Results 6,401-6,420 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Citizenship Applications. (22 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: All of this takes some time. This year and probably next year there will be a considerable spike in the number of applications for citizenship because people will qualify under the residency conditions. We will deal with that and we have a new computerised system in Tipperary which turns around cases much quicker than heretofore. However, there will be a delay. This is not something that...

Gambling Legislation. (22 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: As the Deputy is aware, I have initiated a wide-ranging review of gambling, the objective of which is to provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State. The casino gaming control section of my Department will be responsible for bringing forward proposals, including a draft Bill for a revised...

Gambling Legislation. (22 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I do not accept that Fianna Fáil has shirked its responsibility. Previously in the House I stated that all political parties, whenever they were in Government, veered away from this area because of the difficulties from a legislative point of view. People in this country are operating under very old legislation, which is out of date. It behoves us to move forward. The Deputy may be aware...

Gambling Legislation. (22 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Yes, because the Deputy's party leader would not participate and neither would the Labour Party in what was originally an understanding under my predecessor. I have asked my officials to proceed and the public has shown a significant level of interest in the consultation process which we advertised. I have asked my officials to bring forward policy options by the end of the year and I hope...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the stations referred to by the Deputy was as set out in the following table. The number of gardaí dedicated to Community policing is also shown in the table. Coolock Raheny Howth Total Strength 115 73 42 Community Gardaí (included in Total Strength)...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí who have retired from the Force, both voluntarily and on age grounds, to-date in 2009 is 351. Some 200 trainees have been recruited to the Garda Training College since the start of 2009 and the moratorium on recruitment in the public service currently applies to An Garda Síochána.

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to where the incident referred to by the Deputy took place is within the Coolock Garda Sub-District. The incident is being fully investigated by the Gardaí at Coolock Garda Station. I am also informed that the investigating Garda has been in contact with the injured party and has updated him in relation to the ongoing...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the stations referred to by the Deputy was as set out in the following table. Leixlip District Carbury 5 Celbridge 19 Kilcock 8 Leixlip 34 Maynooth 14 Total District Strength 80 Naas District Ballymore Eustace 1 Clane 9 Kilcullen 4 Kill 3...

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I wish to share time with the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney.

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I agree with the Deputies that we should have a reasoned debate and I compliment them on at least putting this on the agenda at a time when we are not reacting to a recent event. Members on all sides of the House will accept that this is an issue in which we all have a substantial interest and with which the Government has some sympathy. Deputies and the public at large are aware of cases...

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: We have already accepted that we would postpone consideration of our own Bill in which we published a scheme a number of years ago on the basis that the Law Reform Commission report is now due. The special status of the home dwelling has always been linked with the dignity of the individual. It is my contention that an attack in the home has unique characteristics, very different from other...

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am fully in agreement with the sentiments of the Bill, but if we are to address these issues we should do it correctly. I will point out some of the flaws. Section 3 of this Bill, for example, provides for a presumption that any force used by an occupier on a trespasser within the dwelling is reasonable in all circumstances. This presumably applies even if the trespasser is on the...

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Section 3(2) states that the presumption does not apply if the person entering is a member of An Garda Síochána acting in the course of his or her duty. This provision reflects a similar one contained in section 18 of the 1997 Act, but there may be a need for a reference to other persons who legitimately enter a house in the course of their duty, such as members of the emergency services...

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Section 4 of the Bill purports to exonerate an occupier from any liability in tort for any harm done, whether serious or not, to a trespasser when the factors set out in section 7 apply. Such a provision would affect the delicate balance in the existing law on the liability of occupiers in respect of the duties owed to those entering their property. This would constitute a significant...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (16 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Sheriff's fees and expenses are set out in Sheriff's Fees and Expenses Order 2005 (S. I. No 644 of 2005). In setting the fees, consideration is given to the changes in the Consumer Price Index since the previous fees were set, along with the general costs of operating the service. The fees and expenses as they stand only apply where there has been a failure to make the necessary tax returns...

Written Answers — Official Transport: Official Transport (16 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Office holder cars are provided, pursuant to a long standing arrangement, for the President, Taoiseach, Ministers, Chief Whip, Ceann Comhairle, Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Attorney General, Chief Justice, D.P.P.and former Taoisigh & Presidents. There are currently 26 office holders provided with official vehicles.

Written Answers — European Arrest Warrants: European Arrest Warrants (16 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Three subjects of European Arrest Warrants were released in 2008 by order of the High Court because the issuing authority failed, in each case, to collect the subjects within the statutory time limit. There were no processing delays on the part of the Irish authorities in relation to the cases and, in each instance, the High Court had ordered surrender. Under the provisions of the European...

Written Answers — Deportation Orders: Deportation Orders (16 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Where an asylum application is made by a non-Irish national it is considered by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, in the event of an appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In the event of negative recommendations from both agencies, or in the case of any third country national found to be illegally present in the State, a notice of intent to deport under section...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (16 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: There is currently no application pending in my Department for leave to remain in the case of the persons whose details were supplied. If an application for asylum has been made by the persons concerned, the Deputy should note that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (16 Sep 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The person concerned applied for asylum on 23 November 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the individual concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned was...