Results 1-20 of 11,589 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025: Referral to Select Committee (6 Nov 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, pursuant to Standing Orders 103 and 118.

Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025: Second Stage (6 Nov 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank all Members who made contributions. I listened to them very carefully. Deputy Carthy started off talking about long delays in cases that involve sexual violence. I think Deputies Ward and Ó Murchú mentioned that as well. It can be the case that there are lengthy delays when it comes to complaints made to An Garda Síochána about sexual offences. If we think...

Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025: Second Stage (6 Nov 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to introduce the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025. I look forward to the debate and discussion here with Members in respect of this legislation. I acknowledge and thank Deputy Carthy, who is the Chairperson of the justice committee, for the fact that the committee has agreed to waive pre-legislative...

International Protection Processing and Enforcement: Statements (5 Nov 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Both I and the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, very much welcome the opportunity to discuss in Dáil Éireann the processing and enforcement of international protection. It is important to emphasise what, in fact, is meant by "international protection". It is sometimes confused with other areas of immigration. "International protection" is the term that we use to describe those...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (4 Nov 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Senator Ryan for raising this important matter. I am fully aware of her interest in CCTV cameras in Limerick. The matter is extremely important, as she stated. One of the things I, as Minister for justice, am seeking to do is ensure that people feel safe in their communities, whether that is in Limerick or in any other part of the country. It is unquestionably the case that...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (4 Nov 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I appreciate the importance of it. I certainly want to see it continue. With regard to what has happened with the funding, the funding had originally been provided, and is still being provided, by the Department of housing under the regeneration projects in Limerick. In fairness to the Minister, Deputy Browne, his Department indicated a number of years ago that it would be gradually...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank and commend Senators on their contributions today and on the previous occasion. I said previously that one of the functions of the Oireachtas when it comes to any defamation Bill is to balance the constitutional right to one's good name with the constitutional right to freedom of expression. I said previously as well that sometimes the general emphasis is on protecting freedom of...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Senator Norris started his contribution by stating that then Minister, now Senator McDowell, had a reputation for being a rottweiler, but Senator Norris was concerned that he seemed to have turned into a chihuahua. The basis for this charge being made by Senator Norris was that he thought then Minister, now Senator McDowell, had completely caved to the interests of newspapers and media...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It was the Louis Blom-Cooper case.

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It was Mr. Justice Ó Caoimh.

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I thank Members for their contributions, to which I have listened very carefully . I will begin with Senator Ruane, who made a number of interesting points. Her first point was on non-disparagement clauses and she inquired as to the interlink between non-disparagement clauses and the defamation laws that operate at present. My view is there is no link between the two. If somebody has...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Yes. I will go back and reflect on it. I like the idea of having a provision that is just reflective of section 26(1). Section 26(2) makes it a complicated and difficult statutory defence to operate. I hear what the Senator said in respect of section 26(3). My assessment in that regard is that it will not mean that if someone does not reply, it is an inference that they are happy...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: We will come back to that. Part of the reason the media in Ireland are responsible and careful is the defamation laws, which have had a positive impact on Irish journalism and media. You know if you read something in a respected Irish newspaper that it is, to a large extent, true and if they get it wrong, that will be established fairly promptly. I note Senator McDowell's point about the...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: It shows the usefulness of the Upper House that we are having a very detailed discussion about this. I also note what Senator McDowell said about Report Stage. I did not know that. I am not guaranteeing anything but I will consider whether amendments can be tabled to take into account what Senators said. I want to clarify for Senator Craughwell that I did not say it was in the public...

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I never said that.

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: Really?

Seanad: Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I said ordinary media.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Housing Policy (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (MUDs Act) was enacted with the primary objective of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). While the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has had responsibility for the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: I can advise that the Prison Rules, 2007, as amended, govern visits from family members, friends, and professional visitors. There is no provision for conjugal visits in Irish prisons.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (22 Oct 2025)

Jim O'Callaghan: In the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes data on the allocation of Gardaí by Division, Station and rank. This can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and -people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-brea kdown-2025/ The Deputy should select the Garda Workforce figures for August 2025 (the...