Results 4,981-5,000 of 15,342 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Alcohol Sales (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: Budget 2024 provided an unprecedented budget of €2.3 billion for the Garda Vote, a total increase of 23% since 2020. The unprecedented level of investment into An Garda Síochána has enabled:The roll out of the highest number of mobility devices ever allowing allGardaí to conduct certain policing tasks on the move.At the end December 2023 there were 3,420 vehicles...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that An Garda Síochána is unable to provide a breakdown of seizures in the form requested by the Deputy. Confirmation of drugs seized are subject to analysis and verification by Forensic Science Ireland, prior to publication in the Garda Annual Report. The Deputy should note that these figures do not include drugs seized...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs. It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: Since its introduction in June 2018, under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), the labour market access permission issued by my Department, has had a very positive impact for international protection applicants and employers alike. Applicants are eligible to apply if: • They are an international protection applicant; and •...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Policing Authority (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: In light of the serious public order disturbances in Dublin City Centre on 23 November, I requested the Authority to look at the steps taken to implement the 2019 Garda Inspectorate report on Public Order Policing, including whether additional equipment, ICT, vehicles or training are needed, and if any changes to policies, procedures, or indeed the law are required. As the Deputy will...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Policing Co-operation (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for operational policing matters, including the operation of the Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the District Neighbourhood Watch Scheme meetings have resumed in the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation. This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters. I am however assured...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. This includes the management of Garda IT systems, including the recording of information on PULSE. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. To be of assistance I sought the information...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: Road safety is a shared responsibility, and it is one which this Government takes very seriously. We have all been shocked by the recent loss of life on our roads, and concerned by the worrying increase in road fatalities in 2023 and into the early days of the new year, after many years of progress in making our roads safer. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner determines...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. However, to be of assistance I sought the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Asylum Seekers (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance. My Department is in regular contact with the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Asylum Seekers (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: I understand that this is a difficult situation for our Sudanese community and their loved ones. My Department has assisted the Department of Foreign Affairs in their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families from Sudan. Where necessary, we are continuing to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs on a case by case basis assisting any remaining Irish citizens who are...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that the persons referred to requested that a review of the decision to refuse their applications for residence cards be carried out. The decision to refuse their application, made on 15 October 2018, was reviewed in accordance with Regulation 25 of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 (the "Regulations") and the provisions of Directive...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: Outcomes of Court proceedings, including the recording of convictions and collation of related data, are under the remit of the Courts Service. Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: I have asked An Garda Síochána to provide any information of relevance to the Deputy’s question. I will contact the Deputy once An Garda Síochána have responded to my request.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. At present "Irish association" cases are taking in excess of 30 months to process. Any application under Section 16 that relies on Irish associations and affinity should be supported by substantive documentation that, in the Minister’s view, renders the application...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of Gardaí throughout the State under section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I play no role in the assignment of Garda members to the various units/Divisions. I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (17 Jan 2024)

Helen McEntee: The role of the Psychology Service in the Irish Prison Service is to develop, deliver and manage an integrated mental health and criminogenic needs assessment and treatment service for people in custody, in line with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, guidelines and policy. The Irish Prison Service continually monitors staffing requirements and...