Results 1,081-1,100 of 11,583 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Asylum Applications (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally. My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Properties (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: As the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts and operational matters, including matters pertaining to court buildings, are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercising of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have made enquires with the Courts Service. Wicklow Courthouse has...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am acutely aware of capacity restraints in our prisons, and challenges faced by those who work and live in our prisons. In recognition of the significant challenges being experienced by the IPS, Budget 2025 increased overall funding for the Irish Prison Service by €79m (18%) compared to 2024, bringing the total allocated to nearly €525m. This increase is to fund measures...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2024 and 2025 together. I wish to inform the Deputy the number of people in all prisons in the country and the details of the capacity of all prisons are published on a daily basis and are located under Statistics & Information – Daily Prisoner Population on the Irish Prison Service website - irishprisons.ie. Bed capacity as of 24 July...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The separation of powers is enshrined in the Constitution to ensure judges are independent of Government. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. In relation to the figures requested, it is not possible to provide this report from the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sentencing Policy (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Government takes the issue of sexual exploitation of children very seriously and there is comprehensive legislation in place to deal with these offences. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act was enacted in 2017. This wide-ranging piece of legislation significantly enhanced the laws combatting the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Among the provisions of the 2017...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently accommodating nearly 33,000 residents in over 320 international protection accommodation centres around the country. At the moment, over 90% of accommodation capacity is provided through commercial providers. In contracting accommodation over recent years, despite significant pressures on accommodation supply, the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2033 to 2035, inclusive, and 2101 together. It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I understand the Deputy is referring to my speech of 16 July to the Institute of International and European Affairs, which was on theme of “Balancing competing human rights in the area of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration”. In that speech, I addressed a number of policy issues where the right to privacy has to be balanced with other rights. An example of this is in...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2040 and 2065 together. I am aware that a comprehensive Garda investigation is underway in relation to the despicable incident referred to. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the circumstances of an individual case while such an investigation is ongoing. More generally, the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 includes provisions...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Social Media (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2048 and 2049 together. The circulation of graphic or distressing footage on social media in the aftermath of tragic accidents is a deeply troubling trend, and one that causes immense distress to victims’ families and the wider public. It reflects a disregard for the dignity of those involved and can compound the grief and trauma experienced by...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. In the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, it has not been possible to compile the information in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is available.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Sittings (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2052 and 2053 together. The management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. However, as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Orders (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2054 and 2125 together. Licensees wishing to operate a late bar or nightclub must apply to the District Court for a Special Exemption Order (SEO) pursuant to s.5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, as amended. An SEO is required for each night the licensee proposes to open late. An SEO allows for a publican to serve alcohol until 2.30 a.m. on the date...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Contracts (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am advised that the recent procurement process and awarding of the subsequent contract for the Provision of Licensing and Operational Support ICT Systems and Related Services on behalf of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was conducted in line with all national and EU procurement rules. These rules promote an open, competitive, and non-discriminatory tendering regime which...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: As the Deputy is aware, new legislative provisions on surrogacy and assisted human reproduction are being brought forward by way of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill 2025, which is sponsored by the Minister for Health. I understand that the Minister for Health has met with representative groups as the Minister sponsoring this important legislation. My officials...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Programme (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Programme for Government commits to pass the Defamation Bill to balance freedom of expression with protections for individuals’ good name and reputation, which includes safeguards against SLAPP suits (strategic lawsuits against public participation) to prevent misuse of defamation laws to stifle public interest reporting. The Bill was passed by Dáil Éireann on 2 July...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB), which is responsible for carrying out Garda vetting in respect of persons working with children or vulnerable adults, operates under the remit of the Executive Director, Information & Technology within An Garda Síochána. The GNVB plays a key role in safeguarding procedures across a wide...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Expenditure (29 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It has not been possible to collate the information within the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is compiled.