Results 5,181-5,200 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Transfers (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that all prisoner journeys, including transfers to and from court, are conducted in accordance with the terms of the PSEC (Prison Service Escort Corps) regulations manual. The manual is a comprehensive document which outlines strict procedures for Escorting Prisoners throughout the state and caters for frequent water and rest breaks for the prisoners....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Reviews (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have not yet received the recommendations of the review to which the Deputy refers. The review is being carried out on a pro bono basis by former Chief Justice, Mr. Justice John L Murray. The work of the review involves the analysis of complex aspects of Irish and international law, particularly European law, in this area as well as consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Expenditure (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of necessary resources to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries, having regard to the security considerations involved, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a complete costing in respect of the visit of HRH Prince Charles to Donegal is not yet...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Policing Co-operation (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 to 29, inclusive, 63, 81 to 83, inclusive, and 112 together. It may be helpful to inform the House that in March 2011 my Department received a report from the Garda Commissioner in the light of media coverage and Parliamentary Questions to the then Minister on the alleged activities of the person to whom these questions primarily relate. In relation...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Services Regulation (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: My Department is currently preparing legislation to give effect to the Government's commitments to transfer the administration of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme to the Legal Aid Board and to strengthen aspects of its operation. It is my intention to consult with all relevant stake-holders in the development of this legislation including the Legal Services Regulatory Authority which may wish to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service Administration (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, the Courts Service Act 1998 provides that management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following information. In private family law cases, it is the responsibility of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Aid (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. Under the Act, the grant of legal aid entitles the applicant to the services of a solicitor and, in certain circumstances, up to two counsel, in the preparation and conduct of their defence or appeal. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Policy (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is assumed that by ‘Immigration Office’ the Deputy is referring to the public office at Burgh Quay in Dublin. This is a large public office dealing with up to 700 people per day. Its primary function is to provide face to face services with its customers in relation to registration for immigration permission and for re-entry visas. I am advised by the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Data (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy and I will forward this report to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Charities Regulation (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Section 8 of the Charities Act 2009 provides that the Act shall not apply to certain trusts the only property of which consists of: (a) shares in a qualifying company established for the purposes of Section 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997; (b) shares in a company whose business consists solely of the leasing of plant and machinery; (c) dividends paid in respect of such shares (being...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am of course very much aware of the particular concerns which may arise in relation to the safety of elderly and vulnerable persons. In this regard I can assure the Deputy that I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that the available Garda resources are used as effectively as possible for tackling crime in our community. In addition An Garda Síochána work...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Family Law Cases (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 97 together. As the Deputy will be aware I have previously announced, together with the then Minister of State responsible for the Office of Public Works, the intention to provide a dedicated facility including new family courts at the Hammond Lane site. The project is to be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership in accordance with the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Expenditure (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to advise the Deputy that over the period in question, 6 credit cards were held by officials in certain posts in my Department. Currently, official credit cards are held by two officials within my Department. No new credit cards were authorised during the period. In 2014 the total expenditure charged to these cards amounted to €25,243.27, whilst a sum of €27,588.36 was...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Expenditure (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to advise the Deputy that over the period in question, 2 credit cards were held by officials in the National Disability Authority, an Agency funded by my Department's Vote. Details of the total expenditure charged to these cards are as set out in the following table. No bank interest was incurred in these periods. Agency Number of Credit Cards 2014 2015 National Disability...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Expenditure (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: On an annual basis, my Department provides funding to approximately 300 third party non governmental bodies. In terms of gaining assurance on the control environment operating within these bodies, It has not been the practice to require internal operational details at a level requested by the Deputy. Instead my Department relies to a large extent on independent external audit assurance...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is committed to investigating any breaches of the law resulting from the availability of illegal substances on the internet. I can also advise that the availability, on-line, of illegal substances is being closely monitored by An Garda Síochána. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána in partnership with its European and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Station Closures (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, during 2011 and 2012, An Garda Síochána completed a comprehensive review of its district and station network with a view to identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. Having reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána policing...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Data (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that in the last 18 months 5 trainee Gardaí have resigned from An Garda Síochána prior to attestation and 8 probationer Gardaí have resigned post attestation. This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Accommodation Refurbishment (16 Sep 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that it is...