Results 2,921-2,940 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — Garda Inspectorate Reports: Garda Inspectorate Reports (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 154 together. I welcome the third report of the Garda Inspectorate entitled, "Policing in Ireland — Looking Forward". It is a comprehensive examination of administration and operation of the Garda Síochána and I would like to record my gratitude to the Chief Inspector Kathleen O'Toole and her colleagues Bob Olson and Gwen Boniface for their...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The incident referred to by the Deputy occurred in Mountjoy Prison in June, 2007. This prisoner was returned to custody by Gardaí at the end of August 2007. His release date has been adjusted accordingly. Following an investigation by the Governor of Mountjoy Prison, disciplinary procedures have been initiated against a number of staff under the Code of Discipline. The Deputy will...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into this matter is ongoing and nearing completion. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Written Answers — Custodial Sentences: Custodial Sentences (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I hope to be in a position to bring the matter before the Government in the near future and I will not be making any statements on the issue before then.

Written Answers — Criminal Legal Aid: Criminal Legal Aid (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 479 together. I take it the Deputy is enquiring about criminal legal aid. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that persons before the courts on criminal charges are dealt with on the basis of the presumption of innocence. The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted in certain circumstances for the defence of...

Written Answers — Prison Education Service: Prison Education Service (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I take it the Deputy is referring to the Special School in St Patrick's Institution, which is located in the Mountjoy Complex, and was opened on 14 April 2007. All staff are trained in Adolescent Behaviour Management before they commence working in this new unit. The staffing levels are 13 prison staff Monday to Friday and 9 prison staff at weekends. Prison staff comprise prison officers...

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Customs Service of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners which has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. The Customs Service has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, including airports. I have been informed by the...

Written Answers — Human Trafficking: Human Trafficking (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Operation Pentameter II was launched in London by the UK Home Secretary on 3 October 2007. Officials from my Department and senior Garda officers have been participating in planning meetings since earlier this year and it is intended that An Garda Síochána will run complementary enforcement operations in this jurisdiction at the same time as the United Kingdom. The operation which is led...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: An Garda Síochána, as part of its contribution to the Europol Organised Crime Report which was refined to become the Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA), undertakes an annual assessment of organised crime in Ireland. The most recent assessment was completed in November 2006. The analysis carried out for this report concludes that the nature of organised crime gangs continues to be the...

Written Answers — Illegal Immigrants: Illegal Immigrants (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Treaty of Amsterdam which came into force on 1 May, 1999, added to the EC Treaty a new Title IV which deals with measures in the area of visas, immigration and other policies related to free movement of persons. The proposal in question is subject to Title IV of the Treaty, the application of which to Ireland is subject to the provisions of the Protocol on the position of the United...

Written Answers — Prison Staff: Prison Staff (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: For obvious security reasons, I am not in a position to comment on the particular report referred to by the Deputy. However, I can confirm that certain staff were recently rendered appropriate assistance in relation to security matters. The Deputy will understand that I am not willing to elaborate at this time on the specifics of any threats that may have been made.

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed a prosecution in this matter and a person is currently before the Courts charged with offences contrary to sections 37 and 50 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Work on the Scheme of a Judicial Council Bill to build on the report of the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Ethics is currently under way in my Department. That Report recognised the need for a procedure for dealing with complaints of judicial misconduct which, while serious in itself, might not warrant the ultimate sanction of impeachment by the Oireachtas. Consultations on the proposed...

Written Answers — Garda Reserve: Garda Reserve (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The total personnel strength of the Garda Reserve including trainees is 248. A total of 113 members are fully attested. The 113 attested members are attached to the following Stations:Dublin Metropolitan Region Stations: DMR SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION — Pearse St, Kevin Street and Donnybrook. DMR NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION — Store St, Bridewell and Fitzgibbon Street. DMR WEST DIVISION —...

Written Answers — Gambling Regulations: Gambling Regulations (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I wish to advise the Deputy that my predecessor received the final Report of the Casino Committee in April 2007. The Report is a detailed and comprehensive document dealing with all the issues placed before the Committee including the internet. After due consideration of these issues, I will be bringing the Report before the Government.

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am aware that the Deputy sponsored a Bill on this issue in July, 2006. The granting of Irish citizenship is, I believe, a decision not to be taken lightly and should only apply to a person who has demonstrated over an extended period of time close links with Ireland, for example by way of legal residence in the State and a degree of real participation in Irish society. While, clearly,...

Written Answers — Sexual Offences: Sexual Offences (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Garda Síochána has in place a system for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit monitor and manage the notification provisions. The information on persons who are subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 is maintained at a central location. Only specified nominated Garda...

Written Answers — Sale of Alcohol: Sale of Alcohol (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The position is that section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 provides for the making of regulations specifying particulars to be affixed to containers in which intoxicating liquor is sold for consumption off licensed premises which are adequate to enable the licensee and the licensed premises concerned to be identified. However, while the labelling of containers in which alcohol is...

Written Answers — Closed Circuit Television Systems: Closed Circuit Television Systems (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: CCTV Systems play an important part in support of policing and the maintenance of public safety. They also act as a useful deterrent to street crime and public disorder. The Garda town centre CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of operational needs identified by An Garda Síochána. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the following locations have CCTV...

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (9 Oct 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In the first instance, the figure of 10,000 requests for access to telecommunications traffic and location data made by the Garda Síochána in 2006, as claimed by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, is a self-described 'estimate' and not a factual description. In this regard, it is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose the details of data...