Results 12,621-12,640 of 15,429 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Proposed Legislation (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The Programme for Government commits to introducing, within 12 months, legislation to address those who target victims because of their association with a particular identity characteristic, and to revise and update the Incitement to Hatred Act and I can assure Deputies that my Department is working to prepare this legislation on hate...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Proposed Legislation (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: My Department is actively working to deliver the much needed modernisation of the family law system in Ireland. This modernisation includes the introduction of a new Family Court Bill and the development of a dedicated family court system. The development of sensible, comprehensive and sensitive family law procedures particularly for vulnerable families, will be central to the new system. ...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the priority project in the probate area for 2020 is to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Statutory Instruments (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 48 together. As the Deputy will be aware, the development of public health regulations and guidelines in response to the current pandemic is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in the coordination of this. My Department provides support for the public health regulations by consulting and advising on...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Process (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 33 together. Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 has no relevance here. It may be that the Deputy has in mind section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020. This will enable the Minister for Health to prescribe penal Covid-19 regulations, breaches of which are offences under section...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The primary responsibility for the return of children to school this academic term lies with their parents and guardians. This is also the case for parents and guardians of children living with them in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department. Children residing in accommodation centres are educated within the mainstream...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Equipment (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy is aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of the Garda organisation as well as for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in those matters. Record resources of €1.88 billion, as well as a substantial capital...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I can advise the Deputy that the Community Prison Link Service is a non-prison based service that works with people with addiction issues both in prison and in the community. The Irish Prison Service are aware of the very valuable service provided by the Community Prison Link Service and appreciates that they are anxious to resume direct contact with prisoners. My officials in the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Sex Offenders Notification Requirements (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I understand there can be concerns on the part of communities when it comes to the issue of rehabilitation of sex offenders and protection of public safety. First it is important to note that there are already provisions in existing law in relation to the management of sex offenders after they have been released from prison. The Sex...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Consultation Process (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and I appreciate the urgency of this issue. The Programme for Government commits to introducing, within 12 months, legislation to address those who target victims because of their association with a particular identity characteristic, and to revise and update the Incitement to Hatred Act. I can assure Deputies that my Department is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The Deputy will be aware that community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must: - be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee, - have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Liquor Licences (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I understand the concerns that people have in relation to the purchase for delivery of alcohol products and am very conscious of the detrimental effects of alcohol dependency on families and society. In terms of assessing whether a review of legislation is required in relation to the delivery of alcohol, however, it is essential that there is a clear understanding of what the current...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Passenger Data (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department does not record the data requested or any data on the nationality of persons arriving into the State. Under Regulations made by the Minister for Health - Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020, S.I. No. 181/2020 - the completion of a passenger locator form became a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The Programme for Government, gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and wellbeing, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps. Work is currently underway in my Department on the development of the legislation to provide for the necessary modern licensing and regulatory provisions...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Equipment (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: At the outset I wish to emphasise that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána and its operations, including the use of protective equipment. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. As the Deputy may be aware, An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a review of the use of anti-spit hoods, which is expected to be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased person in this tragic incident. Where a person who is being provided with accommodation by my Department’s International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) sadly dies, a critical incident policy is in place to provide guidelines to my officials and to accommodation...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Data (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: Firstly, I would strongly condemn any assault on, or action that causes harm to, serving members of An Garda Síochána or any action that causes damage to Garda resources or public property. An Garda Síochána perform a vital function in providing safety and security to our communities and should be applauded and supported for their service, not subject to assault or harm...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Cybersecurity Policy (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The Deputy will be aware that it is an unwelcome reality that the technology advances that have benefited our society have also created new opportunities for those who seek to engage in fraud and criminality. Tackling and preventing fraud is of crucial importance to Ireland and to the wider international community. The Deputy may also wish to note that white collar crime is highlighted as an...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: I can assure the Deputy that combatting domestic abuse is a top priority for me as Minister and for the entire criminal justice system, particularly An Garda Síochána. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (10 Sep 2020)

Helen McEntee: The Immigration Services Delivery (ISD) Division of my Department is currently processing approximately 15,000 applications that have been sent in by people seeking to renew their immigration registration. Significant demand accumulated during the four months that the Registration Office was closed due to Covid-19. To assist in addressing this demand, a new online system for the renewal...