Results 1,161-1,180 of 11,583 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Communications (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop a stable and sustainable accommodation system for people seeking international protection, by moving away from commercial properties to more State-owned centres. The purchase of this site comes with a strong commitment to engagement with the local community and the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Procurement Contracts (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am informed that my Department did not historically collate centrally the information sought by the Deputy. However, over the last twenty months, since the appointment of a Head of Procurement, my Department has run a small number of above-EU threshold public tender competitions, that did not result in an award, including for the following reasons:A change in business requirements. This...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Private Partnerships (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: As the Deputy may be aware Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are projects whereby the asset is funded and constructed by a private sector partner appointed through a public procurement process, following which it is made available for public use and is paid for by the State and/or users over an extended period (typically 20-25 years), after which the asset comes into State ownership. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Missing Persons (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Contracts (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: My Department has not procured services from the company referenced. I am informed by An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service that these organisations have procured Starlink satellite services to support their telecommunications requirements.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Inquiries (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: In all IPAS Accommodation centres, whether they are commercially provided or State-owned, centre management and providers are responsible for day-to-day operational arrangements on the site, including catering, health and safety, utilities and security arrangements and other requirements. The provider must ensure that the property is of an adequate standard and that they will provide the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Artificial Intelligence (17 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The rate of development in AI tools is unprecedented. A whole of Government approach is required to address AI challenges effectively and harness AI opportunities. My Department has engaged, and continues to engage, with counterparts across other Departments on digital matters, including AI. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government includes a Minister of State for Trade Promotion,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: International Protection (17 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...

Transfer of Passenger Name Record Data: Motions (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following...

Transfer of Passenger Name Record Data: Motions (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following...

Transfer of Passenger Name Record Data: Motions (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following...

Transfer of Passenger Name Record Data: Motions (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Members for their contributions. I will reply to some of the important issues that have been raised by colleagues in the debate. First, I welcome that Deputy Carthy indicated that Sinn Féin will not be opposing these motions. I ask him to give consideration to supporting them. I do not see any reason they would not be supported. They are there for the purpose of trying to...

Transfer of Passenger Name Record Data: Motions (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. I believe the many...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles. I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 June 2025, the latest date for...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Investigations (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I can confirm that I have been briefed on this matter. I refer the Deputy to the response provided to Parliamentary Question No. 801 of 15th July 2025 which relates and note that the position remains unchanged.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Tackling Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a central priority for me as Minister for Justice. The Zero Tolerance Strategy to address DSGBV is ambitious and is structured around the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention – Protection, Prevention, Prosecution and Policy Co-ordination. One of the overarching goals of this Strategy is ensuring that everyone who...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: A person who has been granted temporary release is deemed to be unlawfully at large (UAL) if they have not returned to custody before the expiry of their temporary release period, or if a condition of their release is breached. An Garda Síochána may arrest, without warrant, a person whom they suspect to be unlawfully at large. The person may be returned to the prison in which...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together. The Deputy will be aware that all Garda Associations have signed up to the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. It is important to note that any changes to pay terms and conditions of public servants can only be considered within the parameters of that agreement. This request more specifically relates to the Local Bargaining element of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (16 Jul 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I am informed by An Garda Síochána that as of 31 May 2025, the latest date for which figures are available, the total number of serving members of An Garda Síochána was 14,198. In addition, there were: 3,507 Garda staff and 298 Garda Reserve members. This brings the overall Garda workforce, which includes Gardaí, Garda Staff and Reserves, to currently over 18,000. ...