Results 9,001-9,020 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I do not accept that. The good relationship has been clearly demonstrated by the ever increasing level of resources used, until this year, in the implementation of the old national drug strategy. The Minister of State with responsibility for the strategy, Deputy Curran, can supply the figures separately. They speak for themselves. It is not the case that the 10% seizure rate equates to...

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: It is not the case. If the Deputy looks at the figures——

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I did not interrupt the Deputy. He should please let me speak.

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte was sniggering even before I answered the question.

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy did snigger earlier.

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The figures from the authoritative office dealing with drugs worldwide, the UN Office for Drugs and Crime, show that in respect of seizures, cocaine production accounts for a figure of 44%; cannabis, 28%——

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: These are worldwide figures.

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Opium accounts for a total of 25%; amphetamines, 7% and ecstacy, 4.7%. They are the international seizure figures.

Drug Seizures. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: A figure of 10% is a rule of thumb, from the top of someone's head or drawn up on the back of an envelope, without any real research.

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy is aware, from the details of my response to Question No. 1 in his name on 13 November, that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and that the sentencing of offenders is clearly a matter for the presiding judge. The steering committee established by the Chief Justice to plan for and provide...

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am very serious about it and recently consulted the Chief Justice on it. We await the Judiciary's comments on the latest draft of the Bill. I treat it as a matter of high priority because the Bill will promote excellence in the performance of our judges, high standards and I hope deal with the effective use of judicial resources. It will involve lay people in the investigation of alleged...

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: This is a high priority. However, it is a difficult area, as the separation of powers of the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Government must be observed. Much of the debate with the Judiciary centres on this area. We must hear the comments of all judges, from the highest court in the land to the lowest, on what is being proposed. It is, once more, a question of deciding between light...

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Fine Gael was trying to make the case that bail was an issue.

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I accept that some people commit offences while on bail.

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: We should give the legislation that was changed by us, at the behest of the people in a referendum, some time before we reach a judgment on how the changes are kicking in.

Sentencing Policy. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: No, I am referring to changes we made a couple of years ago.

Departmental Agencies. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: As I outlined in response to Question No. 2 of 18 December 2008 which was also tabled by Deputy Rabbitte, the Government is committed to the principle of equality and the elimination of discrimination. This has been enunciated in the many equality Bills passed by the Oireachtas. I reiterate that I am committed to ensuring the Equality Authority has a secure and viable future. I am glad...

Departmental Agencies. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy has asked about the payment of fees to directors. I remind him that the board has a significant workload. Members of the boards of other public sector bodies and agencies are paid substantial stipends for their attendance at board meetings. Sanction for this payment was originally obtained from the Department of Finance in 2005. It was decided that relatively modest fees could...

Departmental Agencies. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: ——that they are fully committed to working on the core issues that need to be focused on if progress is to be made with the equality agenda.

Departmental Agencies. (25 Feb 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I will. I want to finish on this. I am confident——