Results 761-780 of 19,162 for speaker:Alan Shatter

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: I listened with some interest to Deputy Niall Collins. On one occasion, when matters were referred to GSOC, Deputy Niall Collins wanted to know why we did not have a commission of inquiry. When this matter is referred to a commission of inquiry, Deputy Niall Collins wants to know why it is not referred to GSOC. It does not matter what steps we take to deal with serious issues, a narrative...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: Unfortunately, what is emerging is a range of problems that have developed within our justice system. They have been there for many years and are coming into the light of day and becoming known through a variety of means. They need to be addressed. Mention was made of the matter in Waterford. Reading the GSOC report about Waterford, reference is made to recordings that the court did not...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: As detailed to myself and the Taoiseach, the serious issues made it incumbent on the Government taking action to ensure we get the full story of what happened, not a fictitious narrative. This should be examined in the interest of the citizens of the State, the administration of justice and in ensuring our data protection and telecommunications legislation is fully and properly complied...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: If it had been furnished me earlier, why would I not have read it? Why would I not have shared it with colleagues? What possible advantage is there in my so dealing with matters? It was only partially brought up in this House but it existed in the ether yesterday that this was some issue that had been strategically organised to be announced yesterday. Who in their right mind would want...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: What benefit could there be to anybody? It defies belief. It is as if Deputies believe that I or another member of the Government welcomed the fact that the issue emerged in the manner in which it emerged. The extensiveness of the issue was only made known to the Taoiseach at the weekend and to me on Monday. It is no more complicated than that and I cannot add to it. I look forward to...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: I will be brief. It is interesting to hear what Deputies have to say. They have ranged wide and far across a broad range of issues. What we have tried to do is address the series of issues and difficulties that have arisen in relation to An Garda Síochána. It is unfortunate that some of the events, some of the difficulties that have arisen, have occurred. I am conscious that...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: We have seen many thousands of individuals brought before the courts for a range of offences, including burglary. There has been a dramatic reduction in burglaries. There are the self-styled new IRA and other subversives or individuals the Garda has to deal with day in, day out, and the criminal gangs. Members of this House today protest about the impact on the Garda of some of these...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: There is never something positive. One never hears-----

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: One never hears praise for the substantial work that they do.

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Garda is used, as it suits certain Members of this House, as a political weapon.

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: On this issue, I have set out what I know about these events. I have set out what I know and what the Government knows. The fact that there were tape recordings being made going back over many years is a matter of seriousness. I cannot give any more information than I have given to the House about these matters. I accept there are serious matters that arise in relation to them. Deputy...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: The reality is every issue in the justice area that comes before the House is addressed by Members opposite as a matter of personality. No Deputy opposite has raised the substance of the issues, the real concerns that could arise out of recordings made, the issues surrounding privacy of citizens and relating to the administration of our criminal justice system and our civil justice system...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: As well as announcing yesterday a statutory inquiry into these matters the Government also announced that it will establish an independent Garda authority, while maintaining appropriate democratic accountability to the Oireachtas. This will be a hugely significant development in the governance and oversight of the Garda Síochána, a development previously rejected by the main party...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: I look forward to addressing a variety of issues that arise out of the publication of the report of the Garda Inspectorate later today.

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: -----followed by the usual dosage of contrived outrage, something we see again this morning. The simple truth is GSOC did not furnish the report mentioned to me and I am advised that it did not furnish it to my departmental officials nor bring it to the Department's attention. GSOC, no doubt, can confirm this. Because of the background to the GSOC report, GSOC had no obligation under the...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: These are the facts as I have been informed of them, but of course there are many questions which need to be answered. That is why the Government has decided that it is necessary to establish the facts and has announced that there will be a statutory inquiry. It is absolutely right that all these matters should be independently examined and I will not hesitate to seek further inquiries into...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: It would be refreshing if, for once, Members opposite could restrain themselves from engaging in the usual party political point scoring and deal with the substance of issues.

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: We are dealing here with a system of recording phone calls into and out of some Garda stations over a period of up to 30 years. As with other matters under investigation, these are issues which far predate my tenure as Minister for Justice and Equality. This issue, like others, is one that existed throughout the lifetime of the previous Government and, indeed, we now know the recording...

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: I will again start by paying tribute to Mr. Martin Callinan on his retirement as Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, in which he had a long and distinguished service. He dedicated his career to the fight against crime and has a record of which he can justly be proud. I express my sincere thanks to him for his commitment and service to the State. In its statement yesterday the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (26 Mar 2014)

Alan Shatter: I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State. The person concerned has been evading his deportation since 14 October 2009 and should he come to the notice of the Garda authorities would be liable to arrest and detention. He...