Results 7,981-8,000 of 9,252 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: That is the reason I am asking these questions. We are lawmakers. At the end of this process, we have to prepare a report and decide whether we recommend if there should be amendments to the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act. If we are going to do that, we have to set out a basis as to what should be the grounds for exemption from prosecution for assisted suicide. Obviously, Mr. Tom Curran has a...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: If it is to be a life-limiting illness, how do we deal with somebody suffering from serious depression?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Professor Lewis for coming here to talk to us. While she is a professor of law, there is no reason that she should have any knowledge of Irish law. Under our Constitution, the courts have established there is no right to suicide in this country using the principle of unenumerated personal rights. An argument has been advanced that there is an issue of equality between individuals...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: The case of Pretty v. the United Kingdom was referred to by the Irish Supreme Court in the case involving Marie Fleming.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: There is no right to die under Article 2. It may be the case under the rights of private life under Article 8, as the professor has said, that states may be allowed to introduce laws in order to prevent an individual being distressed at the end of his or her life. Is that a general correct assessment of the situation?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: Sometimes in the past this country has been compelled to change its laws because of findings by the European Court of Human Rights. Am I correct in stating that the law that exists in Ireland at present does not conflict with European rights law and they are compatible?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: Yes. At the moment we are in compliance with law.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: What is the current situation in the UK, in England and Wales?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: What does Professor Lewis think of this method as a means of dealing with the issue in Ireland, in other words, the law would not change but guidelines would be issued by a prosecutor to give clarity to people as to what is permissible and what is not permissible? It sounds like an Irish solution to an Irish problem, even though it is an English solution to an English problem.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Right to Die with Dignity: Discussion (22 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Professor Lewis.
- Rural Crime: Motion (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: I wish to conclude by thanking every Deputy who contributed to this debate. The fact that so many Deputies have spoken indicates what a serious problem this is throughout the country. However, it also indicates that there is great resolve within the House and recognition that if we can provide leadership, we can fight back against rural crime, which is causing so much fear in our...
- Rural Crime: Motion (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: I believe I have three minutes, a Chathaoirligh. Is that correct? I am sharing time with colleagues.
- Rural Crime: Motion (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: I move:"That Dáil Éireann:notes:— the fear that exists in local communities posed by the threat of crime to people and their property; — the failure of the Government to respond to the need for extra, and more visible, Gardaí on the ground in local communities; — the increased ability of criminal gangs to access rural areas because of the improved...
- Justice Issues: Statements (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: We learned today for the first time that the Tánaiste received an email from an official in her Department dated 15 May 2015. It is not the email we have been given but rather a transcript from that email. We know the email clearly highlighted that the confrontational approach was being adopted by counsel for the Garda Commissioner against Sergeant McCabe in the O'Higgins commission of...
- Justice Issues: Statements (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: Shortly after the Tánaiste was appointed as Minister for Justice and Equality, she spoke in this House in response to the Guerin report. She stated the following in respect of Sergeant McCabe on 15 May 2014, "I acknowledge the very difficult experience Sergeant McCabe has had and the critical role he played in bringing these issues forward." She also indicated the highest levels of...
- Justice Issues: Statements (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: I know it is the Tánaiste's responsibility to answer questions in this House; I have asked her two questions and she has not answered either of them. At the heart of this allegation lies the fact that the Tánaiste publicly gave the impression that she was supportive of Sergeant McCabe and would oppose any strategy to be confrontational with him in the tribunal of inquiry. When did...
- Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commissions of Inquiry (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: 256. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if officials within his Department were contacted in relation to the cross-examination of a person (details supplied) at the O'Higgins commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48762/17]
- Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commissions of Inquiry (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: 257. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when his Department first became aware that the former Garda Commissioner had instructed her legal team in the O'Higgins cmmission to call evidence from two senior Garda officers with a view to establishing that a person (details supplied) was motivated by malice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48763/17]
- Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commissions of Inquiry (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: 258. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when his Department first learned that the former Garda Commissioner's legal team was not going to call evidence in the O'Higgins commission from two senior Garda officers in relation to a meeting they had with a person (details supplied) in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48764/17]
- Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commissions of Inquiry (21 Nov 2017)
Jim O'Callaghan: 259. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the involvement his Department had in deciding the witnesses that would be called to give evidence in the O'Higgins commission by the legal team for the former Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48765/17]