Results 6,161-6,180 of 15,389 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Seanad: Crime and Policing: Motion (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I have to apologise. I have to be in Brussels this evening so the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, will take over for the latter part of the debate. I wanted to hear as many colleagues as possible and hopefully I will be able to stay for a bit longer. I thank Members for the opportunity to outline how I believe we are making a real difference when it comes to building stronger and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Commissions of Inquiry (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I suggest that we have taken action. The fact this report has taken significantly longer is not what anybody expected but it is because Judge Haughton wanted to make sure it was thorough, no stone was left unturned and any important information that could form the basis of a further inquiry or anything that might necessarily need further inquiry was investigated. No stone was left unturned;...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Commissions of Inquiry (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I have no issue with that. There is no problem. It gives the opportunity to anybody coming into the House to read it and go through it in detail. However, I am clear that the report itself states there is no need for further inquiry and that is the basis of all of the facts we have in this. I accept the report. It has been published and Government has accepted it as well.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Commissions of Inquiry (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: Really?

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Commissions of Inquiry (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. I want to start by acknowledging the family who are in the Gallery and thank them for being here this morning. I also want to acknowledge the huge hurt and loss that has been caused by Shane's death. I also acknowledge those in the wider family and community who loved him. As the Deputies are aware, on 3 July my Department published the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Social Welfare Benefits (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: Immigration permission to join a family member (who is an Irish National or non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizen) as an elderly, dependent relative is covered by the conditions of immigration stamp 0. An applicant can apply for permission to reside under Stamp 0 conditions. A Stamp 0 may only be granted if the applicant can prove that their relative can support them financially and otherwise. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: Further documentation has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy and the naturalisation application continues to be processed by my Department. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Registration of Wills (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: For the Deputy's information, the establishment of a register of wills has been suggested on a number of previous occasions, including in a number of Private Members Bills. It is a matter that has previously been considered, including by my colleague the Minister for Social Protection, in the context of her responsibility for the General Register Office. I understand that consultations...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: The person referred to by the Deputy was issued a letter refusing permission to remain in the state on 2 August 2022. In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned. These representations, together with all other information and documentation on...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Census of Population (27 Sep 2023)

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. 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 Síochána and have been advised that An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (27 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner, as does the entire Government. 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 rostering arrangements. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. The Government wishes to see a solution...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022: Second Stage (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I am delighted to introduce the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 to the House and I look forward to hearing contributions from Senators. As Senators will be aware, this Bill is an important commitment in the programme for Government and in Justice Plan 2023. The Bill provides a legislative framework for the use of recording devices by Garda personnel and the processing...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022: Second Stage (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I thank Senators for the broad welcome and support for the legislation. Issues and concerns were raised, all of which I hope to address. I apologise if I miss anything. The first point to consider is what we are trying to achieve with this legislation. The aim is to give gardaí the right tools, technology and equipment to be able to do their job as efficiently and effectively as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Aid (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: My Department is aware of the serious issues raised by the Bar Council, in particular, regarding the retention of barristers at the criminal Bar owing to the cuts to fees imposed between 2008 and 2011. I can assure the Deputy that I recognise the important role played by barristers in undertaking criminal legal aid work and I have been clear in my support for the restoration of fees paid to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 4 March 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Tehran office on the 13 March 2023. The application was received in the Dublin visa office on the 31 March 2023 where it awaits examination and processing. It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community based, youth crime prevention initiatives which divert young people involved in or at risk from criminal/anti-social behaviour away from crime by facilitating personal development and improving...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Reviews (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). Well-functioning OMCs are key to maintaining and sustaining higher-density residential developments, such as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, both the Programme for Government and the Government's Housing for All Strategy commits to the establishment of a new division of the High Court dealing with planning and environmental issues. I can inform the Deputy that whilst the new court has been operationally established as such for some months now, it is expected to be fully and formally in place...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Citizenship Ceremonies (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: I am pleased to say that the next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on Monday 2 October 2023 at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD). Citizenship Division have issued approximately 3,000 invitations to successful applicants for the Ceremonies. Information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on the Department’s website here:...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (26 Sep 2023)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these...