Results 9,621-9,640 of 15,493 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy is aware, the former Cork prison was built in the early 1800s and served as a military detention barracks until it was transferred to the ownership of my Department in 1972. However, due to the age, fabric and condition of the building including lack of in-cell sanitation, a decision was taken in 2014 to close it and construct a new modern prison on a site opposite the former...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Policy (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I am deeply conscious of and acknowledge the work and commitment demonstrated by all those who have contributed to our society and particularly those working in frontline services during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was pleased to open the landmark Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme for applications on 31 January. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I was pleased to open the landmark Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme for applications on 31 January. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July, when the scheme will close.  The scheme includes a parallel strand, which opened for applications on 7 February 2022, to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Reviews (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: The review of the Defamation Act 2009 is a legislative priority for the Government. The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to “review and reform defamation laws to ensure a balanced approach to the right to freedom of expression, the right to protection of good name and reputation, and the right of access to justice”. The Government Legislation Programme...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that for security and operational reasons the Irish Prison Service is not in a position to provide a breakdown of the staff resources allocated to individual prisons. However, the number of Prison Grade staff employed by the Irish Prison Service for the period 2011 – 2021 (as at Dec 31 2021) is outlined in the table below.  Number of Prison Grade staff...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service collates and publishes the prisoner population breakdown, including those serving prison sentences, on a daily basis and this information is available on the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie. The average number of prisoners in custody per institution over the past ten years is outlined in the table below. Daily...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that there are a number of ongoing programmes and initiatives specifically focused on the needs of members of the Travelling community. Education is an important prison-based service, and participation in education is a key to improving outcomes for prisoners and reducing recidivism and the adult educational programmes include programmes...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the Joint Irish Prison Service/Education and Training Boards Ireland Prison Education Strategy 2019 to 2022 is currently being implemented.  Strategic actions being progressed under this include: Supporting the Prison Education Service; Making effective use of digital systems for teaching and learning; Supporting the provision of broad...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Deportation Orders (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: The person referred to by the Deputy is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 1 February 2019. However, they made a request on 23 October 2020, under section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to have that Order revoked and this will be considered as soon as possible.  All applications are examined on a case by case basis, on the documentation...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 (as amended). The management of recruitment and training of An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and, as Minister, I have no direct role in the process of recruitment. Furthermore, in accordance with...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 to 259, inclusive, together. The landmark Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme includes a parallel strand, to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group, allowing international protection applicants who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: My thoughts are with the victims of the recent horrific attacks in their own homes. An Garda Síochána is conducting criminal investigations so the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment in detail on the specifics of any individual case.  However I utterly condemn these senseless and cowardly attacks and also belive that the perpetrators must be brought to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 265, inclusive, and 271 together. The Deputy will be aware that the decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the presiding Judge, who is independent in the exercise of his or her judicial functions. There is also a constitutional presumption in favour of the grant of bail as, under Irish Law, a person is presumed innocent until...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.  The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics.  The CSO also...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gangland Crime (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 to 269, inclusive, together. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past two years to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gangland Crime (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner also determines the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State under Section 33 of the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: Tackling organised criminal activity is a key priority for the Government and an ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána. The Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of a range of legislative measures. This includes the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gangland Crime (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past two years to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity have not been adversely affected by the unprecedented demands placed on...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service. The information is currently being collated and verified and I will write to the Deputy once that information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (17 Feb 2022)

Helen McEntee: The visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi on 25 November 2021. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was subsequently made on 1 February 2022. Appeals for applications of this type are processed in...