Derek Keating.net

Garda Deployment

Derek — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:13:06 +0000

Department of Justice and Equality

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that adequate resources and appropriate Garda units are available to the Superintendent in charge of the Lucan and Clondalkin areas of Dublin following the recent robberies, murders and attempted murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

He also asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views that an armed response unit should be based in the Dublin mid-west area following recent murders and attempted murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Said he propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 47 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel and armed response units, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of demographics, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

As of 31 March 2013, there were 742 Gardaí assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Division of which 214 are assigned to Clondalkin and 165 assigned to Lucan. There are also 66 Garda Reserves and 47 civilians assigned to the Division. In addition, local resources are supported, when necessary, with a 24/7 armed response from the Special Detective Unit and the Emergency Response Unit throughout the Region.

An Garda Síochána continues to vigorously tackle organised crime through undertaking a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. This involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts, including through the use of focused intelligence-led operations by specialist units such as the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. These units are also supported, as required, by the Security and Intelligence Section which assists with the provision of intelligence briefings and timely information.

Grandparents Bill aims to protect family ties

Derek — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:45:20 +0000

Carl O’Brien

6 May 2013

Many people forget the impact of a family break-up on grandparents who may be cut off from involvement in the lives of their grandchildren, according to Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating.

The Dublin Mid West TD said new draft legislation – once enacted – will make it easier for grandparents to apply for access to their grandchildren in circumstances where access is denied.

At present, grandparents have no automatic right to see their grandchildren. As a result, they must apply to court for leave before applying for access to their grandchildren.

The new Grandparents Bill 2013 will shorten this two-step process and also broadens the definition of a grandparent to take account of modern family units where parents may have had children from different partners.

“Since first being elected to the Dáil two years ago, I have been working towards having this legislation published and progressed through the Dáil,” Mr Keating said.

“The Irish family unit has changed significantly in recent years and now comes in many and varied forms. It is my view that we need to take account of this, especially where the very special bond between a grandparent and their grandchild is concerned.”

One Family, an organisation that supports one-parent families, said it regularly had queries from grandparents who felt distraught following family break-ups at being excluded from their grandchildren’s lives.

“They typically don’t want to get get into the middle of a dispute between separated parents, but they do want to maintain a relationship with their grandchildren,” a One Family spokeswoman said.

“We’re finding that grandparents are increasingly playing a central role in their grandchildren’s lives, especially in areas like childcare given that both parents may be working … that can make the situation even more difficult.”

Research commissioned by the Family Support Agency has shown that grandparents can play a key stabilising role in their grandchildren’s lives following a period of divorce of separation.

A study in 2009 by researchers at Trinity College Dublin’s school of social work and social policy found that grandparents were often regarded as “anchors of stability” at times of uncertainty.

“The frequently intense desire to shelter grandchildren against what most grandparents believed to be negative consequences of their parents’ separation was a powerful motivation for many to increase or enhance their involvement in grandchildren’s lives,” the report found.

“For this reason, the grandparent-grandchild relationship arguably takes on greater significance for both parties after parental separation.”

The report also documented the “trauma of inadequate contact” among grandparents who felt excluded from their grandchildren’s lives. Usually these situations arose in the lives of paternal grandparents whose son’s former wife or partner had primary or exclusive custody of the grandchildren.

Mr Keating said he hoped the new Bill would provide for the protection of a relationship or a bond between a grandparent.

“This, in itself, is unusual in terms of legislation as our laws do not generally address such personal issues as familial bond. However, owing to the myriad forms of the Irish family unit which now exist, it is necessary to ensure that the rights of grandparents are protected.”

Speaking on the Late Late Show Dublin TD Derek Keating said “John Crown’s proposal to introduce a Liberal response to heroin is dangerously wrong”

Derek — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:36:17 +0000

Speaking on the Late Late Show Deputy Derek Keating, in response to Professor Crown’s proposal to introduce a “liberal response to the heroin, cocaine and cannabis problem in Ireland by medicalising the problem, completely and totally rejects this proposal.

This is fully understandable and would be absolutely typical from a person with a medical expertise and background such as Professor John Crown who is an Oncologist Consultant at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, but the drugs issue in Ireland is more to do with crime, anti-social behaviour, the personality of individuals and sadly those who have been targeted by the drug barons in the vulnerable areas of our State where high levels of school absenteeism takes place, unemployment and disadvantaged areas.

“John Crown offers a single solution to what I call a multi-faceted multi-problem issue in our society today. In West Dublin which has had numerous raids over the last number of months, I know where young children as young as 12 years of age are being targeted to use and supply cannabis and they are also being used to trade and transport heroin and cannabis for the middle men and the drug lords” said Keating.

There is no part of Ireland today, no village, no city and no town that is not affected by the illegal activity of heroin, cocaine and herbal cannabis.

I recently debated this issue at a Private Members’ Bill which was presented to the Dáil by a number of TDs from the Technical Group and their main speaker was Deputy Ming Flanagan who has publicly stated that he uses cannabis and travels to Holland on a regular basis to use the facilities there. At that time during the debate, I objected to his analysis that there was a medical answer to this serious criminal, social and personal problem associated with drug use and young people.

This is not the first time that Deputy Flanagan has promoted law breaking in this country. I was shocked at that time that he was speaking on behalf of TDs such as Shane Ross, and Richard Boyd Barrett among others.

It is a well-known fact and a very strong view that if tobacco and alcohol was being introduced to the Western World today for the first time, it would be banned because of its effect and because of the impact that it has on families, individuals and society because of its addiction consequences.

I am stating very clearly and I am delighted to have this opportunity on the Late Late Show to put the point across that areas where there is poverty, social exclusion and failure in education are being targeted by drug lords in Europe and the Middle East and I ask the question why is that so?

I want to commend the youth workers and the frontline addiction counsellors who are struggling with this problem throughout the State of Ireland. We can see the devastation that the illicit drug industry has visited on our communities causing suicide, homelessness, unemployment, family break-up, insecurity, poverty, crime, bereavement and more.

When we consider the recent RTE drama Love/Hate series which is reported to be a close reflection of the lifestyle of the drug barons who operate in our towns and cities, why would a Professor of Oncology and a Medical Doctor want to medicalise this problem and create a new market place for addiction.

Professor John Crown is proposing to give drugs to those who need drugs and are using illegal drugs. This is simply immoral and will not work in my view. I have spent 14 years as a public representative and 30 years working in the community and I know at first hand the impact that the “drug industry” has had and is having on our parishes and society.

Perhaps Professor John Crown is well intentioned but I believe that he is also acting irresponsibly by suggesting that we decriminalise the heroin, cannabis and cocaine problems in our society. It is sending out the wrong message. It will certainly compromise our very successful National Drugs Squad who have had great successes in battling the crime that is taking place.

Professor Crown’s proposal will have a huge impact on the health service, the health service that is currently struggling because of the state that the country was left in by the previous administration.

Bad news for Kishogue Station in South Lucan due to last governments economic policies.

Derek — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:24:07 +0000

Following a Dáil question on the 16th April, to the Minister for Transport regarding south Lucan’s Railway station, Local TD Derek Keating learned today that due to economic circumstances the National transport authority has decided not to open the station as planned this year. This is another example of the last Fianna Fail governments economic policy that has ruined many communities.

I am sadden by this news as I have perused the opening of this facility for the residents of South Lucan and Clonburris Clondalkin for some time.

The CEO Mr Gerry Murphy informed me today that there are no immediate plans due to the inherited economic crises the authority is experiencing.

I will pursue this facility being open to ensure that the station is not lost or regresses into a derelict site says Derek Keating TD.

“Major drug haul in Lucan shocking” Children as young as 12 years old targeted by barons says local TD Keating

Derek — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:18:02 +0000

Local TD Derek Keating today congratulated the Gardaí from the National Drugs Unit who were backed up with Gardaí from Lucan and arrested two people for €400,000 value of cannabis herb in Hillcrest Heights late last night.

Two young people in their 20s were arrested when the Gardaí were attending a fire at the adjacent house on the same street. An elaborate cultivation site with a large amount of cannabis herb, cultivation equipment and packing facilities were all discovered in what is a frightening but unacceptable development in the Greater Lucan area. Already in Greenfort, a massive haul of cannabis was detected and people arrested two weeks ago.

The success of this Garda operation confirms my belief that there is a need for a specialised Armed Response Unit on constant patrol in the Lucan/Clondalkin area. Cannabis has become a major crime and activity among young people. Experts in our local youth services are more and more aware of the targeting of vulnerable groups as young as twelve years of age. Parents, family members, neighbours, community leaders and teachers need to join together in responding to this growing crisis.

I do not want to see Lucan turn into the chaos that former Deputy Tony Gregory and my colleague Paschal Donohoe, Fine Gael TD for Inner City Dublin, witnessed in the 80s and 90s. We have a lot to be proud of in Lucan but this Garda operation once again highlights vulnerability particularly of young people in what could be said is a safe and leafy suburb of Dublin. No area in the State and particularly no area in Dublin is free from the plague of the underworld of drugs, crime and terrorism.

Local Fine Gael TD and Oireachtas Welfare committee member has said the launch of Insolvency Service Ireland’s public information campaign will allow those who are struggling with the burden of debt to find a way out of their financial difficulties.

Derek — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:05:09 +0000

“Many people in Dublin Mid West, and right across Ireland, feel crippled under the weight of debts that were acquired during the boom. For these people, the burden is overwhelming and the cause of considerable stress in their everyday lives. With this in mind, the Government advanced legislation at the end of last year to set the wheel in motion to help people to get on top of their debts, find a way out and to begin again to play a role in our economic recovery.

“Today, Insolvency Service Ireland (ISI) launched a public information campaign to enable people to find the best way of dealing with their debts, depending on their situation. The website www.isi.gov.ie went live today and offers a wealth of information about debt resolution measures for dealing with both secured and unsecured debt.

“ISI also set out guidelines on what can be determined as reasonable standards of living and reasonable living expenses which should act as a defensive shield for debtors to ensure that the financial institutions they are dealing with are not unreasonable in their demands.

“People who are in genuine distress over their financial situation should be afforded every opportunity to work through their debt with dignity. The guidelines are not designed to micro-manage people’s lifestyles or expenses by the Insolvency Service or creditors. Instead they are intended as a baseline for negotiation and discussion and are intended to be flexible and to help both sides to come to a satisfactory resolution.

“It is hoped that from the end of June, ISI will be in a position to begin accepting applications for new debt solutions. From May, it is expected that Personal Insolvency Practitioners (PIPs), whose job it will be to act as mediators between debtors and creditors, will begin being authorised. This gives people a real timeline regarding a roadmap to dealing with their debts.

“It must be remembered that the three debt resolution measures set out by the ISI; Debt Relief Notices, Debt Settlement Arrangements or Personal Insolvency Arrangements, are voluntary arrangements undertaken by both sides. The aim is to come to an agreement that is acceptable to all. Continuing to ignore the plight of those who are in everyday anguish over their debts is not an option. By engaging in this new process, banks will be working towards meeting Central Bank targets on mortgage arrears and those in debt will be given a second chance and hope for a happier future that is not utterly mired in debt.”

Go to the NEW web site or Contact me to advance solutions to your Debt problems.

Derek Keating met Brian O’Driscoll at the Launch of Pieta House DARKNESS INTO LIGHT Project.

Derek — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:24:01 +0000

Keating informed – €53.9 million or equivalent to 10% will be cut from the youth services’ provision

Derek — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:39:57 +0000

Following a Dáil question from Deputy Derek Keating to Minister Frances Fitzgerald regarding youth services in the Clondalkin/Lucan/Palmerstown area, the Minister confirmed in a Dáil reply to the local TD on Wednesday 16th April that €53.9 million or equivalent to 10% will be cut from the youth services’ provision.

I am also conscious that the then Minister with responsibility for community and drug awareness was the former Minister John Curran TD (who lost his seat following the wrecking of our economy) and that my colleague, Frances Fitzgerald, is battling to meet her budgets. However, I do believe that it is regrettable that frontline workers in youth services dealing with the most vulnerable people in our society will be less funded to the tune of €53 million nationally and this is equivalent to 10% of the funding that is made available throughout the Lucan, Clondalkin and Palmerstown area.

The Minister has informed me that having regard to the savings requirement identity in the comprehensive review of expenditure by her Department, she has tried to ensure that, to process the allocations, the frontline services and particularly those who are most vulnerable young people are protected as far as possible from the impact of any necessary reductions. However, she did confirm that a cut of 10% will be implemented by her Department.

I would encourage the Youth Service Managers, the CEO of County Dublin VEC, Dr. Marie Griffin, and the receivers of the valuable service from frontline youth workers to continue to press the Minister on the valuable and important work that is being carried out here and I have written to the Minister again today asking her to reconsider this decision.

The Minister confirmed to Deputy Derek Keating, local TD for Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown, that the bulk of funding allocated for youth services in the County Dublin area is administered through the County Dublin VEC on behalf of her Department and it is open to that body to submit proposals to reconfigure allocations based on their local knowledge and expertise in relation to youth projects in the area of County Dublin.

This reply was received following a Dáil question placed by local TD, Deputy Derek Keating.

“To ask the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that frontline workers in the Clondalkin/Lucan youth services are dealing with one of the most vulnerable and at risk groups in the Greater Dublin area and that the rise in crime, drug use, drug trafficking, anti-social behaviour, youth pregnancy and school absenteeism are at risk of dramatically increasing if the planned cuts are implemented and if she will reconsider her policy of funding youth cafés and continue to maintain the funding for frontline workers in youth work in Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown and if she will make a statement on the matter.”

Replying to the Minister’s response to me today, I am fully aware of the challenges of each Government Minister and their Department to reach budgets as a result of the disastrous management of our economy by the previous administration.

Keating welcomes a very busy Dáil term with more than eleven Bills for discussion this coming term

Derek — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:35:20 +0000

The Government Chief Whip, Minister Paul Kehoe T.D., informed me ( Derek Keating TD) today of the Government’s Legislative Programme for the Summer 2013 Parliamentary session.

“The Legislative Agenda approved by Cabinet this morning confirms that the Government’s legislative focus between now and when the Dáil rises for the Summer in late July will prioritise a number of reforming Bills that are legally both technical and complex. These Bills have been the focus of important and time consuming work within Departments and by the Attorney General’s drafters over the first months of this year and are now approaching the stage where they can be published.”

“Among the Bills due to be published over the next three months or so are a number that have required complex policy issues to be addressed at a Departmental level and detailed legal drafting from the Attorney General’s office. These Bills will result in major regulatory changes in areas as diverse as the use of our Natural Resources, our Local Government structure and our system of dealing with workplace relations. New legislation will also be published for protection of maternal life, to enhance Freedom of Information and safeguard the disclosure of information in the public interest.”

“Some of the significant Bills to be published this term include:

Child & Family Support Agency Bill,

Mineral Development Bill,

Local Government Bill,

Protection of Maternal Life Bill,

Consumer & Competition Bill,

Employment Permits Bill,

Workplace Relations Bill,

Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill,

Freedom of Information Bill,

Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privilege & Procedures) Bill,

Protected Disclosures in the Public Interest Bill

Social Welfare & Pensions Bill.”

“This Dáil term will also see the publication of a Bill preparing for a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad, meeting a Programme for Government commitment”

“Running along side the larger Bills a number of Bills will be published over the coming months designed to reform the law in specific areas”.

The Forestry Bill is designed to develop the forestry sector and focus on sustainable forestry management and environment protection.

The Betting (Amendment) Bill will reform the area of bookmakers and betting.

The County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Bill will dissolve County Enterprise Boards and transfer their functions to EnterpriseIreland.

The Fines (Amendment) Bill will reform our system of imposing fines to make it more efficient.

The Road Traffic Bill will introduce a number of new road traffic measures.

Local TD Derek Keating congratulates the Gardai from the National Drug Squad and Ronanstown Garda Station for the dangerous but successful outcome in closing a drug factory in Balgaddy.

Derek — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:07:17 +0000

Local TD Derek Keating congratulates Gardai from the National Drug Squad and Ronanstown Garda Station for the dangerous but successful work in closing a drug factory in Balgaddy.

I am so proud of our Gardai who again have saved more young life’s said local TD Derek Keating

Cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value of €170,000 have been seized by Gardaí during a raid on a house in Dublin Mid-West. A gun and ammunition were also recovered.

The raid was carried out on a house in Balgaddy as part of an investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in the Ronanstown/Lucan areas.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested and he is being detained at Ronanstown Garda Station.

I am calling on all members of our community to assist the Gardai break this local ring.