Minister Fitzgerald announces unprecedented Capital Investment in Justice Sector

Investing in 21^st Century Policing to prevent and tackle crime in both urban and rural communities 

• €875 million in capital funding for Justice sector in addition to new public-private partnership (PPP) projects 
• PPP projects to deliver state of-the-art Family/Children Courts Complex in Dublin and new Garda station construction nationwide
• €46 million for new Garda vehicles
• Major additional investment of €205m in Garda Síochána technology and systems
• €18 million for refurbishment of Garda stations
• Funding for development of new Forensic Science Laboratory

 

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality has today welcomed the unprecedented allocation of €875 million in capital funding along with approval for further public-private partnership projects in respect of An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service. The Minister sets-out the strategic objectives for the planned investment in the Justice sector as outlined in the Government Capital Plan 2016-21.  
 
“This allocation demonstrates this Government’s commitment to investing in 21^st Century policing,  by ensuring An Garda Síochána have the vehicles and technology to be effective, mobile and responsive to prevent and tackle crime in both urban and rural communities.”

“This investment will also finally ensure appropriate state-of-the-art facilities where family law cases can be heard through the construction of a new state-of-the-art Family & Children’s Court complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin.”

Fitzgerald Congratulates Lucan Festival Committee on Enormous Success

Frances Fitzgerald, Local TD and Minister, has congratulated the Lucan Festival Committee on another successful year.

“This year’s Lucan Festival was the best one yet. The village was buzzing throughout the weekend and everyone seemed to enjoy all the attractions on offer. As always, it was great to get the opportunity to tour the Garda Station and have the Garda Band entertaining the crowd. Many thanks also to the Italian Ambassador, Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi for opening his residence to the public on Saturday. As always, there was a fantastic range of activities for all ages on offer over the weekend.

“I was also delighted to open the newly renovated Bank of Ireland branch. I wish Manager Yvonne and her team all the very best.

 “There was involvement from a wide range of local clubs and organisations, including sports clubs, dancing, music and many more. There is no doubt that community spirit in Lucan is at an all-time high.

“Organising a celebration like this is no mean feat and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in organising the event, the volunteers who helped out on the day and all those who came out to support this positive and proactive community initiative ” concluded Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Address by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, on the occasion of the Garda Passing Out Parade The Garda College, Templemore

Tánaiste, Commissioner, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen and of course our new members  of An Garda Síochána.

Firstly, thank you Tánaiste for presiding over this great occasion.  

New members, it is an important day for you as you become proud members of An Garda Síochána.

It is a day, to recognise and acknowledge your achievement in coming through a very competitive recruitment process, and completing 32 weeks of challenging and rigorous training.

It is a proud day for your family and friends who are here today to share this great occasion with you. 

And most of all it is an important day for the communities you will now go out to serve.

Fitzgerald Guest at Welcome Ceremony for St Andrews

Frances Fitzgerald Local TD was
the guest at a welcome ceremony held in St Andrews new school building.
Reverend Scott Peoples, Chairman of the Board of Management thanked Minister Fitzgerald for her involvement with, and support of, the project. Reverend Peoples and a number of school children presented the Minister with a bouquet of flowers to acknowledge her work.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Fitzgerald said “it is fantastic to be in the new building today. I am delighted to join with Reverend Peoples, the teachers, staff, parents and most importantly pupils on this joyous celebration.”
“We are celebrating today this fantastic new building, a wonderful, colourful, state-of-the-art home for this school. The hard work and determination of the school community has brought this project to fruition today.

Oration by Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice & Equality Commemoration of Michael Collins Béal na Bláth

Oration by Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice & Equality

Commemoration of Michael Collins

Béal na Bláth

23 August 2015

Chairman, Colleagues, Ladies & Gentlemen,

We have gathered here these many years - down all the days since the man whose name means so much to us all died here. We meet to commemorate, to reflect, to celebrate and to learn from a life cut short in this place.

None of the soft words fit the death inflicted here. Even to speak of Michael Collins' life being ended here is to deny the shocking, the absolute sudden brutality of the event.

 And therein lies a danger - the danger that the manner of a man's dying might be allowed to define him. That would be to do a sad injustice to his greatness.

But more than that. It would be to lock Michael Collins into a time and a place and a destruction, which would be to miss how much his life mattered and still matters in twenty first century Ireland.

Ten New Gardaí for Clondalkin and Lucan Districts

· 97 new Garda members graduated in Templemore and 19 Garda Reserves
· 5 assigned to Clondalkin and 5 assigned to Lucan District
· The Taoiseach and Minister promise continuity on Garda recruitment

“Ten new Gardaí for Clondalkin and Lucan Districts” says Minister for Justice and local TD Frances Fitzgerald. Ninety-seven new Gardaí have just graduated from Templemore, and five will be assigned to the Clondalkin and Lucan Districts each.

 “Frontline and community policing is a priority for me” said Fitzgerald. “550 new Gardaí will have entered Templemore under this Government.  In September 2014, the Government oversaw the first recruitment of new Gardaí since 2009. We reopened the Garda College in Templemore and committed to not letting it close again,” she said.

Op-ED: EirGrid’s €20million plan for West Dublin represents a win-win for Lucan

In recent weeks, EirGrid, who are the Government agency responsible for managing the national electricity grid, announced the next phase of a public consultation on an ambitious new €20million project for West Dublin.

 The proposal is to provide a underground high-voltage220Kv power line and associated sub-station to service the Grange Castle industrial area. The underground line would do a full loop of the Grange Castle area, from the Outer Ring Road at Griffeen Avenue, around to the Nangor Road and around again to the Newcastle Road at Adamstown. 

 This plan represents a win-win for Lucan!

'A Productive Year' - Speech at the MacGill Summer School 2015

Speech the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD
MacGill Summer School
21 July 2015
A Productive Year

[Check Against Delivery]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You all know the old question and answer:

Question:        How do you eat an elephant?
Answer:        In very thin slices.

I would propose to you that the same Q&A applies to reform. The temptation, if you are hungry for reform - and we all should be hungry for reform - is to try to do it all at once, in one big swallow.

It never works, that way. Reform needs to be in manageable chunks - but it also needs to be a continuum. I am  always wary of enthusiasts who want to do Big Bang reform: "We will  lay down all the rules for everything and then we will  be set."

Free GP card will result in real savings for over 70s

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid West and Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald has said that the start of registration for the Free GP Care service for people aged 70 and over is a great boost for the elderly and an important step towards universal healthcare.

“From August 5th, all those aged 70 and over in Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Palmerstown, Saggart and Rathcoole will be able to see their GP without paying fees. This is the second phase of universal GP care and applies to those who do not currently hold a medical or GP visit card.

 “A simple online registration system is available from today (Friday) on www.gpvisitcard.ie. Alternatively people can locall 1890 252 919 to receive a copy by post and the registration form will also be available in pharmacies and local health offices. People should note that persons over 70 who already hold a medical or GP visit card do not need to register. If anyone needs help or guidance they can contact the helpline 1890 252 919 (weekdays 8am-8pm).

“For the first time in Ireland, the eldest and youngest in our society will be able to access GP care without being charged, which is great news for families across our local area.

“Free GP care was a key Fine Gael election commitment and this is just a step along that road. Already this year we have introduced free GP care for under 6s. Now just under 40,000 people over 70 who had to pay for visiting their GP will no longer have to and this will result in real savings for pensioners. The free GP card for over 70s is an important step towards changing the health system from one that only treats sick people to one that keeps people well.”

'Works begin on extension to Public Footpath to Lucan Sarsfields’ - Fitzgerald

‘Works begin on extension to Public Footpath to Lucan Sarsfields’ - Fitzgerald

Frances Fitzgerald, local TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, has welcomed the commencement of the extension to the footpath on the Newcastle Road to Lucan Sarsfields.

Fitzgerald stated “earlier in the year I welcomed confirmation by South Dublin County Council that a footpath running from the Lock Road to Lucan Sarsfields GAA club would be installed.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Announcement of 610 Additional SNA Posts

Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid-West and Minister for Justice and Equality, has welcomed the announcement of 610 additional SNA posts nationwide from September 2015.

“I am pleased with the allocation of 610 additional posts for SNAs. This reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure that every child with an assessed need has access to a SNA.

“This allocation follows a significant increase in assessed need. The Department of Education and the NCSE will now carry out a review to ensure the SNA scheme is sustainable in meeting its objectives.

“Last year this Government provided for an additional 220 SNA posts for 2015.  In advance of the school year starting in September the NCSE reviews the number of valid applications received and in recent weeks has reported an additional requirement of up to 610 posts above the October 2014 estimate.

Fitzgerald Officially Opens New School for St Mary’s NS, Saggart

Local TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald has today officially opened the new school for St Mary’s National School, Saggart. The event was attended by Bishop Eamonn Walsh and local parish priest Fr. Enda Cunningham who blessed the new school, Shane McFadden Chair of the Board of Management, teachers, parents and locals from the community and Principal Maria Nowlan.

Speaking at the opening Fitzgerald stated she was “delighted to join with the teachers, staff, parents and most importantly pupils on this joyous celebration.”

Fitzgerald – “Míle buíochas ar tAire Joe_McHugh chun bheith anseo linn í Áras Chrónáin.”

Local TD and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald welcomed her Fine Gael colleague and Minister for State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, with special responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs to Clondalkin’s Áras Chrónáin this week. 

Speaking about the visit Minister Fitzgerald said “I was delighted to welcome Minister Mc Hugh to Áras Chrónáin this week. The Minister had a tour of the Áras where he was shown all of the facilities and services the Áras provide. Manager Brian O' Gaibhin  gave a short presentation outlining the history and development of the Áras, and the growth of Muintir Chrónáin in the area. 

Fitzgerald Pleased at Positive Start for Free GP Care

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice and Equality has today [Friday 12 June] said the new free GP Service for under 6s and over 70s should get off to a positive start with 71% of GPs in the Dublin West area signed up to take part.

“In the last two weeks, there has been a 63% increase in the number of GPs signing up to take part in the new Free GP Service and there is still time for other doctors to take part. In the Dublin West region, 71% of GPs have already committed to take part, meaning that children under six and those over 70 will be able to avail of free GP care from 1st July.

Fitzgerald welcomes €17 Million Expansion Announced for Clondalkin

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Local TD for Dublin Mid-West and Minister for Justice and Equality welcomed the announcement of €17 million expansion by Irish Distillers at an event to mark 50 years of bottling at its Fox and Geese facility in Clondalkin.

Speaking at the event, Minister Fitzgerald said, “I am delighted that Irish Distillers have marked their 50th anniversary of bottling at this Clondalkin facility with a further investment in this facility. This expansion will increase the bottling capacity at this site by 60 percent in the next 5 years.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Ban Ki-Moon to Dublin

Frances Fitzgerald Minister for Justice and Equality and Local TD for Dublin Mid-West today welcomed the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to Dublin.

At a bilateral meeting held in Farmleigh, Minister Fitzgerald introduced Mr Ban to refugees resettled from Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan under the Irish resettlement programme. Those present came from just 5 of the 27 different nationalities resettled in Ireland over the last 15 years.

Fitzgerald announces €125,000 new project to prevent youth crime in Lucan

Frances Fitzgerald T.D., local TD for Dublin Mid West and Minister for Justice and Equality, announced she is providing €125,000 to establish the first ever Garda Youth Diversion Project in Lucan which will work to prevent  youth crime in our community.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects serve young people who are at risk of getting into trouble with the law. The projects are designed to help young people develop their sense of community and their social skills through different activities. Young People are offered opportunities in education, employment training, sport, art and music.

Crosscare Lucan Youth Services have been selected to run the new Youth Diversion Project, which will be based at the Griffeen Youth Centre. The project will work closely with local Gardai. Two new staff are to be appointed to Lucan as part of the new project.

Minister Fitzgerald stated: “Lucan is a generally safe place to live. But Lucan is also seeing a massive explosion it its teenage population. It is important that we invest to support this young population, to provide positive opportunities for recreation and socialising while working to prevent any negative trends such as involvement in youth crime.”

“As local TD and Justice Minister I am committed to support An Garda Síochána in their proactive efforts to work with young people to deter them from crime.”

“The new Lucan Youth Diversion project is a first for our area and I hope it will play an important role in supporting local young people and preventing youth crime in our community.”

“I would like to wish Crosscare Lucan Youth Services the very best as they set-up this new project. I would also like to commend Lucan Gardai, led by Superintendent Dermot Mann in their ongoing efforts to keep our communities safe.”

The allocation to Lucan form parts of a larger €2.8 million allocation from the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Scheme to expand Garda Youth Diversion Services in communities across the Country.  Lucan is one of 10 areas nationwide which will receive new a Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDP). This will bring to 110 the total number of GYDP’s in operation. In addition Minister Fitzgerald has allocated funding for the recruitment of additional staff to 14 existing Garda Youth Diversion

Minister Fitzgerald concluded: “This investment in new and expanded projects in Lucan and right across the country demonstrates my commitment as Minister for Justice to work to prevent and reduce youth crime.”

Fitzgerald launches book, “The Law of Intoxication - a criminal defence", for Clondalkin man.

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice and Equality on Friday [15th May] launched “The Law of Intoxication - a criminal defence” by Dr Michael Dillon from Clondalkin.  Speaking at the launch of the book Minister Fitzgerald praised Dr Dillon on his detailed work.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to launch this book by Clondalkin native, Dr Michael Dillon. This book is a very detailed and learned study of a particular aspect of law.  However more importantly it is a study of justice, when is it just to punish a person who commits a criminal act while intoxicated and when it may not be just to do so.

Fitzgerald Commends Collinstown Students on another Exceptional Cast Film Festival

Local T.D. Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice and Equality attended the third annual Cast Film Festival in the Red Cow Moran Hotel on Thursday night. She congratulated the students and organisers for another exceptional event. The ceremony was launched by Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State for Mental Health.

She said “The festival continues to grow bigger, and entices more young people to become involved and spread awareness about mental health issues.  Tonight’s ceremony showcased 15 short films - shortlisted from over 40 entrants - made by students from across Ireland highlighting issues around mental health."

Fitzgerald Welcomes Agreement on under 6’s Free GP Care

Local TD and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the announcement that agreement has been reached on terms for the delivery of free GP care for all children aged under 6.

Speaking about the announcement Fitzgerald stated, “This summer will see the commencement of free GP-care for under 6’s thanks to an agreement reached this week between the Department of Health, the HSE and the Irish Medical Organisation. This agreement represents the first step in the phased introduction of a universal GP service, without fees, and follows the recent agreement on free GP care for over-70s. Both will make a real difference to the lives of the youngest and oldest in our society and delivers on the Government’s promise of enhancing primary care.