Results 7,501-7,520 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy raised an occupier's right to defend his own home. It is the intention of the Government to deal with that in the forthcoming criminal law miscellaneous provisions Bill. I have indicated to the House my views on that issue and have pointed out that the difficulties that we face arise, as the Law Reform Commission pointed out, from legislation tendered to this House in 1997 which...

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: There are, however, clear justice angles to domestic violence and a family law Bill is proposed for next year. A preliminary examination of the case in Waterford suggests legislative change is not required but that the matter is one of procedure.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I cannot make any comment on an ongoing Garda investigation. The legislation to hold a referendum has not yet been promised because we have not yet completed the consultation phase on what would or would not constitute the elements of a referendum on the rights of children.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I was in conversation with the Taoiseach before the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis and he did not make the announcement without consulting me. I know nothing about exhuming the Manchester martyrs.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The law is perfectly adequate in that respect.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The medical practitioners Bill is due this session and the nurses and midwives Bill is due next year.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The criminal justice (United Nations convention against corruption) Bill is expected next year.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The drafting of the fines legislation is at an advanced stage in the Attorney General's office. One issue was holding it up but I believe that has now been disposed of. Is the Deputy referring to the legislation empowering the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal lenient sentences in the District Court?

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy may not be aware that I asked the Law Reform Commission to examine that issue. Its report, published some days ago, suggests that it might not be wise to provide for that power after all. We are considering that report before proceeding with the legislation.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The legislation is expected in 2007, as I said earlier.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No legislation is promised.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is proposed to publish both Bills this session.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That is almost drafted and I hope to publish it in the first few weeks of next year.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I hope so.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That measure is on the list for discussion in the House. The proposal for the Second Stage debate was withdrawn at the request of the Deputy's party.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No referendum-type legislation is promised. The report is being considered by the Government at present.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is intended to deal with the health Bill as soon as the House resumes in the next session.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That Bill is currently being drafted in the Attorney General's office.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The issue of grooming is being dealt with in the criminal justice trafficking Bill which will be introduced soon. The other legislation is expected in this session.

Written Answers — Maternity Leave: Maternity Leave (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Government recognises the need to provide support to working parents after the birth or adoption of a child, and has already made a number of significant improvements to our legislation to ensure this. The latest National Agreement — Towards 2016 — includes a commitment to continue to enhance maternity leave entitlements, in line with the measures announced in Budget 2006, aimed at...