Results 12,241-12,260 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Policing Authority Establishment (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The establishment of the Independent Policing Authority is a major element of the comprehensive programme of justice reform which is being delivered by the Government. In that context the Government has indicated its intention that the new Authority should be in operation as soon as possible. I have recently published the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2014...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Resources (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, one of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including fully sworn members and Reserve Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Privacy (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The divulging of information regarding prisoners' private affairs is viewed as a serious matter by the Irish Prison Service. In the course of an officer's work he or she may have access to, or hear information concerning the personal affairs of a prisoner and/or employee. Such information, irrespective of the format is strictly confidential. I would like to acknowledge receipt of a letter...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Investigations (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The murder of Garda Richard Fallon was a terrible tragedy for his family and I want to, again, express my deepest sympathy to them. On top of that personal tragedy, his murder was also an event that can only be described as a heinous crime carried out by ruthless individuals with no respect for human life. In view of the fact that Garda Richard Fallon was carrying out his duties as a member...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy is referring to the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, to the Taoiseach, or to other public representatives, with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Oversight (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The underlying focus of the Government’s comprehensive programme of justice reform is to put in place effective arrangements for the oversight, governance and accountability of the Garda Síochána. The very broad nature of the policing issues that have come to attention requires a multi-faceted response. Overall, the Government’s objective is to ensure that the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Penal Policy Review Group Report (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am committed to a programme of comprehensive reform in the administration of criminal justice in Ireland, including in particular reform in prison and penal policy. In that context, I welcome the Report of the Penal Policy Review Group which I published on 17 September. The Report proposes the adoption of a penal policy with the dual purposes of punishment and rehabilitation both in the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Child Protection (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am pleased to tell the Deputy that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Gardaí and UPC, a leading internet service provider company, on 10 November 2014. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding the company will block access to internet child pornography material on the UPC network using a list to be provided by the Gardaí. This is a voluntary action...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Common Travel Area (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: There is no requirement for citizens of either jurisdiction to carry passports when travelling within the CTA. However, it is the case that airline carriers in many instances require their passengers to have a passport in possession before allowing them to board the aircraft. As such, this is not an immigration requirement. Unlike the operational practices at some UK airports, there is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Services Regulation (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The legal requirements in relation to the terms of wills and probate are generally subject to the provisions of the Succession Act 1965 and, as the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to interpret or otherwise provide what would amount to legal advice on particular matters arising in that regard. Moreover, the circumstances of each case may vary as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Stations (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of her annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of Garda resources, including accommodation and personnel, is subject...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The scheduling of court cases and the allocation of court business is a matter for the Presidents of the courts and the presiding judge who are under the Constitution independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. There are currently seven vacancies on the Circuit Court arising from a retirement on 30 September 2014; the elevation of one judge to the Court of Appeal on 29 October...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department, that an application was received on behalf of the person referred to by the Deputy on 13 June 2014 seeking to change their residency status from Stamp 2 to Stamp 4 permission to remain in the State. INIS is currently in correspondence with the person concerned. Queries in relation to the status of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Investigations (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am deeply conscious of the continuing distressing impact on family and friends when a person goes missing and can advise the Deputy that the case referred to by the Deputy remains under active investigation and I am assured that Garda liaison is being maintained with the family concerned.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Inspectorate Reports (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 261 and 301 together. I can inform the Deputies that I received a copy of the report of the Garda Inspectorate on Crime Investigation on 29 October 2014 and published it on 11 November. I welcome its analysis as providing the foundation stone for the future development of a 21st century policing service for Ireland. The report rightly acknowledges the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Policing Authority Establishment (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The establishment of the Independent Policing Authority is a major element of the comprehensive programme of justice reform which is being delivered by the Government. In that context the Government has indicated its intention that the new Authority should be in operation as soon as possible. I have recently published the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2014...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Commissioner Appointment (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 320 together. The next Commissioner of the Garda Síochána will be appointed following an open competition which is currently being carried out by the Public Appointments Service. This is part of a wider programme of comprehensive Garda reform which is currently under way, which includes the development of legislative proposals to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Costs (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, which has commenced Report Stage in the Dáil, gives legislative expression to the commitment in the Programme for Government to "establish independent regulation of the legal professions to improve access and competition, make legal costs more transparent and ensure adequate procedures for addressing consumer complaints".Having been a sectoral...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Recidivism Rate (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I published the Report of the Penal Policy Review Group on 17 September. The Report proposes the adoption of a penal policy with the dual purposes of punishment and rehabilitation both in the imposition and management of criminal sanctions. The Review Group identified rehabilitation and reintegration as a core principle and significant factor in reducing crime and considers that such aims...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Bail Law (18 Nov 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: A decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the court, which is, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of its judicial functions. There is a constitutional presumption in favour of bail, since, in the eyes of the law, a person is innocent until proven guilty. The provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights also restrict the...