Results 3,481-3,500 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Criminal Prosecutions. (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In response to Deputy D'Arcy's question, Operation Anvil was extended to the entire country in 2006. However, I take his point that there is a particular need to keep an eye on the very large new suburbs that have developed in the Leinster area, cognate areas in Munster outside Cork and Limerick and in areas outside Galway. I certainly will bring this to the attention of the Garda...

Written Answers — Legal Costs: Legal Costs (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The issue of legal costs in contentious cases generally, which includes costs in home repossession cases heard in the High Court, is being addressed in my Department. By 'contentious', I mean legal services provided or work done in connection with legal proceedings before a court. I share the concern about the costs associated with civil litigation and I intend to bring forward practical...

Written Answers — Citizenship Eligibility Requirements: Citizenship Eligibility Requirements (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As the Deputy is aware, I have previously indicated my intention to review current citizenship requirements and, in particular, to consider the introduction of a language test for citizenship purposes. The use of language tests for immigration purposes is not a novel proposal; many countries use language tests in determining eligibility for citizenship. The possibility of introducing a...

Written Answers — Victim Impact Statements: Victim Impact Statements (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Victim impact statements are among the most effective mechanisms available to ensure the interests and concerns of the victims of crime are brought to bear on the criminal justice process. As section 5 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 puts it, the court, before passing sentence, is required to take into account any effect (whether long-term or otherwise) of the offence on the person in...

Written Answers — Witness Security Programme: Witness Security Programme (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 93 and 125 together. As Deputies will be aware, since 1997, the Garda Síochána has operated a Witness Security Programme in response to attempts by criminal and other groups to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and systematic intimidation of witnesses. The House will appreciate that by virtue of...

Written Answers — Foreign Divorces: Foreign Divorces (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since early 2001, the recognition of foreign divorces within the EU (with the exception of Denmark) has been governed by a series of Regulations. Firstly, there was Council Regulation (EC) No. 1347/2000, commonly referred to as Brussels II, which entered into force on 1 March 2001. Secondly, there was Council Regulation (EC) No. 2201/2003, commonly referred to as Brussels II Bis, which has...

Written Answers — Garda Training: Garda Training (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 57 and 78 together. The total number of firearms authorisation cards issued to members of the Garda Síochána as at the 24th August 2007 was 3,345. I am informed that Garda management is satisfied with the firearms training provided for members of the Garda Síochána who are authorised to carry firearms and that it compares favourably with similar...

Written Answers — Gangland Killings: Gangland Killings (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The number of murders is, of course, a matter of concern to me and the Government. All killings, regardless of the persons or the circumstances involved, are the subject of a rigorous investigation by An Garda Síochána. The identification of the motive and the evidence available in its support are key elements of the investigation and prosecution process. On completion of such...

Written Answers — Family Law Proceedings: Family Law Proceedings (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 94 together. Recent policy in the law on the hearing in our courts of family law proceedings in private is reflected in section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 and the regulations made under that section. The Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (Section 40(3)) Regulations 2005 (S. I. No. 337 of 2005) allow certain classes of persons to...

Written Answers — Garda Technical Bureau: Garda Technical Bureau (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed planning and allocation of Garda resources in accordance with his operational requirements. The total strength of the Garda Technical Bureau at 30 September 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 88. As part of the major investment in An Garda Síochána a new Automated Ballistics Identification system will be...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The increasing incidence of knife attacks is obviously a worrying trend. The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 sets out very strict provisions for the control of knives and offensive weapons. The Act makes it an offence for any person, irrespective of age, to: possess any knife or any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed in any public place, without good reason...

Written Answers — Gangland Killings: Gangland Killings (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 132 together. Last week the Taoiseach and I and a number of my Government colleagues met the Garda Commissioner and the Deputy Garda Commissioner in charge of operations to discuss, among other issues, gangland activities. We were briefed very comprehensively on a series of actions being undertaken by the Gardaí to counteract the activities of these...

Written Answers — Liquor Licensing Laws: Liquor Licensing Laws (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Government Legislation Programme published on 25 September provides for publication of a Sale of Alcohol Bill in 2008. This Bill will modernise and streamline the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replacing them with updated provisions more suited to modern...

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In response to a request from the Garda Commissioner, a working group, comprising officials of my Department and senior Garda officers, was established in December 2006 with the task of considering matters relating to the regulation of recruitment of police officers from foreign police forces, both European and non-European. I understand that Garda management is now examining the training...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Negotiations are currently underway with a commercial consortium, which was selected following an E.U. tender procedure for the design, construction, finance and maintenance of the proposed prison facilities at Thornton Hall, North County Dublin. The new prison complex is being procured under a Public Private Partnership model which will include the construction of the prison facilities...

Written Answers — Sexual Offences: Sexual Offences (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 135 on 9 October, 2007.

Written Answers — Pre-Nuptial Agreements: Pre-Nuptial Agreements (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 131 together. The Study Group examined pre-nuptial agreements having regard to the provisions in the Constitution on the protection of marriage and the requirement of proper provision being made for parties to divorce proceedings. The Group's core recommendation is that provision be made in both the Family Law Act 1995 and Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996...

Written Answers — Public Order Offences: Public Order Offences (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 82 together. Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social...

Written Answers — Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal: Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I can inform the Deputy that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal provides an accessible and independent means by which the victims of violent crime can receive financial compensation for any out of pocket expenses arising as a result of that crime, including loss of earnings and vouched medical expenses. As such the Tribunal meets an important public need and has served victims well...

Written Answers — Gangland Killings: Gangland Killings (7 Nov 2007)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána utilises intelligence-led operations to target organised crime gangs. All available intelligence is fully analysed and used in the strategic deployment of both local and specialised operational Garda units to target particular gangs. Organised crime is being targeted on a number of fronts, involving uniform and plain-clothes...