Results 2,741-2,760 of 19,162 for speaker:Alan Shatter

Written Answers — Irish Red Cross: Irish Red Cross (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am satisfied that the money granted to the Irish Red Cross Society in 2009 and 2010, which covers the administration of the Irish Society as well as an annual contribution from Ireland to the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been properly spent. The 2009 Accounts have been independently audited and published. I understand that the 2010 Accounts are on schedule for...

Written Answers — Irish Red Cross: Irish Red Cross (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Irish Red Cross Society is supported by an annual grant from the Department of Defence vote. The grant is paid in quarterly amounts to the Society. The total grant for 2011 is set at €951,000 and was approved as part of the 2011 Estimates process. The grant makes an important contribution towards the administration and running costs of the Irish Society. Provision is made in each...

Written Answers — Irish Red Cross: Irish Red Cross (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive...

Written Answers — Irish Red Cross: Irish Red Cross (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive...

Written Answers — Irish Red Cross: Irish Red Cross (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Operations: Defence Forces Operations (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources and capabilities to meet the current threat. The level of threat is kept under constant review by both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, including their respective intelligence services. Whilst responsibility for apprehending and bringing those involved in the production of such devices rests with An Garda...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I do not have a constituency office in the Department of Defence. My constituency office is based in the Department of Justice & Equality. The Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D., does not have any staff from the Department of Defence in his constituency office, which is based in the Department of the Taoiseach.

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: While the Lisbon Treaty states that Member States shall undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities, it imposes no obligation in this regard nor can the Union require any Member State to increase expenditure or investment on defence. The amount a Member State spends on defence and the nature of its military capabilities are solely a matter for national decision and the EU...

Written Answers — Common Foreign and Security Policy: Common Foreign and Security Policy (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) forms an integral part of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and provides the Union with an operational capacity to undertake peacekeeping and crisis management missions outside the territory of the Member States. In addition to military tasks, there is a significant civilian and humanitarian dimension. CSDP enables...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Strength: Defence Forces Strength (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: Officials in my Department, in consultation with their military colleagues, are currently critically examining defence expenditure as part of the comprehensive spending review, which was recently announced by Government. In line with the required consolidation in public finances, the aim will be to ensure that the Defence organisation can continue to operate effectively and efficiently in the...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Personnel: Defence Forces Personnel (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Force were suspended. However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the...

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (19 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together. Ireland has offered, through the United Nations Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum...

Asylum Applications (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I thank the Deputy for his kind remarks. He correctly quoted from the programme for Government. There is a substantial problem with the number of people in the system, as referred to by the Deputy, who are awaiting decisions on their future. This is an issue I hope to address in the coming months, and we hope to deal with the asylum legislation that had reached Committee Stage but had not...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Government commitment under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland is to publish insolvency reform legislation by Quarter 1 of 2012. The legislative programme for my Department includes a Personal Insolvency Bill that will provide for a new framework for settlement and enforcement of debt and for personal insolvency. The Bill, proposals in respect of which are being...

Written Answers — Juvenile Offenders: Juvenile Offenders (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: My Department provides funding via the Irish Youth Justice Service to a range of community based projects across the country which operate in partnership with An Garda Síochána and the Young Persons Probation Division of the Probation Service. Due to the current economic difficulties the total funding available for such projects has been reduced for 2011. Consequently, project allocations...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2008. The application is being finalised at present and will be submitted to me for decision shortly. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The position regarding voting rights in the case of a mixed-use multi-unit development is that section 2(4)(b) of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 provides that the requirements relating to voting rights in section 14(1) and (2) shall be regarded as being complied with where such rights are apportioned in a manner which is fair and equitable. This is intended to ensure that the interests...

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am currently awaiting a document, containing the allegations referred to, from the Deputy. Once I am in receipt of this and have considered its contents I will contact the Deputy.

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I do have concerns at the length of time currently being taken to process vetting applications. I recognise that it is important to process these applications within a reasonable time frame both for the benefit of the applicants and the organisations involved. I am informed by the Garda authorities that at present there are a total of five Gardaí, 76 full-time Garda civilian personnel and...

Written Answers — Departmental Functions: Departmental Functions (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together. I can inform the Deputy that my Department has a broad range of policy and executive functions in relation to Justice and Equality. These include, at present: Supporting An Garda Síochána and Tackling Crime - including community security, law enhancement and crime prevention through support for An Garda Síochána....