Results 2,741-2,760 of 18,727 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Deportation Orders: Deportation Orders (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 to 168, inclusive, together. On careful consideration, I have decided to revoke the deportation order in this case and to arrange for a temporary student visa for six months to be issued to the student to enable him to sit his leaving certificate. Regarding the other matters of substance, I refer the Deputy to the statement I gave to the House about this...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: The person referred to by the Deputy lodged her passport and other documentation when applying for a re-entry visa on 17 February 2005. Due to the high volume of visa applications lodged on a day-to-day basis, it can take from four to six weeks to process an application. In this case the passport was returned to the applicant on 21 March 2005.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am pleased to have the opportunity to table this motion seeking the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry into suggestions of collusion in the brutal and callous murders of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Bob Buchanan by the Provisional IRA in 1989. The background to this motion originates as far back as August 2001 when, following discussions with the Northern...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I was in Buenos Aires.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I thank Members for a very interesting and, at times, passionate debate. I share Senator Mansergh's view, and I think Senator Cummins should take note, that it was disappointing that the AGSI made a recommendation to its members not to participate in the arrangements that have been put in place between the two Governments. The two grounds of safety and money were given in respect of this...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: Senator Cummins attacked Senator Mansergh for speaking when there was no one to defend the members of the Garda Síochána but Senator Cummins himself went up like a Polaris missile from under the water to defend their interests, as well he might.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I wish to tell my friends in the AGSI that my comments are positive, constructive and meant in the best spirit of partnership. Senator White mentioned that I have shown a certain flexibility of mind today and I invite others——

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——to be as equally flexible in their approach to these issues. I do not wish to become involved in a broad debate on this matter but it would be wrong were the Government to be highlighted as a party to the Weston Park agreement that did not deliver. I will pay tribute to Senator Mansergh, something I should do more often. I was present at Weston Park to dot the i's and cross the t's on...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——of that type of which it should be ashamed. I hope Irish people have not behaved in a collusive way in recent times. However, we must bear in mind that other people's perceptions of us would not be the same.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: In 1970 arms were given to many people in circumstances that Unionists in Northern Ireland would not be so quick to say were entirely——

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: Some of them were caught but others were not intercepted.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: What happened is now history and I will not be divisive. We should never claim we are morally pure and others are wrong. We should examine how others perceive us.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am just making a point——

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——that should be made. We are collectively seen by some people on this island as a group that has not been entirely without fault, irrespective of our party and our past disputes.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I will not involve myself in controversy. I am in an avuncular mood today and will remain so.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: Having listened to the debate in both Houses, it is gratifying that there was unanimous support for the establishment of this tribunal regardless of the nuances of people's positions on various issues. I wish Judge Peter Smithwick every success and I will give him every support and encouragement I can to bring his work to a successful conclusion. Subject to our comments about economy, he will...

Seanad: Asylum Applications. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I thank Senator Tuffy for her kind words. I want to take this opportunity to inform the House that I announced at a press conference in the Department this morning that, on careful consideration, I decided to revoke the deportation order made in the case of Olukunle Elukanlo. I respect the genuine sympathy and solidarity shown towards him by many concerned people. I have been reflecting on...

Security Industry. (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the robberies referred to by the Deputies are the subject of ongoing investigations. I understand the Garda authorities have set up an incident room at Santry Garda station to investigate the two robberies of security vans in Dublin during the month of March and an extensive investigation is under...

Security Industry. (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I will deal first with the Deputy's final point regarding escorts. The Garda provides a considerable number of non-military escorts in any given week. More than 600 movements of cash are escorted by gardaí so it is not the case that one must see a jeep and Garda cars travelling beside a vehicle to conclude that an escort is in operation. Many cash transits are escorted with little public...

Security Industry. (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I will conclude to allow the Deputy to speak. I wanted to get across the message that the industry has had a forum in place for some time and that, from what I gather——