Power gone to the head of Minister for Justice

bertiebomber

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119019559#Comment_119019559

I firmly believe the census will be very much scrutinized this year to identify the empty nesters, and the single elderly women living in big houses alone also the boasters who had to mention the 6 bedroom & 10 bathrooms. I think any of the above could get a call from the ministry of justice to take in a refugee or else !!! Dont hold your breath too long....

Allinall

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119020283#Comment_119020283

I firmly believe none of that will happen.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119020283#Comment_119020283

I cant see the government going out of way to antagonise its one remaining demographic

The government tds floating it as a suggestion were ghouls,it wasnt even discussed in dept of housing

Brucie Bonus

No way the Landlords in government will give up rooms for refugees unless they are paid handsomely.

bertiebomber

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119020323#Comment_119020323

Thats the trouble with Ireland no one believes things will happen until they do....remember Covid and how we vilified the un vaxed now we are importing 37k as of today from a country that had only 30% uptake and thats ok . When we had 3% unvaxed we lost our **** and wanted to crucify them so like i say dont hold your breath everything can happen in Ireland..

Overheal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119016254#Comment_119016254

Far from contradicting my point that reinforces it. Their motivation to secure conviction irregardless of ethical boundaries begs the checks and balances of a (functioning) criminal justice system.

doc22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015209#Comment_119015209

jim was never offered the minister of Justice role, he was offered Minister of state job within the department,essentially having McEntee as his boss. Not a big surprise he turned it down......

Pussyhands

Every FG minister has let the power go to their heads. If you think about it, Fine Gael have been in power for 3 successive governments now. 11 years and if this goes the full distance, it'll be 14 years of power for FG. They don't know what being in opposition is like anymore.

I would bet good money on it that if FG are not in power after the next government, then most of the high ranking ministers will jump ship to big private/eu jobs. Harris might stay to become leader or McEntee

Wibbs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119066015#Comment_119066015

FG have for a long time been a party of opposition. When in opposition very quick to berate the party in power over what FG would do if they were in power and when thet get the chance fail badly. Now we're looking down both barrels of FG and FF, with the peashooter Greens on top.

Sugar_Rush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119012839#Comment_119012839

**Comprehension?

I like her.

She's challenging the status quo and not afraid to put herself out there, which is super unusual compared to her predecessors.

Plus she's young which is also a divergence from the norm, particularly for someone in that position.

Not saying she's perfect but her approach is refreshing (and she hasn't pulled anything sideways enough to indicate some kind of closeted autocrat).

Fandymo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069334#Comment_119069334

She's a moron. Her approach is based on Twitter likes.

_Kaiser_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069334#Comment_119069334

This post is exactly what is wrong with McEntee herself - meaningless soundbites that actually say nothing about her experience, qualifications, understanding of, or general competence for what is a senior and critical post in Government that has long-lasting effects on Irish society long after the office-holder has moved on/retired.

She's ...

• "challenging the status quo" - what does this actually mean? How has she addressed the increasing (serious) crime issues that are an almost daily feature on the news now?
• "putting herself out there" - er, exactly as a senior cabinet minister should?
• "young" - not THAT young anymore but so what? If we're playing identity politics bingo here, you are at risk of being ageist to her older colleagues!
• "her approach is refreshing" - chasing social media trends and grandstanding on Twitter or about her TikTok account. I guess we have different ideas of what "refreshing" means!

What she is is completely unsuitable for the role she holds and, partly because of attitudes like the above, getting away with it.

Sugar_Rush

Something inexplicable is giving me an overwhelming compulsion to post a series of pictures of her wedding ceremony....

Ash.J.Williams

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058244380/power-gone-to-the-head-of-minister-for-justice

to be honest i'm more concerned over the abuse helen mcentee seems to be getting

Sugar_Rush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069459#Comment_119069459

I have no idea where this notion comes from or what substantiates it.

.........

Has she posted some lingerie shots or something?

_Kaiser_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069482#Comment_119069482

Ah enough of the victim nonsense. The woman is a senior cabinet minister in a critical department and seems to spend most of her time chasing social media trends and pushing her personal profile than actually addressing the serious and worsening problems that department is responsible for.

It's her competence and suitability that's being questioned. It's people like yourself that are trying to the infer the "it's coz she is a woman!" angle.

Fandymo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069492#Comment_119069492

She was straight onto Twitter after poor Aisling Murphy was murdered, telling Irish men that they had to improve themselves, telling all and sundry that she was going to change to laws to make women more safe. Meanwhile Chico Makamda, who was found guilty of physically assaulting multiple women, sexual assault, false imprisonment, exposing himself to teenage girls, masturbating in public, robbery and more, still roams the streets of Ireland, almost 4 months after his court appointed deadline to leave the state.

When asked about it in a PQ, “if she will address concerns that there is an ongoing failure to take adequate and appropriate steps to ensure the removal of convicted individuals who are also subject to a current deportation order from the State", we got more waffle......

“As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases,” replied the Minister.

“However, I can assure the Deputy that it is the policy to seek to deport from this State individuals whose presence here is not conducive to the common good.”

McEntee continued: “The deportation of such individuals is a complex matter requiring, amongst other things, the determination of the nationality and identity of the person and the cooperation of the proposed destination state in facilitating the deportation.”

Why would the destination state have to facilitate anything? He is a private citizen. We aren't transferring him to an Angolan prison, we are just kicking him out. Angola cannot make him stateless. She is full of shite

Ash.J.Williams

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069505#Comment_119069505

she does get more abuse then men though

Sugar_Rush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069472#Comment_119069472

Just out of curiosity, who would you consider an apt replacement?

_Kaiser_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069894#Comment_119069894

Not so... Leo Varadkar, Micheal Martin, Stephen Donnelly, Simon Harris, Eamon Ryan, Enda Kenny, Bertie Ahern, Charles Haughey.. etc, etc

All prominent male politicians who have had - and continue to have - lots of (deserved and otherwise) criticism levelled at them. But no one says it's because it's they're men because - no one cares! The only ones making an issue out of it are folks like yourself trying to deflect from the substance of the issue - that she is completely out of her depth and unsuitable for the role.

thefallingman

who covered her position when she was off for 9 months ?

Boggles

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069924#Comment_119069924

Was their gender part of this criticism?

sam t smith

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069473#Comment_119069473

Please don’t.

conorhal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119069894#Comment_119069894

Does she now?

Or is she the epitome of the meme....

Ubbquittious

Feck this orwellian sh1t. I suspected early on McEntee would be a driver of Orwellian measures

erin333

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379407#Comment_122379407

Wasn't sure if you are allowed post links outside of the site.Here it is https://www.digitalrights.ie/20-questions-mass-surveillance/

erin333

Regarding contacting the department myself, I'm sure it would be a fruitless endeavour as they have already passed it without consulting the public about it in the first place.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379423#Comment_122379423

Gotcha. So you just copied and pasted a text directly from a blog.

This collection and retention of data is a form of mass surveillance which allows for the mapping of the private activities of virtually every person in Ireland. Both the High Court order and the lack of transparency surrounding it are gravely concerning. The order is also likely to be contrary to CJEU case law and, therefore, illegal. This risks evidence in future criminal trials either being challenged and/or such trials collapsing.

Since Monday June 26 2023, this ruling occured, which is significant with respect to evidence being used in criminal trials.

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/court-of-appeal-makes-landmark-ruling-that-cctv-footage-can-be-used-as-evidence-1581975.html

Dozens of other trials have heard similar arguments and Mr Justice John Edwards said today that where such evidence exists, it would be a dereliction of duty if gardaí did not access and use it to investigate crime and to secure convictions.

He said that a decision from the Court of Appeal was "long overdue" and pointed out that arguments claiming that CCTV footage should be inadmissible had never succeeded in Irish courts.

In respect of arguments made under data protection laws, the judge said the processing of data such as CCTV footage is lawful where it is necessary and proportionate for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences.

with respect to the purpose of retaining data, that's already dealt with in in DP legislation

In the Dunbar case, CCTV footage was obtained from private homes, local businesses and a Dublin bus. The purpose of having CCTV cameras, the judge said, was to protect premises, deter unauthorised entry, discourage anti-social and criminal behaviour, and to assist in apprehending anyone who did engage in such activities.

The footage obtained was from public places including footpaths, roads, a public park, a bus and the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght. "It does not seem realistic to us to suggest that someone walking or visiting such an area would have a reasonable expectation of privacy," Mr Justice Edwards said.

Mr Justice Edwards said the court does not believe that any of Dunbar's rights were breached, whether under the Constitution, the European Convention of Human Rights or the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The CCTV evidence was highly relevant, he said, and in any particular case such evidence could be used to advance an investigation, identify a suspect and provide relevant evidence at trial. In another case, he said, it might exonerate a suspect.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379452#Comment_122379452

It's your democratic right to seek answers to questions about state security from the department if they are a concern to you.

erin333

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379495#Comment_122379495

Thanks for all that. I don't think the way to fight crime is to have every single person in the country under mass surveillance. The overwhelming vast majority of people are law abiding. Putting us all under surveillance for a small minority of criminals is treating us all like criminals. Old fashioned police work should be the way to catch criminals.

Witcher

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379546#Comment_122379546

Define old fashioned police work.

erin333

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379553#Comment_122379553

Witnesses, fingerprints, DNA, Guards on the beat in problem areas etc.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379577#Comment_122379577

The reality is that CCTV is in the public domain anyway so the question about the nature of it's use in criminal proceedings is a bit moot, to quote the Judge, 'it would be a dereliction of duty if the gardai didn't access it to investigate crimes and secure convictions'.

suvigirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379577#Comment_122379577

So, technical evidence such as fingerprint and DNA is fine, but technical evidence of retained data is not?

You really should read more then just one blog, in order to understand something completely and correctly. This type of data has always been retained by companies, now, they cannot do that anymore and it can only be retained for a certain amount of time, for the purposes of crime investigations.

Or maybe you have always been ok with mass surveillance of the population by private telecommunications companies?

extra-ordinary_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379747#Comment_122379747

Indeed, but a record of identifiable private individual communication and time location related data is in no possible way "in the public domain".

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379969#Comment_122379969

That data is already within the domain of the data controller, (network poviders etc) the request was made to extend retention of that data for a period of up to 12 months, in this instance, for the purposes of national security.

https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/act/25/section/4

1) The Minister may, where he or she is satisfied that there exists a serious and genuine, present or foreseeable threat to the security of the State, make, in accordance with this section, an application to a relevant judge for an order under this section.

It comes on the heels of a renewal of provisions to combat terrorism and organised crime (23/24 and more again 24/25)

https://www.thejournal.ie/special-criminal-court-law-extension-cabinet-6391193-May2024/

McEntee told her colleagues today that the government will take all necessary steps to protect the state from terrorism and from organised crime groups.

It is understood the minister’s view is that the existence of such threats, including the threat from violent extremism and international terrorism, warrants the continuance of these laws.

She also considers that there remains a substantial threat from serious organised crime in the State, particularly from criminal gangs – some with significant international links – who are engaged in the trafficking of drugs and firearms, as well as in other serious crimes, and who are prepared to commit murder.

These are temporary emergency measures, as is obtaining a high court order for an extension of data for a period of 12 months. You can argue that these purposes are unreasonable under data protection legislation but unless you're privy to state security it currently accepted as adequate for the reasons put forward.

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122379452#Comment_122379452

I bet you're posting on your phone and have consented to your online presence being followed by Google, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, etc (this online presence exists even when you're not actively using your phone e.g. collection of location data, etc)

Eudaimonia

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058244380/power-gone-to-the-head-of-minister-for-justice

I’m not one for conspiracy theories but could this tip the balance into total state control over the population? I’m not saying we have malign actors internally but it could be abused very easily on a very large scale.

Can someone vent their ills feelings towards a bully without being convicted of potentially committing a crime towards them? It is entering the realms of the film Minority Report where crimes can be convicted without the defendant actually doing anything.

It’s very dangerous territory and impinges disproportionately on the citizens rights to “mens rea” actually accompanying the act of committing the crime. Now we have legally removed action into intention being the crime. As the OP says, literally the whole population would be culpable.

suvigirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122380670#Comment_122380670

That is some pile of rameis

Eudaimonia

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119017397#Comment_119017397

I’m not sure I follow your mode of thought. Are you saying everyone who has worked as a barrister is corrupt and/or doesn’t understand the justice system more than regular politicians? Surely, someone who has experience within the system has a better perspective from which to make effective changes?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122380670#Comment_122380670

I'm sure if it were framed as an anti-immigrant argument it would be ok though. Y'know, with border protections and controls and making sure we don't import some of the more subversive violent criminal elements into our society by means of engaging with a europe wide recognition hub.

Vote4Squirrels

She is a dire excuse for a politician - I worked in the same place my dad had for a time, and briefly was asked to do a few tasks that he had done whilst there. I was hopelessly lost!!!

To do the whole role I would have been a disaster - same as Helen, and to add to that her Ministerial job ? Insane.

It's nothing to do with her sex - O'Gorman and Ryan get the same amount of abuse if not more, as they are equally inept and not fit for purpose.

blanch152

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122381026#Comment_122381026

I am saying that the conflict of interest is such that they are not in a position to make unbiased decisions.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122382700#Comment_122382700

It's not like its job as a clerical officer in the HSE where if you can't type your daddy's friend will give you a job as a consultants secretary if you buy him a liverpool jersey for his birthday.

She studied economics, politics and law at Dublin City University and earned a master's degree in journalism and media communications from Griffith College Dublin. She began working at Leinster House in 2010 as a personal assistant to her father.

She didn't just land in the role without any experience after her father's death. Not sure what would qualify her any more than the credentials and experience she already holds. I expect she has lots of advisors and qualified staff in a department which enables her to do the job to the best of her ability too.

Like if there's something in particular that you had issue with then fair enough but not liking her because you don't feel she's qualified isn't fair judgement.

whisky_galore

Here's a top tip OP, don't do crime.

Jinglejangle69

Where is she after today’s shenanigans?

Has the country ever been so lawless??

Jack Daw

The depressing thing about Helen McEntee is that she essentially is an example of a politician with an inherited seat and she'll probably be elected to the Dáil until she wants to retire.The country will never be rid of her.

Allinall

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122386774#Comment_122386774

No such thing as an inherited seat.

She got elected same as all the rest of the TDs.

The country will be rid of her when her constituents decide she's no longer wanted. Same as all the rest of the TDs.

Jack Daw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122386784#Comment_122386784

I didn't say it literally was an inherited seat I said "essentially" it was an inherited seat and it was as the tragic circumstances of her fathers death meant she was bound to win that seat.

Political dynasties are terrible for the country in my opinion.Whether it's the Healy Rae's, the Cowens etc etc

Fr Tod Umptious

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122386894#Comment_122386894

I remember posting something like this way back in the early 2010s when Shane McEntee died and Helen McEntee was running for his seat.

Helen McEntee was her father's daughter.

She campaigned with him, she worked in Leinster House, she studied politics and law in college, I also believe that she spent sometime working in the EU.

She knew how politics worked.

And even though her name was helpful in getting her elected back in the day, with experience like that she was well capable of being elected anyway.

It's not as if she was plucked from some other career path to fill her father's shoes, she was interested in politics and wanted to be a politician.

There's nothing wrong with that regardless of her family background.

Strumms

I’ve known politicians who I disliked, disagreed with and who i didn’t think were much cop.

But in my lifetime I’ve never known a minister, on her level of outright incompetence… her policies first and foremost but the complete ham fisted, silly and careless arrogance in the manner she communicates…it’s almost like she doesn’t give a rats ass.. a sort of … “ yeah, so what anyway…” vibe off her…

She has absolutely zero personality, personability, zero political charisma or relatability…. But one of the Meath McEntees you see, one of a political dynasty of sorts going back decades…. Whatever about locally but nationally, as a minister, she so poor it’s unreal…but she’ll keep getting elected. Because..of… McEntee!