Results 13,341-13,360 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Road Safety (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that, having made contact with agencies and ministerial colleagues as I mentioned, I and my officials will co-ordinate a cross-departmental and multi-agency approach. It is important we examine every opportunity across a range of agencies and Government Departments to see how best we can work out a solution to what is a real and serious problem particularly in urban areas...

Other Questions: Forensic Science Ireland (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Forensic Science Ireland, FSI, provides the Garda Síochána with up-to-date services in forensic science, including in the area of drugs and DNA analysis. I recognise the very significant part Forensic Science Ireland plays within the criminal justice system, including its vital role in providing evidence to the courts. There is no doubt this work has been invaluable to the...

Other Questions: Forensic Science Ireland (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I recognise the significant contribution of Forensic Science Ireland in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences. It delivers independent expert opinion, advice, training and research to support the Irish criminal justice system. The highly trained and dedicated staff provide specific analysis and objective expert advice. I acknowledge that there is a backlog. I will assure...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Coroners Service (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with Deputy Harty that this is an important issue and one that I wish to address early in my tenure as Minister for Justice and Equality. I have had a number of meetings, one of which was with the Attorney General, in order to ensure that there would be no undue delay in having this Bill, which enjoys the support of the House along party lines and among Independents such as Deputy...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Coroners Service (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I hope that the Houses will be able to deal with this matter in the early part of the autumn session. My understanding is that there is all-party support and support from the Independent benches. With that in mind, I hope that matters can be progressed at the earliest opportunity. Regarding the Deputy's comment on maternal deaths and the compilation of figures, such deaths are...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Road Safety (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I share Deputy Shortall's concern about the public safety and anti-social issues associated with the misuse of such vehicles. It is a serious issue. The Deputy will be aware that the use of mechanically propelled vehicles, MPVs, including quad bikes and scramblers, in a public place is subject to the relevant requirements of road traffic legislation. I am advised by the Garda authorities...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Deputy O'Brien will be fully aware that if any citizen, including a Deputy, is not satisfied with the manner in which he or she has been dealt with by An Garda Síochána, it is open to that person to contact the GSOC, the independent body charged specifically with receiving complaints from members of the public concerning members of An Garda Síochána. Contact with GSOC can...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Rural Crime (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs that target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property crime to which he referred. As the Deputy will be aware, Operation Thor entails a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Rural Crime (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the importance of community-based support groups and voluntary organisations, which continue to be assisted by my Department in many endeavours. I am familiar with the report to which the Deputy refers, which was compiled by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association. I welcome the report and similar reports and look forward to giving all of them due consideration when...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Rural Crime (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I confirm that I raised the specific issue of texts this morning in a conversation with the Garda Commissioner. We are considering new initiatives that could allow text messaging to be carried out in a way that is not unduly burdensome on communities. I have made clear to the Garda Commissioner and in public that An Garda Síochána will continue to have all necessary resources...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Coroners Service (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I thank Deputy Harty for tabling this important question. As the Deputy will be aware, his colleague, Deputy Clare Daly, proposed a Private Members' Bill, entitled the Coroners Bill 2015, to address issues with regard to the investigation into maternal deaths. That Bill proposed to introduce mandatory reporting, post-mortem examinations and inquests into any maternal death. It also...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Anti-Terrorism Measures (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy on the importance of measures in this regard. The Garda authorities have been implementing all necessary security measures proportionate to the threat, and all relevant agencies co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Garda Síochána will continue to take all possible steps to deal with any threat to this country, combining its strong...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Anti-Terrorism Measures (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The point raised by the Deputy is not unreasonable. However, the arrangements that are currently in place have served the State very well in countering threats to the security of the State over the years, particularly from terrorism and terrorist acts in the course of the Troubles during our lifetime. While public discourse and debate on terrorism, its impact on communities and threats to...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As was mentioned by the Taoiseach in the House last week, the issues relating to the recent trial of persons, including Deputy Paul Murphy, involved in water charge protests in Jobstown have been considered and processed by the appropriate State authorities, which are established under the Constitution and by statute enacted by the Oireachtas. Following a Garda investigation and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy appears to be basing his question on public commentary by the Taoiseach. I am aware of those comments. However, the key issue remains that this case was fully considered before the court and a verdict was returned after due and careful consideration over a lengthy period. This point was made by the Taoiseach at the outset. Regarding concerns that have been voiced about the role...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy says he wishes to get to the bottom of the issue. Addressing questions in this House is perhaps not the best means of getting to the bottom of the issue.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Anti-Terrorism Measures (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The recent attacks in London and Manchester were barbaric acts of senseless violence that targeted defenceless people. They fit a sadly familiar pattern of terrorism that has blighted many countries around the world. The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely, and there is no specific information relating to any threat to Ireland from...

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This is not sibling rivalry; it is constituency rivalry.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This is a very important issue, notwithstanding the fact that there is not any promised legislation.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Jul 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have questions this afternoon on the matter. I assure the Deputy that it is a priority for me in the context of my Ministry and with particular reference to rural crime. I have raised the issue with the Garda authorities at the highest level. I am anxious to ensure that we can continue to roll out what is a very successful initiative in conjunction with community alert and voluntary...