Results 5,801-5,820 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Questions on Proposed Legislation (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Government could certainly approach the relevant bodies. We handled the public screening of the results of the marriage equality referendum very well at Dublin Castle last year. I am sure that could be replicated.

Questions on Proposed Legislation (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: We expect to have that Bill in the next few days. The intention is to bring it to the House before the end of this session. We can certainly see if the new terms of reference can be agreed at the same time. The Taoiseach will certainly consider that.

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Of course, the evidence will be looked at and the relevant committee will have an opportunity to have further discussion on this. I have two points to make in its regard. First, all existing regulation, for example, on the environment, labour and food, will be protected. Second, it is important to note that the right of Government to regulate will be protected. Those are two important...

Questions on Proposed Legislation (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: On Deputy Michael McGrath's first question, as he will be aware, the committees are only being set up. There is not yet a date for the Committee Stage of that. Obviously, when the committees are set up, whatever will be the date of Committee Stage is an issue which the relevant committee will decide on. On the second point the Deputy raised regarding Console, obviously we would all be...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: At this point, it would be unwise to speculate on the outcome of the referendum in the UK. Polls appear to show that it will be a close finish. The Government's position is very clear on our preferred outcome. I agree with the Deputy that the debate in the UK has thrown into very sharp relief the citizens' views on the EU, both for and against. It will impact the debate in this country...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I recognise what the Deputy said about previous injustices. One should always look at the evidence, have an open mind and not rule out the possibility of a further inquiry or commission of investigation in appropriate circumstances. That is why we have been engaging with the committee over recent months analysing very carefully and taking very seriously the evidence it is presenting to see...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, I have met with members of the Stardust victims committee and heard their concerns about how this tragedy has been investigated. There have been a number of reports to date. I have put in place a process in the Department of Justice and Equality whereby the committee can liaise directly and intensively with officials in the Department who have given a huge amount of...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It should be noted that more than 2,000 sustainable tenancies were secured for homeless households during 2015 which allowed people to exit homelessness. That is very important. The Deputy asked me to demonstrate the Government's commitment. I believe that many of the actions already taken demonstrate that. With regard to providing more emergency accommodation, the increased funding for...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I agree with the Deputy in respect of the challenge it poses and the need for action. The review obviously is the first part of the response by the Department of Finance to the issue. An internal review such as is being done is important and the Deputy will agree it is a complex issue. It is important to identify the variety of factors that are contributing to it. For example, the...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Government has stated consistently in this regard, it is not tolerable that in Ireland today, families and children such as Áine's are living in emergency accommodation or are having difficulty accessing such accommodation. That is why this issue is a priority for the Government. That is why the housing committee was established before all others and it did its work and made its...

Leaders' Questions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I, too, congratulate the Republic of Ireland soccer team on what was a momentous win last night in Lille. The match and that goal will rank right up there with the best of our memories of Irish soccer. I say well done to Martin, Roy, Robbie and the entire team, and, of course the fans, whom everyone will agree have done us proud and lifted all our spirts. I say very well done to them and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Applications (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The entitlement to Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must: - be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an appeal in respect of the application referred to was received by the Irish Visa Office in New Delhi on 4 April, 2016. A decision was made on 9 June, 2016 and a letter issued to the applicant on the same date. The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Penalty Points System (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy will appreciate that I have no function in relation to the bringing of prosecutions for road traffic or other offences. To be of assistance, I have sought the observations of the Garda authorities in relation to the matters referred to and will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Judicial appointments are made by the President acting on the advice of the Government. Such appointments are dealt with by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board which was established pursuant to the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995. Under section 16 of the Act, where a judicial office stands vacant or before a vacancy in a judicial office arises, the Advisory Board submits to me, as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sex Offenders Restrictions (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Sex Offenders Act 2001 provides that all sex offenders, subject to the provisions of Part 2 of that Act, must notify An Garda Síochána of their name and address, and any subsequent change to those details, for a specified period of time following the relevant conviction. Where a sex offender is sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 2 years or more, he or she will be subject to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Deployment (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including both sworn and civilian personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Station Refurbishment (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy will be aware that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. I am advised by Garda authorities that plans have been submitted by the Office of Public Works to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Resources (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Magdalen Laundries (23 Jun 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: My predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter, met with the four religious congregations involved in June 2013. They were asked to make a contribution to the cost of implementing the Magdalen Laundries Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme. Following reflection on the matter all four congregations declined to make a financial contribution towards the implementation of the...