Results 8,021-8,040 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Crime Prevention. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Where somebody in authority in a bank knows that another employee is the subject of a tiger kidnapping, there must be a system for reporting this. The Deputy asked if I had made such protocols mandatory. The only method whereby I could make them mandatory is to make them a term of the licence of the banks licensed by IFSRA.

Crime Prevention. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have discussed this option with the banks regarding the cash in transit issue. I have indicated to them that whereas the Private Security Authority can regulate the cash in transit industry, I see the banks responsibilities as being equally serious. I have also indicated that if voluntary adherence to codes of conduct were not sufficient, I would ask the Minister of Finance to instruct...

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I regret that as the very grave incident referred to is the subject of ongoing disciplinary proceedings, I am not in a position to comment on the matter and it would be wrong of me to do so.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The disciplinary regulations are the subject of a consultation procedure and this has been advanced. The regulations which I modified following a series of representations made to me are a huge improvement on the old ones. It is not a matter of me clicking my fingers and stating my view. I must follow a consultation process with the Garda and statute also obliges me to consult the...

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I cannot say, but as soon as they have been concluded, I will notify the Deputy and respond to any question that I might reasonably answer in those circumstances.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I regret to inform the Deputy that that is not so. I have been very clear in what I want in the regulations, but I must consult others. It would be very easy for me——

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The deadline reflected my expectation at the time, but I cannot simply click my fingers and declare the process of consultation over as I must ensure that I am being fair. The Deputy will appreciate that, as Mr. Justice Morris said in his tribunal report, the current procedure is like that for a murder trial but for relatively small infractions of the disciplinary code. I must sweep all...

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have made a great deal of progress. One must show a little determination to achieve things. The disciplinary code, which had been allowed to grow ever more complex, like the procedure for a murder case, is now the subject of regulations that have been circulated, and I intend to sign them.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Yes, but there has been consultation on their exact content and modification to ensure that they are fit for purpose. If it takes another few weeks to reach agreement, I am happy to take that extra time.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I do not wish to comment on the individual case, but there is a system of sergeants and inspectors whose functions include ensuring that people are at their post, are sober and so on. It goes without saying that if any superior officer had any inkling that an incident of that kind was taking place, he or she would have acted immediately. The circumstances were extremely unusual and most...

Graffiti Offences. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: As the Deputy will be aware, primary responsibility for cleaning graffiti rests with local authorities under the Litter Pollution Act 1997.

Graffiti Offences. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Yes, and I congratulate the Deputy on its introduction. However, earlier this year my Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs initiated a pilot project, the GRO initiative, aimed specifically at combating graffiti in Dublin city, Galway city and Bray, County Wicklow. The...

Graffiti Offences. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: My experience has been that even in very well policed areas, those who term themselves "graffiti artists", whom I call "graffiti vandals", will carry out their work. Second, I am not inclined to agree with the proposition that there are legitimate and illegitimate graffiti. The fact that some vandals are technically more skilled than others does not excuse what they do. If there is a call...

Graffiti Offences. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I do not accept that frustration at the lack of amenities leads a person to purchase various cans of spray paint, to spend a night mapping out his or her proposed work of graffiti and to return to complete it on another occasion. I do not think this represents a cry for help regarding the provision of more swimming pools. I do not accept that proposition.

Graffiti Offences. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: If the Deputy is observant, he will know that such works are mapped out one week and completed at a later stage.

Crime Levels. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been 16 murders with firearms from the beginning of the year to 6 November. I am also informed that detections have been made in seven of these cases, with proceedings commenced in four. All killings regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigations by the Garda authorities. The identification of the...

Crime Levels. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is thanks to Deputy Jim O'Keeffe.

Crime Levels. (7 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Mandatory minimum sentences were introduced on 1 November. That is why the weapons amnesty expired the previous day. Such sentences are now contemplated under the law and I look forward to their being vigorously imposed by members of the Judiciary to whom it falls to implement the new law. I agree with the Deputy that people, particularly those involved in gangland situations, seem to...

Written Answers — Coroners Service: Coroners Service (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The circumstances under which a death is reported to the relevant coroner falls within the jurisdiction of that coroner, being a quasi judicial authority charged with the independent investigation of death. Similarly, it is a matter for the coroner to determine what information regarding a death he or she requires in order to carry out this function. I have no role in this process but I...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The reference number provided by the Deputy is a generic number assigned to persons who have submitted application forms for naturalisation which are defective in some way. These forms are returned to the applicants either for amendment or for resubmission of freshly completed application forms, depending on the nature of the defect. In the absence of more details including the name of the...