Results 5,121-5,140 of 46,260 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Equality Issues (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the public bodies and agencies under its aegis are committed to ensuring that obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts, 1998-2015 are met, and that all staff have access to equal opportunities surrounding employment, career progression, learning and development and all other aspects of working life. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: 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, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in such matters. I am advised that the Garda Dog Unit is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 25 April 2023 refers to the number of unmarked Garda vans in each Garda division as of 17 April 2023, in tabular form. 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, including the purchase,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána, including recruitment and the management of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I am advised that there are no civilian equine instructors/trainers attached to the Garda Mounted Unit. I am informed that all instruction and training is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: 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, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands, including deployment...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Reviews (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: Under the Sale of Alcohol Bill, which is currently being drafted, An Garda Siochána will be able to apply to the District Court for a temporary closure order where a licensed premises has failed to comply with a direction to preserve order on their premises. An Garda Siochána will also have the power to enter and inspect licensed premises without warrant. In addition, An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Coroners Service (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The Coroner Service provides an important service to next of kin and society in general in seeking to explain the causes of death in those instances which are reportable by law. Payments are made to Coroners by the Local Authority with responsibility for each District, with the exception of Dublin, on the basis of a basic retainer and a fee per item. The last review of the Coroners of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants and is taking steps to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible. On November 8 2022, the International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department introduced accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin. Applicants from a safe...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants and is taking steps to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible. The number of International Protection applications last year was 13,651 – a significant increase on recent years. The application figure for 2022 represents a 186% increase on the same period in 2019,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants and is taking steps to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible. The approach to prioritisation of cases, as provided for under Section 73 of the International Protection Act 2015, is agreed with UNHCR Ireland and is published on the International Protection Office website....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: 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. Over 13,000 first labour market access permissions have been granted to date. This permission gives...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights. Under Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004, an immigration officer must determine whether a non-EEA national should be granted leave to land and...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Education and Training Boards (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the case of a person (details supplied by email) is presently being reviewed by Solas. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Medical Research and Training (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: I have had contact from one student wishing to transfer to a medical degree here. This is a matter for individual institutions to determine. However, my Department will continue to support institutions responding to these difficult circumstances.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: In November 2022 the Government confirmed approval for a new policy led by my Department, to provide state assistance to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of student accommodation, and underpins the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Departmental Reviews (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The OECD review of academic career structures, academic contracts and senior management and leadership structures in Irish technological universities (TUs) was published on 16 December 2022 following the Cabinet's noting of the insights provided by the OECD in setting out the strengths and differences evident between Irish TUs and comparator institutions internationally by Cabinet. A copy of...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Apprenticeship Programmes (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship accessible to employers and learners. The Plan seeks to deliver on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum, across a wide range of programmes, by 2025. This ambitious plan includes a commitment to consolidate the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: The Togetherall programme is jointly funded by the HEA and the HSE Mental Health Operations. This programme forms part of a broader HEA funded national project through PCHEI known as ‘Identify and Respond’ which includes the development of university staff training to identify and respond to at risk students. The pilot Togetherall Programme provides a clinically moderated, 24/7...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Technological Universities (16 May 2023)

Simon Harris: On the 27thMarch, I gave approval for the South East Technological University (SETU) to expand its presence in Waterford by agreeing to accept the vendor’s final reduced asking price for the 20.3 acre portion of the 37 acre Waterford Crystal site. Having informed the Vendor of its acceptance of his final reduced asking price, SETU are now engaged in the site due diligence process....