Results 6,401-6,420 of 15,389 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: To clarify, section 17(1) includes a section 17(1)(a) and a section 17(1)(b), the latter of which reads "has been authorised by a judge of the District Court under section 18." Section 18 states: "If an approval under section 17 has been granted and a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of superintendent believes that focussed monitoring of the vehicle concerned for...

Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Section 17 relates to utilising ANPR. That is why it says "or" before referring to section 18. I assure the Deputy that this "or" applies only up to three months. Anything beyond three months must go to the District Court.

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: These amendments correct certain drafting and cross-referencing issues in the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 arising from the amending Act in this area, which was passed last year. I draw attention in particular to the amendments to subsections 77(e), (f), (j) and (k) of the Bill relating to applications to a judge. Under the 2011 Act, as amended, applications for data must be...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Provision was made in section 14C(2) of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992 that where a person is accused of a sexual offence and the alleged adult victim is to give evidence, the court may direct that the accused may not personally cross-examine the witness unless the court is of the opinion that the interests of justice require it. This amendment essentially broadens the scope of this...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: This amendment increases the maximum penalty for assault on gardaí and other peace officers from seven years to 12 years. We are all conscious of the dedication and commitment of our front-line workers and the risks they take in the course of their duties. Any police force, but an unarmed force in particular, depends on absolute respect for the safety of its officers. We cannot...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: The Deputy is right that this is not a panacea. This will not deal with or respond to all incidents. We need to try to support the Garda. Going back to our conversation last night, it is about making sure the Garda has the necessary resources, numbers and technology, particularly making sure gardaí have body-worn cameras. It has been shown in other jurisdictions where they have been...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: The Mental Health Review Board, MHRB, is a quasi-judicial body responsible for the review of the detention of patients in the Central Mental Hospital. Currently, paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 outlines the requirements of the membership of the board. There must be a chairperson and such number of ordinary members as determined by the Minister in...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: These are a number of technical and typographical amendments. They are grouped together for consideration, as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle outlined. Amendment No. 7 reflects the change in name of what is now the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Amendment No. 11 is a transitional provision to ensure that medical evidence certificates signed prior...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Amendment No. 33 provides for consequential amendments to the Broadcasting and Other Media Regulation Acts 2009 and 2022 arising from the new offences introduced under this Act. It follows the pattern in those Acts of scheduling matters that might be subject to regulation of online media and covers the new offences provided in this Bill related to stalking, harassment and non-fatal...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: These amendments provide for further enhancements to the stalking and harassment measures in the Bill. Amendment Nos. 8 and 10 complement the provisions around non-contact orders which may be imposed as a result of a conviction for stalking and harassment offences. They will ensure that such orders are properly notified and provided in writing to the relevant parties, including the alleged...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: I was listening and just want to clarify a point. The victim can obviously waive their right to anonymity and that then applies to the person in question that there is not a restriction on naming who they are. Also if the victim is going directly to the judge-----

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: As is the case generally, it is that they make their views known to the judge and the judge then makes that decision and allows that to apply. The person can obviously make that decision and it is not for the judge to apply that. In terms of access to the court, if it is required on a quick basis, there is the ex parteapproach that An Garda Síochána can apply on their behalf and...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Again, I acknowledge this issue was raised when we were processing Coco's Law. I appreciate it takes time but I am absolutely confident this will enhance that Bill.

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: We got there, as is generally the case but it is a welcome addition for anybody who is in this situation.

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: In respect of Seanad amendments Nos. 8, 18 and 33, and pursuant to Standing Order 196, I request the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to direct the Clerk to make a number of corrections of a typographical nature to the Bill. Seanad amendment No. 8 inserts subsections (5), (6) and (7) into section 23 of the Bill. However, consequential renumbering of the existing subsections (5) to (12) has not been...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Amendments Nos. 1, 6, 18 and 32 provide a mechanism for Ireland's co-operation with the European Public Prosecutor's Office, EPPO. It is an independent EU body with responsibility for investigating and prosecuting crimes against the financial interests of the EU and participating member states. It commenced its operations in 2021. While Ireland has not opted in to date, we have been...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: These amendments provide for a change in the composition of the DNA database system oversight committee. The provision being repealed provided for a member of the committee to be appointed by the Data Protection Commission, DPC, which has raised concerns in respect of this provision and its compatibility with the requirements of the DPC to be completely independent in the performance of its...

Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: From the Seanad (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: These amendments address an issue identified in a 2018 case where it was found that the Court of Appeal cannot impose a sentence of imprisonment on an adult who had been initially sentenced as a child to children's detention. Amendment No. 21 provides that the sentence in such cases will not preclude a sentence which could have been imposed at the court of trial if the person had reached the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 186 together. It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Protecting and supporting victims of sexual violence is a priority for me and my Department and I am keenly aware of the devastating physical and emotional consequences such crimes have on victims. The issue of the disclosure of counselling records is a complex one. On the one hand, there is the victim’s right to personal privacy and on the other the accused person’s right to a...