Results 2,801-2,820 of 18,727 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Illegal Immigrants: Illegal Immigrants (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I assume that the Deputy's question refers to work which in itself is lawful — in other words, work which an Irish citizen, a citizen of an EEA country or a citizen of Switzerland is entitled generally, as of right, to undertake in this jurisdiction. There were approximately 88,000 non-EEA or non-Swiss nationals registered with the Garda Síochána as authorised to engage in employment of...

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 8 April 2005 was 12,209, all ranks. The House will be aware that in October 2004, the Government approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda mountain bike unit was introduced on a pilot basis, on 5 June 2001, in the Tallaght and Raheny Garda districts of the Dublin metropolitan region, DMR. In February 2002, a review conducted by the Garda authorities found that the deployment of Garda personnel on mountain bikes was proven to be successful in tackling and responding to...

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: As the Deputy is aware, there are currently 64 Garda youth diversion projects operating in both urban and rural areas. Approximately 3,150 participants are currently involved in the Garda youth diversion projects. The Garda youth diversion projects are a crime prevention measure which seek to divert young persons from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social and-or criminal...

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that recruitment to the Garda Síochána is carried out by the Public Appointments Service. However, the Garda authorities have informed me that the total number of applications lodged in respect of the recent Garda recruitment competition was 10,601. In addition, 6,989 applicants sat the exam and 3,761 applicants passed the exam. To date, a total...

Written Answers — Deportation Orders: Deportation Orders (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: There is a solid basis in legislation and case law for the delegation to officials of authority to adjudicate on applications for leave to remain. On the other hand, the power to make a deportation order is never in practice delegated to officials. In every case deportation orders are made by the Minister. Perhaps this distinction is best illustrated by the case of P.L and B v. the Minister...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 120 and 744 together. The Deputies will be aware that, commencing on 16 February last, a number of searches were conducted at various locations in furtherance of a criminal investigation into suspected PIRA-related money laundering activities. These searches led to the seizure of significant sums of money and the arrest of a number of persons. I am...

Written Answers — Immigrant Services: Immigrant Services (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: In March 2005 the Government approved the establishment on a non-statutory basis of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, as an executive office within the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is intended to provide a one stop shop approach to services relating to the admission of migrants. This decision provides a platform for the establishment of the service....

Written Answers — Commission on Policing and Crime: Commission on Policing and Crime (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I have now had an opportunity to consider the recommendations of the Lord Mayor's Commission on Crime and Policing. The Lord Mayor and the city council are to be complimented on a very useful report, which makes a wide range of recommendations, a number of which fall within the city council's area of responsibility. I have already made a comprehensive response to the Lord Mayor. The Garda...

Written Answers — Liquor Licensing Laws: Liquor Licensing Laws (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 130 together. The position is that while I have general responsibility for the liquor licensing system in my capacity as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, several other Ministers, and their respective Departments, have responsibilities in relation to particular aspects. For example, the Minister for Health and Children has responsibility...

Written Answers — Coroners Service: Coroners Service (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 96, 137 and 743 together. I take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family of the deceased person referred to in these questions. The report of the coroners review group published in December 2000 recommended a comprehensive overhaul and modernisation of the coroners service in Ireland, with regard to the legislation governing the work of...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I can assure the Deputy that strong provisions have already been put in place to combat the causes of public disorder and anti-social behaviour countrywide. Reductions in violence and public order offences have followed the enactment, during 2003, of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Act, which give significant additional powers to the gardaí to deal with...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 101, 106, 109, 110 and 757 to 761, inclusive, together. I would first like to state unequivocally my abhorrence at the murder of Mr. Eddie Fullerton, then Sinn Féin councillor on Donegal County Council, on the morning of 25 May 1991. The attack was callous and cold-blooded, and it also involved the taking hostage of another family in Buncrana. The...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: Ministerial State cars are placed at the disposal of Government Ministers and others pursuant to a long standing arrangement and are supplied to the following: Taoiseach; Tánaiste; 13 Government Ministers; President; Chief Whip; Ceann Comhairle; Attorney General; Director of Public Prosecutions; Chief Justice; and former Taoisigh and Presidents. I have been informed by the Garda authorities,...

Written Answers — Omagh Bombing Civil Actions: Omagh Bombing Civil Actions (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I can assure the Deputy that the Government and I remain willing to assist the survivors and relatives of the Omagh bombing with their civil action to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with law. In particular, I have agreed that the costs associated with accommodation and security in relation to the taking of evidence on commission in this jurisdiction will be met by the Irish...

Written Answers — Victim Support: Victim Support (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: The new Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime has as its terms of reference to: (a) devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future; and (b) disburse funding for victim support measures. The commission's term of office will be for three years and its members are: Mr. Jim Mc Hugh, retired Assistant Commissioner, the Gárda Síochána — chairman; Ms Nora...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: The information requested is contained in tabular format set out below. Table 1: Number of applications for asylum received and the number of recommendations by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner* to grant Refugee Status (at first instance) in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005**. 2002 2003 2004 2005* No. of applications received 11,634 7,900 4,766 1,259 No. of...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I reject the Deputy's assertion that there is a crisis in child care services. As the Deputy will be aware, there have been significant improvements in the provision of supports for the development of child care over the last number of years as the Government took steps to develop a child care infrastructure in Ireland by assisting the voluntary community sector and the private sector to...

Written Answers — Law on Defamation: Law on Defamation (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: I intend to bring forward proposals for the reform of the law on defamation to the Government in the near future on completion of the extensive consultations in which I have engaged on the matter.

Written Answers — Immigration Policy: Immigration Policy (12 Apr 2005)

Michael McDowell: In January of this year the Spanish Government announced a regularisation programme for illegal migrants living in Spain. The programme which began on 7 February 2005 will run for three months to 7 May. While it is expected that there will be significant numbers involved it is not possible to obtain final numbers as the programme is still ongoing. The Irish Government was not consulted prior...