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  • Alan Shatter, TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence reports on work done dur

    Alan Shatter TD
    Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence

    Contents

    1. Criminal Justice Act 2011
    2. Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011
    3. Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011
    4. Twenty-Ninth Amendment Of The Constitution (Judges’ Remuneration) Act 2011
    5. Defence (Amendment) Act 2011
    6. Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011
    7. Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011
    8. Jurisdiction of Courts and Enforcement of Judgements (Amendment) Bill
    9. Mediation Bill 2012
    10. Personal Insolvency Bill
    11. Investor and Entrepreneur (Jobs) Schemes
    12. Surrogacy Guidelines
    13. Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011
    14. Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes Against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2011
    15. National Vetting Bureau Bill 2011
    16. European Arrest Warrant (Application to Third Countries and Amendment) and Extradition (Amendment) Bill 2011
    17. Civil Defence Board
    18. The announcement to prepare a new Bill on Gambling
    19. Ministerial Transport
    20. State Visits
    21. Cork Prison
    22. Civilian Staff Dublin Airport
    23. UNIFIL - Deployment 2011
    24. Visit to Lebanon
    25. Defence Forces Participation in Missions Abroad
    26. Thornton Hall Prison Project Review Committee
    27. Prison Reform
    28. Human Rights and Equality Commission
    29. Callanan Report 19th September
    30. Cloyne Report
    31. Reduction in fees payable under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme
    32. Consolidation and Closure of Garda Stations
    33. Garda Retirements & Promotions
    34. Recognition of Foreign Civil Partnerships and Gay Marriages
    35. Upward Only Rent Reviews
    36. Irish Red Cross
    37. Zambrano Judgement
    38. Landlord and Tenant Law
    39. Visa Waiver Programme
    40. Magdalene Laundries
    41. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding to support cooperation between forensic science agencies on the island of Ireland
    42. Garda Vetting
    43. Progress on clearing of backlog of applications for citizenship and new Citizenship Ceremony
    44. Visits to Prisons by the Minister
    45. Criminal Assets Bureau
    46. Victims of Crime
    47. The White Paper on Defence
    48. Implementation of the Defence Forces Medical Services Review
    49. Ombudsman for the Defence Forces
    50. Visits to Military Facilities by the Minister
    51. Graduation Ceremonies
    52. Irish and Finnish Perspectives on European Security and Defence Policy
    53. Memorandum of Understanding – Ireland’s Participation in the Austro/German Battlegroup 2012
    54. European Defence Agency (EDA) Projects
    55. Opportunities in the European Security and Defence Markets
    56. Cavalry Corp Day 3rd September
    57. Ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the death of Trooper Mullins in the Congo
    58. Defence Forces
    59. Appointments Advertised
    60. Estimates Process
    61. Councils of Europe
    62. Attended various meetings with
    63. Meeting with relatives of the disappeared
    64. Winter Ready Campaign


    Alan Shatter, TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence reports on work done during first 12 months of Government
    Alan Shatter TD
    Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence

    In the first 12 months as Minister in the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Defence, Alan Shatter, TD, prioritised the enactment of the following pieces of legislation:

    5. The Defence (Amendment) Act 2011 provides for amendments to the Defence Acts to expand the potential candidature for appointment to the post of Military Judge and the Director of Military Prosecutions to persons other than members of the Defence Forces and for an amendment to the powers of the Selection Committee to determine a candidate’s qualification for appointment to these posts. In relation to the alternative judge, it also provides for the appointment of a Circuit Court Judge to perform the functions of the Military Judge where the Military Judge is not available for whatever reason. The Bill has now passed all stages in the Oireachtas. Terms and Conditions for a competition for the post of military judge are being finalised at present.

    17. The Civil Defence Board: On 12th July 2011 the Minister secured Government approval for the drafting of legislation to transfer the functions of the Civil Defence Board back into the Department of Defence. The Heads of the Civil Defence (Repeal) Bill were subsequently agreed by Government on the 30th August last. The Bill is currently being drafted and it is anticipated that it will be published in early 2012. This proposed transfer of functions will result in verifiable savings and will allow management to develop the provision of training support, which is a key demand in a voluntary organisation like Civil Defence rather than duplicating the corporate governance of the Department. If the proposed Bill is enacted, it will repeal the Civil Defence Act 2002, dissolve the Civil Defence Board and transfer its functions, property, rights, liabilities and other responsibilities back into the Department of Defence.


    Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

  • #2
    ...Continued...

    Other initiatives the Minister has prioritised over the past 12 months include:

    19. Ministerial Transport: Changed arrangements for Ministerial transport resulting in estimated savings of €4 million per year.

    20. State Visits: As Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Minister Shatter had political responsibility for the necessary security and protection arrangements put in place by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces and for their participation in civil ceremonies and events during the recent visits to this State of HRH Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama.

    23. UNIFIL - Deployment 2011: In response to the United Nations request Dáil Éireann approved the deployment of up to approximately 440 personnel to UNIFIL in Lebanon in April 2011. An advance group of Defence Forces personnel deployed to southern Lebanon at the end of May 2011, with the main contingent deployed towards the end of June 2011. Initial deployment will be for 1 year, subject to renewal of the mandate and a satisfactory review of the mission at that time. In December 2011, the 105th Infantry Battalion replaced the 104th Infantry Battalion upon completion of their tour of duty.

    24. Visit to Lebanon: The Minister accompanied President McAleese on her official visit to Lebanon during the period 14th to 16th October 2011. On 15th October 2011, together with President McAleese, he visited Camp Shamrock the headquarters of the 104th Irish Infantry Battalion and met with members of the Battalion currently deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This was followed by a tour of the Irish Battalion’s area of operations. The visit to Lebanon afforded the Minister an opportunity to see, at first hand, the dedication and professionalism of military personnel and the tremendous work done overseas by the Irish Defence Forces. He conveyed to the troops the Government’s deep appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they continue to perform their duties on overseas service. The Minister participated in meetings with members of the Lebanese government which addressed not only peace keeping matters but also the enhancement and development of closer economic ties between Ireland and Lebanon.

    25. Defence Forces Participation in Missions Abroad: On the 28th June the Minister secured Government approval to continue to provide up to twelve members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the UN-authorised-NATO-led International Security Presence in Kosovo (KFOR), for a further period of twelve months beyond June 2011; to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force, for a further period from July 2011 for service with the UN-authorised NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence and to continue to provide approximately 5 members of the Permanent Defence Force to serve with the CSDP mission engaged in the training of the Somali Security Forces, currently called “EUTM Somalia”, for a further period of one year beyond August 2011 subject to an appropriate decision of the Council of the European Union authorising the extension of the CSDP mission. On 13 December 2011, the Minister secured Government approval for the continued provision of up to seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the UN authorised mission,”Operation ALTHEA”, the EU led Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for a further period of 12 months beyond December 2011, subject to renewal of UN authority for the mission and subject to ongoing review by the Minister.

    29. Callanan Report 19th September: The Minister commissioned and subsequently published the report of Mr Frank Callanan S.C., into the circumstances related to the deaths of Cpl Fintan Heneghan, Pte Mannix Armstrong and Pte Thomas Walsh on 21 March 1989, while serving with C Company, 64th Infantry Battalion in the United Nations Interim Force in the Lebanon (UNIFIL). Mr Callanan was appointed by the Minister, in April 2011, to carry out the inquiry, which encompassed a review of all available documents and interviews with all persons, as considered appropriate by him.


    Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

    Comment


    • #3
      ...continued/.....
      36. Irish Red Cross: The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. A draft Order that would amend the Irish Red Cross Order 1939 is currently being examined by the Office of the Attorney General. When the text of the draft order has been settled, the Minister will bring the draft legislation to Government for approval. A comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will then be commenced in accordance with the commitment given in the Programme for Government.

      42. Garda Vetting: Secured Government approval for the recruitment of contract staff to assist in tackling backlog and delay in Garda Vetting. At the time of the Minister’s appointment it took an average of 12 weeks to determine vetting applications. This timeline has been reduced to an average of 2 weeks.

      47. The White Paper on Defence: The Minister for Defence initiated the necessary steps to ensure that the process of producing a new White Paper engenders broad and informed debate regarding Ireland’s defence policy. The Minister has engaged with his officials in this regard. Whilst preliminary work on the preparation of a new White Paper had been ongoing, the Minister has decided to expand the planned consultative process by initiating the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. This discussion paper will act as a catalyst to ensure an appropriate level of debate on Defence and inform the development of a new White Paper. The Minister intends to bring a Memorandum to Government in early 2012 seeking approval to formally launch the process. Publication of the Green Paper on Defence is expected towards the end of 2012.

      48. Implementation of the Defence Forces Medical Services Review: The recommendations of the PA Consultants Report on the restructuring of the Medical Corps have been designed to meet the demands and needs of the Defence Forces and implementation is progressing. The Minister is committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and overseas. Approval was obtained from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the holding of a competition for the appointment of Doctors to the Defence Forces Medical Corps. This competition is underway and offers of appointment have been issued to two doctors.

      49. Ombudsman for the Defence Forces: The Office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is the independent appeals mechanism for the Defence Forces internal Redress of Wrong System. In the period from March 2011 when Minister Shatter was appointed, to June 2011, all 17 outstanding cases were dealt with by him and a final determination issued to the Ombudsman. Minister Shatter gave a final determination on a total of 33 cases in the period March to December 2011.

      50. Visits to Military Facilities by the Minister: The Minister has visited the following military facilities since his appointment:
      1) The Military Cadet School in the Curragh Camp, Kildare
      2) The Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh, Co. Kildare
      3) Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin
      4) The Naval Base in Haulbowline
      5) Collins Barracks, Cork
      6) Custume Barracks, Athlone
      7) Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks, Renmore
      8) Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel
      9) McKee Barracks, Dublin

      51. Graduation Ceremonies: Presided over graduation ceremonies of members of An Garda Síochána in Templemore and the commissioning ceremony of members of the 86th Army Cadet class.

      52. Irish and Finnish Perspectives on European Security and Defence Policy: On 8th September 2011, the Minister hosted a Seminar in Farmleigh on Irish and Finnish Perspectives on European Security and Defence Policy. The purpose of the meeting was to share perspectives on defence policy issues. This is of mutual benefit as both Ireland and Finland are neutral, militarily non-aligned countries which are members of the EU but not members of NATO. The seminar was very successful and has provided a template for similar meetings with other partners in the future. The seminar was attended by senior personnel from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence as well as senior military officers from both countries. In addition a number of Academics from both countries attended.

      53. Memorandum of Understanding – Ireland’s Participation in the Austro/German Battlegroup 2012: On 7th February 2012 the Minister obtained Dáil Éireann approval to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the Austro/German Battlegroup, which will be on standby for the second half of 2012 for peacekeeping and crisis management missions. The Austro/German Battlegroup Memorandum of Understanding is an agreement between the participants, namely Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Ireland, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which sets out principles in relation to the operation, deployment and management of the Austro/German Battlegroup.

      54. European Defence Agency (EDA) Projects: On 27th September, Minister Shatter secured Dáil Éireann approval for Ireland’s participation in two EDA projects. One of the projects relates to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection and the other relates to Maritime Surveillance. Both of these projects will contribute to Defence Forces capability. At the EDA Steering Board meeting on 30th November the Minister indicated that the Irish Naval Service would act as lead nation in conducting a study on Naval Mariner training. The objective of the study is to review and evaluate what training is currently available across the Union with a view to consolidating European Union capabilities in this area and delivering value for money training for our naval mariners. This study will support the EDA initiative in the area of military capability development called “Pooling and Sharing”. The concept involves groups of Member States coming together and pooling resources so as to retain, maintain and/or enhance their military capabilities which they can make available for Common Security and Defence Policy operations. Ireland is encouraging all Member States to be involved in this study to ensure an efficient use of training resources across the Union.

      55. On 3rd October the Minister launched a seminar on “Opportunities in the European Security and Defence Markets”, which was organised jointly by Enterprise Ireland and the Defence Organisation. The objective of the seminar, which was attended by representatives from academia, industry and the European Defence Agency (EDA), was to afford Irish industry and research institutions an opportunity to engage with the EDA, and to hear from the Defence Forces about initiatives in their area of capability development. This is in support of Government policy to promote and support investment in technology research and development and put in place incentives for companies engaged in research and development. The key note address was provided by Madame Claude France Arnould, Chief Executive of the EDA.

      56. Cavalry Corp Day 3rd September: The Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, T.D., and the Minister attended the annual Defence Forces Cavalry Corps Remembrance Day at the Defence Forces Training Centre, Plunkett Barracks, Curragh Camp.

      57. Ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the death of Trooper Mullins in the Congo: The Minister attended the unveiling of a monument in Kilbehenny, Co Limerick to Trooper Patrick Mullins, who died as a result of hostile action while on service in the Congo on the 15th September 1961.

      58. Defence Forces: Secured the agreement of Government that the Defence Forces would stabilise at 9,500 on an annualised basis up to and including 2014 and would not fall below that number. This brought to an end the continuing decrease in Defence Force numbers which occurred in previous years.
      Barrack Closures, Increase Efficiency and Re-Organisation: Secured the agreement of Cabinet for the closure of four army barracks to ensure a more efficient use of resources and to increase the army numbers available for frontline services. The Minister also initiated a reorganisation of the army from a three brigade to a two brigade structure to maximise efficiencies and the army’s operational capability. The Minister has requested the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for his consideration.



      60. Estimates Process: The Minister personally engaged in conducting negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure with regard to the estimates for each of his Departments for 2012.

      61. Councils of Europe: The Minister has attended EU Justice and Home Affairs Council Meetings and also EU Defence Ministers meetings to coordinate and cooperate on crucial EU issues of common interest.



      ENDS
      6 March 2012


      edited to remove non-Dept of Defence work.


      Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

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