Results 13,841-13,860 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers while their applications for international protection are being processed. Currently, RIA is providing accommodation for approximately 4,300 persons in 34 centres located in 16 counties throughout the State. All centres are managed by private entities under contract to RIA....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Resources (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including boats, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified policing priorities. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently twelve boats attached to the Unit.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Public Order Offences (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Reserve (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including Garda Reserves, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. However, I have been...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Juvenile Offenders (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I can advise the deputy that supports available to juveniles and young persons leaving the prison system can arise in a variety of ways under the auspices of the various services provided by my Department. These include the following: supervision, in the form of community return or community support. Such supervision is undertaken by the Probation Service; training and rehabilitation within...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: EU Directives (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 to 166, inclusive, together. In 2010, Ireland chose not to opt into the draft European Investigation Order (EIO) proposal on the basis that it was inconsistent with Irish law and practice. We did, however, indicate our willingness to consider the matter further after adoption, subject to the instrument being compatible with Irish law and practice. The...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: EU Directives (4 Jun 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Framework Decision on the European Evidence Warrant 2008/978/JHA is being repealed by the European Investigation Order Directive. Although Ireland has not yet made a final decision on whether or not to opt in to that Directive, we will not be preparing legislation to implement the now defunct Framework Decision. Requests for evidence between Ireland and other states will continue to be...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (29 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 657 and 700 for written answer on 27 May 2014: I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family concerned for the tragic loss of life in the case referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will appreciate that I do not have a role in the investigation of criminal cases or the conduct of inquests. However, the Deputy may...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (29 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand that the incident referred to in the correspondence in question, which is addressed to the Garda authorities, is the subject of a complaint and has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The Deputy will appreciate that in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Guerin Report: Statements (Resumed) (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: To conclude, I know that the series of allegations of Garda misconduct have been deeply unsettling for the public, who rightly look to the Garda Síochána for the delivery of a fair, effective and professional policing service, but also for the overwhelming majority of gardaí, who joined the force to serve the public to the best of their considerable ability. Those gardaí,...

Guerin Report: Statements (Resumed) (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank all Deputies who contributed to the debate on the report by Mr. Seán Guerin into the actions taken in relation to the allegations made by Sergeant McCabe. It has been a wide-ranging debate. Many Deputies have commented on the challenges of the current situation. I accept that there are many. Issues of morale have been raised. I agree it is important that morale within An...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Courts Service (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 to 104, inclusive, and 106 together. The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, which includes the provision of information on the courts system, is the responsibility of the Courts Service. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Services Regulation (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: As the Deputy will be aware, the Courts Service is responsible for the management and administration of the Courts. 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. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Complaints Procedures (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have sought a report from the Garda authorities on the issues referred to and I will contact the Deputy directly when this information is to hand. The Deputy will be aware that it is open to the individual in question to make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission concerning the conduct of a member of An Garda Síochána should they wish to do so.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Recruitment (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to put on record my appreciation for the contribution that those who volunteer for service as Garda Reserve members make on a daily basis to the work of An Garda Síochána. Together with full time members, they provide vital assistance to communities and neighbourhoods right across the country. The Admission and Appointment Regulations provide that, as part of the competitive...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Semi-State Bodies (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to semi-State bodies who have a significant element of commercial or trade activities within their remit. The bodies and agencies attached to my Department provide public services in the broad Justice area, and, as such, do not engage in any significant commercial activity.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commission of Inquiry (28 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together. While the terms of reference of the review referred to by the Deputy have yet to be finalised, it is not envisaged that this would be an appropriate vehicle to address issues of concern to the group involved. I can tell the Deputy that since taking up office as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have received correspondence from the...

Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2014: Second Stage [Private Members] (27 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the opportunity to respond on this Bill, which has been introduced by Deputy Wallace. The Bill's tabling comes as debate continues on the various matters addressed in the report to the Government by Mr. Sean Guerin and other recent issues of concern, which have been well articulated by Deputies. We discussed these issues most recently two weeks ago in the course of the statements...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank all Members who have contributed to the debate and note how much I welcome the support for the Bill across the House. I thank Members for their contributions, in which many important points were made. This unquestionably is landmark legislation that makes good on the Government's commitment in the programme for Government to establish a DNA database system. It is great to see this...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank the Cathaoirleach for those words. The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 is landmark legislation which provides for the establishment of a DNA database. The database represents a very significant development in the criminal justice system in Ireland. There are a number of reasons this is the case. The database will assist An Garda...