Results 13,341-13,360 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Road Traffic Offences (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation which is a matter for the Garda authorities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is within the Raheny Garda District and Local Garda management are aware of difficulties in relation to parking and traffic congestion arising from increased numbers of people...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy may be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and I have been informed that following a review...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Order Offences (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 to 655, inclusive, together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current Dublin City Centre Policing Plan has been operational since June 2013 and includes dedicated high visibility patrols in key commercial and public thoroughfares. These patrols are informed by crime trends, demand led studies and footfall in the areas in question. An...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Operations (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the overall costs of the policing operation for the Corrib Gas project from the commencement of the operation in August 2005 to end May 2014, the date for which latest figures are available, is approximately €16.3 million. A detailed breakdown of costs is set out in the table below. Corrib Gas operation costs: August 2005- May 2014 ...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Investigations (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand from the correspondence submitted by the Deputy that the person concerned has made a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The Ombudsman Commission is an independent body which was set up under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to receive complaints made by members of the public concerning the conduct of members of the Garda Síochána. It...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Serious Crime Review Team (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, Mr. McGinn's terms reference relate to an examination of the report of the Serious Crime Review Team, which carried out a major review of the original investigation as well as detailed inquiries into the issues raised by and on behalf of the family concerning the investigation. My priority is to allow Mr. McGinn to complete his examination, which is now at an...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The person concerned was refused asylum in December 2006 following investigation of his application by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was subsequently notified in November 2007 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order and was given the options of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Agreements (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The implementation of the British Irish Visa Scheme for the Common Travel Area, due to commence roll-out in the autumn, will require a small number of amendments of a technical nature to be made to Statutory Instrument 417/2012 Immigration Act 2004 (Visas) Order. Work on these amendments is currently in progress.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: EU Meetings (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised that during the last Trio of Presidencies of the Council of the EU (Lithuania, Ireland and Greece), Ireland chaired all meetings of the Management Board (MB) of Europol. In this regard, an Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána chaired MB meetings during the three Presidencies in question. This arrangement terminated at the end of the Greek Presidency on 30 June 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Proposed Legislation (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The drafting of the General Scheme of a Bail Bill to modernise the law on bail is at an advanced stage in my Department. I intend to bring proposals to Government on the matter soon, having regard to other legislative priorities. It has, unfortunately, not been possible to progress this legislation as quickly as I had hoped due to other legislative imperatives. While the primary aim of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits the Government to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. The Government has approved, in principle proposals for reforms to our courts structures in this context having regard to Constitutional requirements. My Department...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Staff Remuneration (8 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. - 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Services Officer 21 25 23 16 16 16 3 Clerical Officer 610 576 515 476 415 349 154 Staff Officer 27 29 23 16 18 18 7 Executive Officer 326 324 272 248 210 190 66 Higher Executive Officer 148 168 121 110 80 60 28 Administrative Officer* 198 219 179 147 151 127 63 Assistant...

Seanad: Regulation (EU) No. 603/2013 on the Establishment of Eurodac: Motion (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The first point I would make is that this was discussed and agreed by the European Parliament and Council. We are already part of Eurodac. The recast regulation, which is what we are discussing here today, allows consultation of Eurodac by law enforcement authorities. I want to put on the record that it is for the purpose of the prevention, detection or investigation of terrorist offences...

Seanad: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The points the Senator makes are particularly relevant to the immigration and residency legislation and the work that needs to be done on that. The way to address some of the issues relating to direct provision is by examining the option of the single procedure. Ireland does not have such a procedure and it is out of line with every other European country as a result. One of the greatest...

Seanad: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is clearly spelled out in the Bill that the commission will be able to comment on and make recommendations in respect of legislation. However, it will not be able to take up the cases of individuals who find themselves in the circumstances to which the Senator refers.

Seanad: Regulation (EU) No. 603/2013 on the Establishment of Eurodac: Motion (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand Senators wanted to discuss EU Regulation No. 603/2013, which relates to Eurodac. This regulation was the subject of a very full debate by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality at its meeting yesterday and it received all-party support. The joint committee also discussed some of the issues to which it gives rise. Under Article 29.4.7° of the Constitution of...

Seanad: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: Recognising the work being done by bodies is a point we ought to be making here. Obviously, when there is a report such as that on the investigation carried out by the Ombudsman for Children one is highlighting the deficiencies, the areas that need improvement and why what happened took place. However, it is very relevant to point out as well, and I was very conscious of this as the former...

Seanad: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The first point to note about the legislation - I realise this is different to what Senator Zappone is suggesting - is that section 35 makes reference to the ability the commission has in respect of inquiries. It is worth considering this as one reference point in respect of the serious powers the commission will have. The commission, either of its own volition or, if requested by the...

Seanad: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Katherine Zappone and note that the amendment is also supported by Senator Jillian van Turnhout. My advice is that it is not appropriate to impose obligations such as these on the Oireachtas in primary legislation. Under Article 15.10 of the Constitution, the Houses of the Oireachtas regulate their internal affairs and this is done under...

Seanad: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: This is a technical amendment which is being included for the sake of consistency with the approach adopted in the workplace relations Bill which is being worked on. It does not make any substantive change to the text from a strict legal perspective, but it spells out in detail what judicial notice shall be and its impact. On that basis, it makes the text more accessible and avoids any...