Results 6,821-6,840 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I reiterate that there is a challenge in respect of numbers on the basis that the total expected number for the end of the year will be approximately 3,500. That presents us with a challenge. As a result of the ongoing demand increase, six new accommodation centres opened this year providing 567 spaces. Centres were opened in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare; County Westmeath; Monasterevin,...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I ask the Chairman to provide me with the details.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I mentioned the centres that were opened this year. I mentioned three centres that are in the course of preparation, with a view towards opening. I have said that, furthermore, it is likely that there will be expressions of interest sought in respect of more new centres. I am keen to ensure applications for international protection are dealt with in a more timely, effective and efficient...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Yes.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Yes.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Supplementary)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Supplementary)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Supplementary)
Vote 24 - Department of Justice and Equality (Supplementary) (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: That is my information. The centres are located in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Templemacateer, County Westmeath, Abbeyleix, County Laois, a centre with which I am familiar; Monasterevin, County Kildare, Mallow, County Cork and Kenmare, County Kerry. Two centres are under consideration, namely, a hotel in Wicklow town and the hotel in Donegal that was the subject of an unacceptable attack...

Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2018: First Stage (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: No.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am keen that progress be reported on this issue. I acknowledge the Deputy's interest in the Garda station in Clonmel, along with others. I had the opportunity to visit the existing Garda station and I agree that it needs to be replaced. The new bundle of public private partnerships for Garda stations has been announced. The Government is committed to ensuring that the bundle, among...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: This was the subject matter of detailed questioning earlier. I would have liked it if the Deputy had been present, or had tabled a question. He is, however, correct that I have received the advice of the Attorney General. A cross-governmental group is dealing with this issue and it involves a number of stakeholders and interested parties. I am keen to bring forward proposals that are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will be aware that community CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order of 2006. The legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must conform to three conditions, namely, be approved by the local joint policing committee, JPC, and I acknowledge Deputy Stanley's attendance at a...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Safety (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am acutely aware of the case of Ilabek Avetian. I extend my sympathies to his wife, Anzhela Kotsinian, and to their families. That tragic incident all too sadly highlights how the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes can cause real damage to people, their families and communities. I am committed to actively supporting any positive action in respect of this matter. I have received...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Safety (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I do not want to be repetitive. In any event, the Acting Chairman will not let me. I acknowledge the importance of the cross-departmental and cross-agency group. In the lead-up to Christmas, people will be buying quad bikes and scramblers as presents. These are mechanically propelled vehicles within the meaning of road traffic legislation. As such, irrespective of the engine capacity,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rural Crime (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I have made reference to at least four pieces of legislation and I again refer to the 1994 Act introduced by the then Minister for the Environment and Local Government. I would be happy to speak to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, to ensure these issues are kept under review. I assure the House that rural crime in general is a key focus for...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Courts Service Data (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, including the provision of information on the courts system. To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that courts statistics are not compiled in such a...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Courts Service Data (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I accept the Deputy's point that while this is primarily an issue for the Department of Health and its agencies, it comes under the justice remit. I would be happy to engage further as needs be. My officials have been informed by the Department of Health that in 2017 the HPRA, working in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and Revenue's customs service, detained almost 500,000...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Courts Service Data (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: In line with the Garda Síochána strategy statement for 2016 to 2018, supported by the Garda Síochána modernisation and renewal programme for the period 2016 to 2021, An Garda Síochána continues to play an important and proactive role in confronting drug-related crime, utilising intelligence-led operations. I acknowledge the importance of the Garda...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Safety (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the continued interest of the Deputy in this issue. He was the first to raise the matter and he never loses an opportunity to raise what is an important issue to him and to many other Deputies, as well as to me. The illegal use of quad bikes and scramblers gives rise to public safety concerns affecting a significant number of local communities. I have asked my officials to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Drugs Crime (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the importance of this question. The review to which I referred earlier on the principle underpinning mandatory sentencing is still under consideration by my Department. On completion of that consideration, I would be happy to share the contents of the review with Deputies and, more particularly, the justice committee. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rural Crime (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will be aware that the general legal position in respect of trespass is that it is a civil wrong and, for the most part, can be addressed by means of a civil remedy through the courts. I acknowledge the interest of various farm and rural organisations, particularly the IFA, in this issue. I meet regularly with representatives of the IFA in my constituency of Laois-Offaly. The...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rural Crime (29 Nov 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I do not accept that we are dealing exclusively with civil remedies here. I have already referenced relevant statutes and would add that trespass in respect of buildings is also dealt with in section 11 of the Public Order Act 1994 . Section 13 of that Act refers to the offence of trespassing "without reasonable excuse" on a building or in the vicinity of a building in such a manner as to...