Government in December. Overall, the IRC has not altered its view that the risks posed to society by the continuing existence of paramilitary groups and structures means paramilitarism remains a clear and present danger in Northern Ireland. Six new recommendations are contained in the fifth report, including a further recommendation on the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I completely assure the Deputy that the legal obligation to carry out a review of this was taken extraordinarily seriously by my Department. The review was commissioned and an independent expert was appointed. While I share the Deputy's frustration, I have outlined the reasons as to why there was a delay and the additional efforts my Department has made to ensure that the review can be...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I cannot stand over the delay, and I am not seeking to do so. I am seeking to ensure that the report is progressed, finalised and published as a matter of urgency. I have acknowledged my frustration that it has not been forthcoming, and I have outlined the reason why it has been delayed. As Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Deputy will know that in the context of oral parliamentary questions,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I have a great deal of material. I was making the point that, and this is in no way to apportion blame to anybody, but the study lead for this report, when they were commissioned to do this piece of work, was asked to also carry out the familicide review following the untimely passing of Norah Gibbons. She very kindly agreed to do that and put a great amount of effort into it. I am hoping...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputies Christopher O'Sullivan and Murnane O'Connor. Regarding west Cork, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan is correct that this is an area the Government has identified through its work with Tusla as a priority location for a new refuge. I would be very happy to engage with the organisation doing the work on the ground there. If he wishes to bring a delegation to Leinster House, I...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I very much understand that burglaries can be traumatic and invasive. They can leave people feeling unsafe and uneasy in their home and community. They very much impact people’s sense of security in their home. The Deputy will be aware of Operation Thor which tackles burglary and actively targets organised crime gangs and repeat offenders through co-ordinated crime prevention and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: We will absolutely support the Garda in resourcing Operation Thor, in recruiting gardaí and getting more gardaí on the streets and rolling out the community safety plans in every county in Ireland in 2024. The numbers show a stark improvement. Every burglary impacts on a person or family. I do not dismiss in any way the significance of that individual trauma and loss of a sense...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I do not want to drown the Dáil in statistics and yearly comparisons. I just make the point that we try to compare the last year before there were Covid restrictions which was 2019 - last normal year - with 2022, the first year without Covid restrictions. During the pandemic years when everyone was at home with lockdown periods and the likes, that obviously had a downward impact on...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: It is a fair question and I somewhat share the Deputy's frustration. I have voiced similar frustration, as have my colleagues. In July 2020, departmental officials contracted an independent expert to undertake the review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act. Significant work was completed cataloguing the submissions received under the Part 4 review, which, as the Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. Since 2015, the Government has increased the budget for An Garda Síochána by approximately €672m, or 46%. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment. As the Deputy will be aware,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Policy (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: The Border Management Unit of my Department performs an essential service in preventing illegal immigration and maintaining the security of our borders.  Very properly, the exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights, as well as for the dignity of each individual passenger.  BMU officers receive extensive training and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including HR matters. However, I can assure the Deputy that Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to perform their vital role in the community. It is important to emphasise that, of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. We can all agree that any acts of violence and anti-social behaviour are completely unacceptable. I want to make it...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I can advise the Deputy that the HSE / National Forensic Mental Health Service provides in-reach psychiatric services to the Irish Prison Service. This direct service includes dedicated Clinical Forensic Consultants, Community Forensic Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers and administrative staff. In 2022, the cost associated with this service was €1.9 million and I am informed that...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, in June of last year Government launched Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. In line with the priority which we are attaching to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence, we will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280. This will be the fastest ever...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Policy (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: If a person does not produce a valid passport, or other equivalent document, an Immigration Officer may refuse the person leave to land in accordance with Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004. When a person is refused leave to land at an airport, the priority is to return them on the next available return flight to the last point of embarkation. If a person indicates or is identified as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (18 Apr 2023)

Simon Harris: I am sure the Deputy will agree that the public is immensely grateful to An Garda Síochána for their outstanding dedication and commitment and for the important role that they play in our society. I am pleased to note the consistently high levels of public trust recorded in our Gardaí. The unprecedented funding of over €2.24 billion to An Garda...