Results 8,621-8,640 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Deputy Byrne will be aware that it was the Fianna Fáil-led Government that closed the Garda training college in Templemore in its entirety in 2010.

Other Questions: Garda Deployment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Regrettably, despite considerable progress, it will take some time to recover from the legacy of the decision to close the college in 2010. I am pleased to inform the House that funding is in place to ensure the 2021 vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 remains firmly on track. This year, a further 800 new Garda recruits will enter the Garda training college, some 400 of whom have...

Other Questions: Garda Resources (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I reiterate that it is the firm commitment and determination of the Government to ensure that the current border arrangements continue. In this regard, I acknowledge the repeated statements of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, in regard to the current border arrangements, a seamless border, maintaining the freedom of movement of goods and people between North and South on the island...

Other Questions: Garda Resources (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I can confirm that I have already met the Garda Commissioner designate and I look forward to working closely with him. I understand that he will take up his position in early September. I agree with Deputy O'Callaghan that be brings a unique perspective on the matter of policing across the island of Ireland. I look forward to working closely with him in this regard. There is...

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I fundamentally disagree with Deputy Wallace's description of Mr. Drew Harris as an outsider. He is not an outsider. He is a policeman, an Ulster man and an Irishman and I very much welcome his appointment.

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am sure he will lead An Garda Síochána in terms of its modernisation and reform programme. Mr. Harris is far from an outsider. He comes to the role with a wealth of experience and knowledge, not only in terms of policing in Northern Ireland, but in international policing. His relationship with An Garda Síochána down through the years will stand him in very good stead....

Other Questions: Commission on the Future of Policing Reports (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Following the establishment of the commission my Department engaged with the chairperson and secretariat on its budgetary needs, as mentioned by the Deputy. Sanction was obtained from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for €1.5 million. This budget includes the expected cost for the commission, including remuneration of the members and secretariat research in the conduct...

Other Questions: Asylum Seeker Employment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy that there are people going through the various stages of the process who have skills that could be put to good use in their occupation while awaiting a final decision. It is not open to them to apply for public service jobs, but there are many similar arrangements in the private sector and I am sure they would be welcomed in that sphere. I am committed to...

Other Questions: Asylum Seeker Employment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I am very pleased to note the success of the initiative undertaken by Judge McMahon whom I thank for his engagement and ongoing interest in the area, in which he plays a very important role. My Government colleagues, including the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, and I are very appreciative of the role he plays. I am keen to ensure a first instance decision at an early date. If...

Other Questions: Garda Resources (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: As the House is aware, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is co-ordinating the whole-of-government response to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. In this capacity, he is working closely with all Ministers, including me, to address the many challenges Brexit will present in a joined-up manner. However, I emphasise that it is the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that I regard the research in the report that was published yesterday as hugely important. It will contribute greatly to the understanding of how hate crimes are dealt with across the State. I recognise that the report identifies a number of issues that need to be addressed if we are to ensure hate crimes are dealt with in an effective, rigorous and robust way. The...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I reject the Deputy's hollow criticism. She knows, having served in government as a Minister of State, that any legislation must be informed legislation. If we are to ensure this is the case, the starting point must be a review. I assure her that a review is under way in this instance. I expect that the review will result in legislation. I accept that this is an important and urgent...

Other Questions: Asylum Seeker Employment (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: The 2013 EU reception conditions directive, which I signed into effect from 30 June last, enhances access to the labour market for asylum seekers. It means that eligible applicants will have access to all sectors of employment, other than appointments to the public service, the Civil Service, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. I am happy to outline the rationale for this...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sentencing Policy (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy that burglary is a most serious offence. I am mindful of the impact it can have on a victim, particularly a victim who is elderly or vulnerable. Reflecting the seriousness of the crime, there are stringent penalties in place for burglary offences. Under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, the offence of burglary is punishable by up to 14 years'...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sentencing Policy (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: In the time available I will not repeat what I said on sentencing. I sympathise with Johnny, Tim and Joe. There are Johnnys, Tims and Joes in every constituency. I am concerned to ensure there will be special initiatives to tackle crime, especially in rural areas. In addition to the extensive policing measures being implemented as part of Operation Thor, An Garda Síochána is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sentencing Policy (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: As Minister for Justice and Equality, I am committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, including County Kerry, to provide reassurance for the Deputy's constituents in the many cases he raises in the House on a regular basis. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 31 May, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Proposed Legislation (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: Equality and the protection of minorities form important components of the work of my Department. The Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, and I are very committed to ensuring Ireland is a safe and secure country for everybody. I acknowledge and welcome the research launched yesterday by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. A wide body of criminal law is used to combat racism...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sexual Offences Data (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: As I stated last week when the latest crime statistics were released by the CSO, the rise in the recorded incidents of sexual assault, and particularly incidents of rape, is something the Government continues to take very seriously. Those found to have committed such abhorrent crimes will face the full force of the criminal justice system. While the Deputy will appreciate that the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sexual Offences Data (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy has raised a number of issues. I assure him that in terms of Garda resources I am very conscious of the unprecedented level of resources made available to the Garda Síochána in the current year. I am very keen this will continue. The Deputy made a very important point in so far as determining the causes of the increases in the statistics. In this regard I announced in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Sexual Offences Data (5 Jul 2018)

Charles Flanagan: I would be very keen to do so and in that regard I would welcome an early return of the Executive in Northern Ireland to allow me interact on a face to face basis with an appropriate colleague in the Executive. To ensure that victims and complainants feel comfortable coming forward to report their experience it is important that we have sufficient training on the part of the Garda. In...