Results 8,521-8,540 of 17,498 for speaker:Helen McEntee

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 The provision being repealed provided for a member of the committee to be appointed by the Data Protection Commission, DPC, which has raised concerns in respect of this provision and its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...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Expenditure (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: It has not been possible to collate complete information as requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

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

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. A request for a solicitor letter of authorisation from the person cited issued last week. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Pension Provisions (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: I am informed that officials in my Department are liaising directly with the concerned party to progress this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sentencing Policy (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: Is the Deputy may be aware, the Judicial Council Act 2019 provided for the establishment of the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee of the Judicial Council. Its functions include the collation of information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others. The Committee has commissioned and published expert research on the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Reviews (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together. Abhaile is jointly coordinated and funded by the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Protection, under a Joint Steering Board and a Joint Working Group, which include the implementing bodies. The service’s implementing bodies are the Citizens Information Board (which includes the Money Advice and Budgeting...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Schemes (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy may be aware, my Department provides funding to Muintir na Tíre to cover the costs incurred by communities in administering the Text Alert Scheme. The Scheme is administered on a refund basis whereby communities submit their annual costs to Muintir na Tíre and a maximum refund of up to €450 is provided to the community. This funding is provided for in the...

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

Helen McEntee: The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. A request for a solicitor letter of authorisation from the person cited issued last week. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European...

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

Helen McEntee: I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned attended a Citizenship Ceremony on 20 June and their Certificate of Naturalisation will be posted to them in the coming weeks. With regards to the child's potential citizenship application, there are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the category of employment or profession of the applicant, or any intended purpose of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Deportation Orders (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: I wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently 5 individuals detained in prison under section 5 of the Immigration Act 1999. The 5 individuals have been refused international protection under Section 51 of the International Protection Act. Section 5 of the Immigration Act 1999 provides that where an immigration officer or a member of the Garda Síochána, with reasonable...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: My Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times. The International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department is responsible for examining all international protection applications received. The staff of the IPO are independent by law in the exercise...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (12 Jul 2023)

Helen McEntee: My Department's objective is to ensure that applications are dealt with fairly and efficiently within the framework of Ireland's international obligations. The International Protection Office has partnered with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a key UN body in this field, to provide cultural mediators to assist applicants in completing application forms and provide...