Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
It was an honour to bring Minister Helen McEntee to our town last week. In her role as Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee has brought forward ground-breaking legislation tackling online bullying and the sharing of images through Coco’s Law. The Minister will soon bring the Hate Crime bill before Cabinet and has also spearheaded a zero-tolerance approach in government policy to domestic and sexual abuse and gender-based violence. These laws will make a difference in people’s lives who experience abuse in all of our towns and villages.”
“Minister McEntee is also a role model as the first senior Cabinet Minister to take maternity leave and legislation was changed to make this happen. Family friendly policies are important in all walks of life including Leinster House”
“On her visit the Minister had an opportunity to visit the renovated premises on Dunlo Street and to meet the Garda team based here in Ballinasloe. Minister Helen McEntee met officer representatives and thanked the team for the exemplary service especially during Covid lockdown.”
“Minister McEntee spoke about a €2 million ‘Community Safety Innovation Fund’ recently launched using proceeds from crime through CAB. Target is for local not-for-profit groups to propose innovative measures for community safety especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. It could also look at how to develop youth activities. This fund is open for applications until 8th June 2022”
“The Minister also made history by joining a Cabinet meeting by zoom from Ballinasloe Garda station! We can see the impact of Covid & lockdown on how organisations have adapted. It really strengthens the case for hybrid working and the benefits for people to consider living and working in the West… even Ministers on the go!”
Minister Helen McEntee stated
“I really enjoyed my visit to the West with Senator Aisling Dolan. As we move out of the pandemic, it is fantastic to meet people once again. I now have the chance to meet Garda teams across and hear of the challenges and opportunities, such as for regional divisions here in Ballinasloe as Gardaí respond to emergency calls over a large geographic area.
“As Minister for Justice, I am committed to strengthening and supporting An Garda Síochána. That’s why we have provided funding for 800 new Gardaí and 400 Garda staff – who will free up more Gardaí for core policing duties – this year.
“And we will see 159 newly attested Gardaí leave Templemore in the coming weeks to serve communities around the country.
“In my portfolio under Department of Justice, I am also looking forward to the centenary events across the country to celebrate 100 years of An Garda Síochána.
“And I certainly enjoyed taking part in a Cabinet meeting via Zoom from Ballinasloe Garda station! It just goes to show how remote working has changed our way of working and opened up so many opportunities.”
