Results 6,521-6,540 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Strength (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I agree with the Deputy on the need for transparency in the criteria to be used in the reopening of stations and that certainly will be the case. It is an operational matter, but, clearly, I expect the Policing Authority to oversee this work and there to be discussions between the authority and the Garda Commissioner. Nonetheless, it is an operational decision that will depend on needs and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Strength (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is part of the civilianisation project. The last Garda Inspectorate report suggested a large number of gardaí were undertaking duties that could be performed by civilians. Progress has been made in that regard, for example, at the airport and in a number of other areas. Nonetheless, I have to say the figure involved is questioned by Garda management; it is, therefore, a very...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: National Drugs Strategy (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The problem of drug misuse remains one of the most complex social problems we face, causing a huge amount of harm to individuals, families and communities. The Government's response to the problem was set out in the national drugs strategy which ran from 2009 to 2016. As the Deputy is aware, the strategy is comprehensive and based on the five pillars of drug supply reduction, prevention,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: We now have the report, which shows very clearly that the former Minister, Alan Shatter, operated properly and that there is no question of any corruption relating to the Commissioner. There will be a debate in the House. The former Deputy has written to the Taoiseach and there will be a detailed response.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Strength (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Deputy Collins asks about the visibility of police throughout the country. Key to achieving that goal is the commitment in the programme for partnership Government to continue the ongoing accelerated garda recruitment programme. Templemore had been closed but the last Government made a decision to open Templemore and begin a process of continuous and ongoing recruitment. There is agreement...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Protected Disclosures Act was important legislation. Many organisations face challenges and need cultural change in order to deal and work effectively with whistleblowers. I believe the legislative framework we now have in place supports this and is helpful in terms of how whistleblowers within An Garda Síochána are dealt with. I have discussed this subject on a number of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: On cultural change, I obviously rely on the answers given to questions I ask and the reports I get from An Garda Síochána. Looking back at the controversy in regard to penalty points, the Garda involved Sergeant McCabe in that process. Also, based on the information I have on the position in regard to Sergeant McCabe, I believe the cultural change Deputy Howlin mentioned is in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Reports (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I stress that it would be highly unusual to ask one party to a legal proceeding to disclose to another party its dealings with its legal representatives. Imagine if such a demand were made of everybody who gave evidence to a commission of investigation. It is important that people have confidence in the commission of investigation structure. More than 97 witnesses were called to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: This question also relates to the commission of investigation carried out by Mr. Justice Kevin O'Higgins. I thank Mr Justice O'Higgins and his team for the manner in which they fulfilled their mandate. Mr. Seán Guerin, on presenting his report to Cabinet, recommended the establishment of a commission of investigation into all of the matters addressed in his report. The Cabinet...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Reports (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The first point I would make on the Deputy's question is one I made when publishing the report, namely, that we should not lose sight of the central fact that at its heart are the victims who were let down. That was a very key point for all of us to note. Our central focus should be on doing everything possible to make sure what is outlined in the investigations does not happen again. ...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The money made available continues to be used. I have told the Garda Commissioner that, if further money is needed for overtime resources, it will be made available. The Taoiseach and I gave her that reassurance. A budget is available for that purpose. Contrary to reports, there has been no cutting back of patrols in the Dublin area. The Garda Commissioner continues to make the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: No.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Quite a lot has happened. It has been advertised within the Garda and there have been hundreds of applications. Interviews must take place and are beginning. It is hoped that, once the extensive interviews and assessments have been completed, the unit will comprise approximately 55 gardaí and three sergeants. I will send the Deputy the details. The unit will operate in the Dublin...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Reports (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Last week I published the report of the O'Higgins commission into certain matters relevant to the Cavan-Monaghan division of An Garda Síochána. It is a report that deserves the most careful consideration in order that we can do everything possible to avoid a repeat of the mistakes and issues outlined in it, particularly from the victims' perspective. I am sure most Deputies will...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Crime (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, the Taoiseach and I recently met with senior Garda management and were briefed on the significant progress being made in investigations into recent gang-related murders in the Dublin region. As these appalling crimes, which we all condemn, are the subject of ongoing Garda investigations, it would not be appropriate for me to make detailed comment on them. However,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Ministerial Meetings (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I keep in regular contact with the Garda representative bodies. As regards recent meetings, I met with the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) on the 20 April last and have indicated that I am open to meeting them again shortly. I met the Garda Representative Association (GRA) on 27 January and expect to meet them again within the next two weeks. In addition, my officials...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy may be aware, the new Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish legislation in relation to the regulation of the sale and purchase of precious metals. Last year, my Department undertook a consultation process in relation to this issue. The consultation document sets out a number of policy options taking account of the views expressed in previous reports on...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Resources (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Programme for a Partnership Government prioritises a significant programme of investment in An Garda Síochána with an overarching goal of continuing the accelerated recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, to double the Garda Reserve and to increase further civilianisation to free up more Gardaí for frontline policing duties. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Missing Persons (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: At the outset, I would like to say that I am very conscious of the ongoing trauma and distress for the families and friends of persons who go missing and, in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, I can assure the House that I am fully aware of the various concerns which have been raised about it. I am also mindful of the sensitivity of the issues involved and, in this regard, I...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Data (17 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I can advise the Deputy that figures relating to the category of theft/taking of vehicle and related offences are available on the Central Statistics website www.cso.ie as follows: Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 Theft/taking of vehicle and related offences 10,393 8,448 7,368 7,763 As the Deputy will note, these statistics indicate a significant decrease in the number of vehicle theft and...