Results 181-200 of 576 for garda speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...That is why we have new legislation. The Cathaoirleach mentioned that we will have statements later. None of us wants or supports an adversarial approach by whoever is behind the strategy of An Garda Síochána. The tribunal will establish the facts and the truth. From my perspective, there should be and can be no witch hunt. The only objective can be for the whole truth to be...

Seanad: Justice Matters: Statements (22 Nov 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...the line in this matter. I refer the House to the Tánaiste's remarks in her opening statement that the legal advice from the Attorney General's office was that it would be wrong for her to interfere in the legal approach being taken by the Garda. Had she done so, we would be having a different debate now. The hypocrisy is on one side. The Tánaiste is trying to establish the...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...the 19 Members who spoke for their contributions on the Order of Business. Senators Catherine Ardagh and Diarmuid Wilson referred to the issue of crime. I commend and congratulate members of An Garda Síochána on their extraordinarily courageous work in the apprehending of individuals and the carrying out of successful drug crime operations in Ashbourne. It is wonderful that...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We have seen an increase in the recruitment of new gardaí. I am sure the Senator will agree with me that it is good news for rural Ireland.I wish to remind Senator Leyden of a point he raised last week. CCTV cameras are already being used on our motorways and high streets. They play a key role in combating crime. The establishment of the independent Policing Authority by Government...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Leyden supported its closure. We have reversed the embargo on recruitment which the Senator supported. We are now recruiting in the Garda. We have increased expenditure in equipment.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...travelled to Westminster. It is important that we have dialogue. Whether we agree with Members of the UK Parliament on this is irrelevant, this is about ensuring our voice is heard. Senator Paddy Burke commended the Garda on its work in combating crime. It is important that people who have information regarding a crime go to the Garda. The importance of community policing cannot be...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: .... The question is whether we need to commission another report. The Taoiseach has made it quite clear that if we need to update the research on sexual violence the money will be found and we will examine the issue. The Garda and CSO have the figures. I am a member of the policing forum in Cork. There has been an increase in reporting there, which is to be welcomed. People have the...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...issue. Senator Frank Feighan raised the issue of social media and referred to the car-jacking in Dublin yesterday. I commend all emergency service personnel, including first responders, and An Garda Síochána for the way they handled the car-jacking and the chase that ensued. It was reckless behaviour that put people's lives at risk. It illustrates the importance of An Garda...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ....I commend all the men and women in our public services who played a role, and in particular the national emergency co-ordination group under the chairmanship of Mr. Seán Hogan. We have mentioned the Garda, the Defence Forces, the fire service, the ambulance service, the Civil Defence and Met Éireann. We must also mention the men and women of ESB Networks, who were out in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...its institutions played in his life and that of his family. At a time of commemorations and celebrations, the legacy of Liam Cosgrave and his family will be one of standing up for our people, the Garda and the Defence Forces and the Members of this House, when Members of these Houses were attacked and killed, as were members of the Defence Forces and the Garda. I had the pleasure of...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...be happy to allow for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come to the House. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the report of the review group on industrial relations structures in An Garda Síochána, which was presented to the Government this week. The Government has considered the report and has approved the drafting of legislation that will, when internal...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...a debate on that in the new term. We have discussed the national drugs and alcohol strategy twice this week but Senator O'Reilly makes a very good point about the policing dimension and the need for Garda Síochána drugs units. While we have them in many areas, Senator O'Reilly referred to the personal story. It is the personal and human story of the drug addict and his or her...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...which to do business and it is important to continue with that work. Senators Mullen and Conway referred to the story of the lady in Galway. I am not familiar with that matter but the role of the Garda National Immigration Bureau is to implement the State's immigration policy and I hope it does not make it up on the hoof. We would be happy to get clarity on that. Senator McFadden...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...also made reference to yesterday's PAC report. In welcoming the report, it is about ensuring whatever the investigations, that we continue to shine a light on the culture and practices within An Garda Síochána as part of the ongoing process of reform initiated by the previous Government and continued by the current Government. Investigations are being undertaken by the Garda...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan. I would be happy to have that debate in the house in the autumn. It is about ensuring that there is an end to direct provision. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of body cameras for members of An Garda Síochána. It is an operational matter but I would certainly be happy to see the report referred to by the Senator introduced.Labhair...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...Service Executive, HSE, must address this and I would be happy to work with him on that. Senator Davitt's remarks were among the most sensible contributions in the House for a long time about An Garda Síochána. It is important to reaffirm the work done by our rank and file. I mentioned Senators Lawless and Black, and yesterday the national alcohol strategy was discussed on...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...than Private Members' legislation that we have this week in the House. I have requested that the Taoiseach come to the House and I look forward to a positive result in the autumn. The Swinford Garda district is an operational matter for the Garda, but I would be happy to take that back to the Minister in question. Senator John Dolan made reference to the national disability strategy and...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...sympathising with the family of the gentleman killed in Swords at the weekend. The loss of life of any person is to be regretted, and in violent circumstances even more so. The issue raised about the Garda is a matter for the Department, the Minister and the Garda authorities. The Senator also raised the very important issue of community policing and the need to have more visibility. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...discussed this matter in the House yesterday. Senator Craughwell referenced the interview by Mr. Michael Hayes on the Birmingham pub bombing. I think Mr. Hayes has a duty to present himself to the police or the Garda if he has information or was party to that hideous crime. I listened to the families of the victims of the Birmingham bombing speak on radio and television during the...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: ...was happy when the Fine Gael LGBT group made a submission on the need to support the elderly, given that people are living longer.The Senator raises a good point and we will have that debate in the House. Garda Síochána operational matters are a matter for the Garda and I will not get into the matter the Senator raised. It is important for common sense to apply to how people...