Results 5,681-5,700 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Internet Gambling. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I have declined to do so because as far as I am concerned I will not participate with organisations who want FOBTs issued. I will state publicly that, from what I have heard about FOBTs, I would not countenance them, but they should not be excluded from examination by the cross-party committee just because Deputy Rabbitte says so.

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Operation Trace was established in October 1998. The original objectives of the investigation team under this operation were to trace, review and collate all evidence pertaining to the separate Garda investigations into the tragic disappearance of six women in the Leinster area. Subsequently, the investigations into the disappearance of three other missing women were also reviewed....

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: No, I do not agree with my colleague. I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner on many occasions with regard to this matter. I accept the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, has particular constituency interests with regard to this issue. It is difficult, particularly the case in which he has been involved. I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner that extensive work continues with...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I do not accept what the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, said on the investigation of the incidents because I have taken the time to talk to the Garda Commissioner thereon. To be fair to Deputy McGuinness, like any other Deputy with such a case in his constituency, he is extremely worried that the person responsible for the heinous crime has not been brought to justice. This has been...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: People such as the Deputies are trying to make political points in respect of the case.

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Garda Commissioner, to whom I have spoken on a number of occasions regarding this case, is satisfied that the existing Garda system is absolutely in accordance with best international practice. However, on foot of the constant calls to have a dedicated missing persons unit, I have asked the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to consider the idea. I will not prejudge what it will say despite...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: To demonstrate the bona fides of the Garda on these issues, the Garda Commissioner recently set up a Garda serious crime review team, managed by a detective superintendent, who assists senior investigating officers in the investigation of serious crimes, by identifying new and potential investigative opportunities and international practices, and disseminating information and looking back on...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: To be fair, he has an issue because the matter relates to a constituent and there is still a perpetrator at large.

Garda Deployment. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The nature of Garda work and the requirement that the Garda Síochána respond at short notice to unforeseen circumstances means that some overtime expenditure is sometimes unavoidable for the purpose of effective policing. The objective of Garda overtime is to allow the force flexibility in responding to circumstances that require personnel resources over and above those planned. The...

Garda Deployment. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I understand there were efforts at mediation locally and that a number of agencies had been involved in this regard, including the Garda. The initiatives were supported by Waterford City Council, Pavee Point, the Irish Traveller Movement, Waterford Traveller CDP and a number of other people. An independent freelance consultant mediator was appointed, but despite this the Garda had to do its...

Garda Reserve. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The establishment of the Garda Reserve is one of the most important innovations in policing in Ireland in recent years. It has strengthened the links between the Garda Síochána and local communities and is a source of local support and knowledge. It brings new life to the organisation through its members. Reserve members bring a fresh and innovative approach to policing as they approach...

Garda Reserve. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: With regard to the Laois-Offaly area, three Garda reservists have been taken on in 2008 and substantial numbers have been taken on across the country.

Garda Reserve. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: They have been successful and there is significant interest among the general public, with over 2,800 having applied. I understand that only approximately one in ten of the applicants comes through the examination, for various reasons. For example, when they enter the process, some find it is a little more onerous than expected and others feel they may not be able to marry the reserve with...

Written Answers — Electronic Monitoring of Offenders: Electronic Monitoring of Offenders (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The enabling provisions to allow for the use of Electronic Monitoring are provided for in the Criminal Justice Acts of 2006 and 2007. However, before any decisions are taken on the introduction of those specific provisions careful and detailed consideration must be given to the costs, advances in technology, the offender cohort most suitable and the likely overall impact on reducing...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that the policing of the border area is constantly monitored and reviewed by senior Garda Management and their Regional Management Team. He also tells me that local Garda management is satisfied that the personnel currently allocated to Garda Stations in the border area is adequate to meet current policing requirements. An Garda Síochána, in...

Written Answers — Juvenile Offenders: Juvenile Offenders (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: As of 31 August last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of dedicated Juvenile Liaison Officers throughout the Force was 103, made up of 95 Gardaí and 8 Sergeants. An additional 7 new Juvenile Liaison Officer posts are being created in 2008. These new posts are to be located in the Garda Divisions of Cavan/Monaghan, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, as well as...

Written Answers — Gaming Regulation: Gaming Regulation (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Report "Regulating Gaming in Ireland" deals comprehensively with many aspects of gaming and gambling in Ireland, including the subject of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, or FOBTs. As the Deputy is aware, the report regarded FOBTs as gaming instruments and therefore as inappropriate instruments to be located in licensed bookmakers' premises, on the basis that the traditional distinction...

Written Answers — Departmental Budget: Departmental Budget (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 21 together. The Deputies will be aware that the Government decided in July of this year that all Departments were required to yield up savings in their budgets to help address the very significant fall-off in State revenues. The amount to be saved by year-end in respect of the Justice Group of Votes i.e. Garda, Courts, Prisons, Property Registration...

Written Answers — Garda Transport: Garda Transport (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 35, 67 and 92 together. The provision of an additional €17m to the Garda transport subhead as part of the supplementary estimates process for 2006 enabled a significant additional purchase of Garda vehicles. As is standard practice, the supplementary estimate was submitted to and approved by the Oireachtas towards the end of the financial year when the...

Written Answers — Garda Divisions: Garda Divisions (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The previous question related to the ongoing process of aligning Garda Divisional boundaries with Local Authority boundaries. This alignment makes sense, particularly in the context of the establishment of Joint Policing Committees, which are Local Authority-based. These changes were signalled in this year's policing plan. I am advised by the Garda authorities that they are implementing the...