Results 7,281-7,300 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That is why I am changing the regulations which the Deputy never changed when he was in government.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No, but the Deputy was in Cabinet and he had collective responsibility.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: He did nothing when he was in government. This is gross hypocrisy.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy wanted to delay parts of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 until these reports——

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy demanded that I delay passing those Acts until these reports——

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy is not being shouted down, he is being corrected.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Reports from eminent persons which are critical of the Garda Síochána are not to be taken lightly. What I have said and, more important, done clearly illustrates that they have not been taken lightly. The programme of reform undertaken was recognition, even before the publication of the critical reports, that fundamental issues affecting the Garda Síochána had to be urgently addressed....

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: He was well chosen. George Birmingham concludes that no deliberate attempt was made to undermine the rights of Dean Lyons. His view is that inappropriate leading questions were inadvertently asked of him by interviewing gardaí, a failure which in turn equipped him with the information to maintain a credible albeit false confession. He gives reasons for this conclusion, one of which is his...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Although time is limited today, I draw to the attention of the House that a veritable transformation is taking place in the Garda Síochána. It is not the same old force; it is a changing force in a changing Ireland. All the things that are happening are for the better. It is challenging to people who are loyal to an institution to see it changing under their eyes but I wish to thank each...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: How would the structure differ from the Health Service Executive?

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Approximately 54% of garda recruits have a third level qualification on entry to Templemore.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I was not here then.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: They have been recruited.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It was to recruit them. The Deputy should read the text again.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That is what the Deputy is getting ready to do also.

EU Directives. (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I made my money in slurry.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: On a point of order I apologise to the Members present as my script is being photocopied for them at the moment.

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The profoundly disturbing events which are dealt with in the reports we are about to discuss have been, as they must, the subject matter of strong action on the part of the Government. The Garda Síochána Act 2005, the most profound piece of legislation relating to the Garda Síochána in the history of the State, is the vehicle which has put in place many of the changes which have drawn...

Garda Reform: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is my intention to consult the Opposition parties on the establishment of a security and policing committee. If the measures in the Garda Síochána Act are to have full effect, the Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, which has a number of functions and is overloaded with other matters, is not the appropriate forum for having direct Oireachtas accountability from...

Order of Business (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Deputy Broughan must put down a question on the Indecon report to the relevant Minister. I am not in a position to reply to that. The electronic communications miscellaneous provisions Bill will be published this session. I remind the Deputy that Hanoi is not that far from Pyonyang where some of his colleagues used to visit regularly.