Results 401-420 of 18,726 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (17 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy again to my reply to Question No. 910 of Tuesday 27 January 2004 which set out the position in relation to this matter. The position remains that, when my Department is made aware by the Garda authorities of their accommodation requirements for Leixlip, the Office of Public Works will be requested to prepare a revised sketch scheme for further consideration. It will be a...

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: This matter was debated last December and it is one to which all sides of the House were anxious to return. I acknowledged in my contribution at the time that many of the relatives of victims of the Omagh bombing would be disappointed with what I had to say. No Member in the House would indulge in an opportunistic competition of compassion or pretend that the determination to see justice done...

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: The witness refused to co-operate with the group on legal advice. Why does the Deputy not acknowledge that?

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: I wish to correct the impression that was given earlier in the debate that I have not met the Omagh relatives' group. I spent two and a half hours with the group at a meeting in my Department. The group's anger and frustration, caused by various things, were fully and frankly ventilated at the lengthy meeting. The impression that I did not meet the group seems to have got out, but I met them.

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: Yes, it was before the report. I indicated to them that I will meet them again, after I have dealt adequately with the Nally report in this House. We did not have much time to discuss the matter before Christmas so I suggested that we have another debate, which is taking place today. I will meet the group again.

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: I reiterate, as doubt seems to be creeping in already, that as soon as the criminal prosecution is out of the way, regardless of what happens in that regard, I will set my mind to producing as much as I can of the Nally report in a form in which it can be read by the public. I will explain this to the relatives when I meet them. There are two reasons, why in effect, I am "between a rock and a...

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: I am unaware of the particular requests that have been made regarding DNA, but I cannot imagine that the Garda Síochána is refusing to hand over DNA samples to people in Northern Ireland. I was at a meeting earlier this week, and the degree of co-operation, trust and mutual confidence between both police forces is at an all-time high; it is very close.

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform does not direct the Courts Service or find out from the Courts Service what happens.

Nally Group Report on Omagh Bombing: Statements. (20 Feb 2004)

Michael McDowell: This is litigation involving the DPP and I do not want to comment on it. I understand it has been adjourned on a number of occasions and that it will be dealt with. It is not in the blue yonder, it will be dealt with in the relatively near future. As regards the keeping of records, the Garda Commissioner has assured me that the recommendations of the Nally group have been acted upon. I would...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I am very pleased to have this opportunity to open the debate in this House on the Garda Síochána Bill 2004. The Bill contains the most comprehensive, and I believe the most important, legislative proposals on policing ever to come before the House. It will replace, with only one or two exceptions, all of the Garda Síochána Acts going back to 1924 and will be a new constitution for the...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: We have not been 80 years in office.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I certainly will answer such questions.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: If there were a police board, I would not be able to answer questions.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I would love to know what else the Senator has to say.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: No.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: This is not about independence.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I have been around a long time.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: The Council of Europe staff would not have unrestricted access to security files.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I am looking at that question.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: Should I take that as a compliment?