Results 121-140 of 4,808 for speaker:Alan Shatter in 'Dáil debates'

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: There was one adverse finding as a result of which the member received advice.

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: It seems the Deputy is generally in favour of hanging everyone who does not share his opinions on various issues. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 sets out the various mechanisms that are available to examine or inquire into malpractice in the Garda. As the Deputy knows, GSOC can initiate an investigation of a general nature if it considers it appropriate to do so. As I have indicated...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Extradition Arrangements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy is being disingenuous. I have already explained to him that within days of the document from the DPP - that apparently was created in 2001 - becoming known to me and becoming available, it was furnished to both Mr. Bailey’s lawyers and to the French authorities. The French authorities are aware of the content of that document. I explained to the Deputy in my initial...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy can never resist the opportunity to be personal.

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: Significant protest activity over a number of years has occurred in the north Mayo area connected with the development of an important natural resource. This has necessitated the temporary redeployment of large numbers of gardaí, including specially trained personnel, from throughout the western region into the Belmullet district. It is deeply regrettable that so much Garda resources...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Extradition Arrangements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: I assure the Deputy that at all stages I dealt appropriately with matters relating to Mr. Bailey in the context of both information that was furnished prior to the hearing of the Supreme Court and where matters stood thereafter. I dealt with the matter as was appropriate and correct in the context of the legal position. I will not reprise matters now that will be fully dealt with in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: In response to the last issue raised by the Deputy, everyone recognises the dangers that can be faced by members of An Garda Síochána in the line of duty and the risks they undertake. Unfortunately, this has been an issue for members of An Garda Síochána since the foundation of the force. The criminal law includes specific legislation to deal with assaults or threats to...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Extradition Arrangements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: As the Deputy knows, mutual legal assistance provides for states to seek and afford assistance in relation to matters which are the subject of criminal investigations or proceedings. This assistance is usually sought and provided on a confidential basis, as any public comment relating to a request for assistance may prejudice or impair the investigation giving rise to the making of a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The issues the Deputy raises are separate matters from the question he has tabled to me. The context of the question he has tabled to me deals with the issue of homicides. While even one homicide is one too many and consequently, none of us ever should be complacent in those areas, it is interesting to consider the background reality, that is, the context of the alarmist presentation the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: It is unfair and unfairly alarming to the public to make the type of presentation the Deputy repetitively makes, which suggests that crime is on the increase and murders are rampant. The reality is there has been an enormous reduction in homicides between 2006 and 2013. Moreover, there has been a substantial reduction in every area of crime when it is examined in the context of the very...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: In the two areas I have mentioned in which there has been an increase, it has been of an extremely small nature.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: Not that any particular crime is acceptable but could we get away from the alarmist political rhetoric?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Operations (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy raised issues about the complaints referee. As I said to the Deputy, the Act provides for the appointment of the complaints referee to investigate applications from persons who believe they might be the subject of an authorisation under the legislation. The Act does not require a person to know if he or she was in fact the subject of an authorisation but only that he or she might...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: I can assure the Deputy that violent and organised crime is being tackled aggressively by An Garda Síochána with all necessary resources deployed to the investigation and prosecution of those involved. While any shooting incident, or an incident such as that the Deputy illustrated, is a cause of great concern, to speak of a surge is misleading and alarmist in the context of falling...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Operations (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy is wrong when he says there is no external monitoring. I have only referenced the role of the designated judge and the reports that are published and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. He may also wish to note that in addition to independent judicial oversight by a designated judge of the High Court, a complaints mechanism is provided for in the legislation whereby any...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Official Engagements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy's difficulty is he cannot make up his mind, depending on which day of the week it is, whether he should come to this House and excoriate members of the Garda force or make a pretence of being supportive of members of the Garda force. In the meantime, the Deputy stayed extraordinarily quiet when one of his colleagues, who sits behind him in this House, greeted some of those members...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Official Engagements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: One of the great advantages of creating a police authority is that, in the atmosphere that has been created purely based on political opportunism by Opposition Members of this House, we take the Garda out of politics.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Official Engagements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: That is the great benefit of us putting in place legislation for a police authority.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Operations (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy will be aware that the legislative basis for the carrying out of covert surveillance in this State is the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. From the outset I should clarify that as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have no role in authorising surveillance under the provisions of the 2009 Act. Under the Act, authorisations for surveillance are granted by a judge of the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Official Engagements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: I think there is a need to de-politicise the debate on Garda matters. His concern is very touching, but it is also hypocritical as he spent most of the first four months of the year denigrating members of An Garda Síochána in this House.