Results 5,801-5,820 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——which stated it would do it then. That party was in office after that period for ten years and did nothing to advance that agenda. I will not take lectures from the parties that let down the Garda Síochána over the years on the proper execution of criminal matters.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am glad to tell both Deputies that after many years of neglect, the Garda Síochána is getting a digital radio system in 2006.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Every time I start to answer a question Opposition Deputies start shouting.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: In January 2006 the tenders will be out and the programme will be rolled out by mid-summer 2006.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The extension of the Garda digital radio network will commence in mid-2006.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am telling the Deputy it is happening. All this was neglected for years and the 20 year old sets we hear about survived two periods of the Labour Party in Government, when nothing was done on the matter.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: It is happening while I am Minister.

Gangland Killings. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Doubting Thomas.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Community policing has been, continues to be and will be fostered, developed and resourced within the Garda Síochána. Community policing is one of the core means by which the Garda Síochána deliver its policing service. Because the Garda Síochána depends on the community it serves, there is a strong organisational commitment to engaging with the community. I have been informed by the...

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: One initiative increases the money allocated to youth diversion schemes, bringing the total available for these highly successful interventions to €6.6 million. Some 60 of these schemes target youths at risk throughout the country. It is proposed to increase that figure to 100.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: If the Deputy had posed a question on Garda numbers in Clonmel I would be in a better position to respond in detail to the points made.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Deputy Healy asked a general question on community policing and now we are discussing the number of gardaí in Clonmel, which is a different question.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am always happy to answer questions that are fairly put. I will answer the question on arrangements in his town if the Deputy writes to me. The Deputy seems to be radically confused about the concepts of community policing and public order policing. Two gardaí on patrol on the main street of Clonmel on Saturday evening is not community policing. Community policing involves dedicated police...

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Speaking on community policing and public order offences in a confused and abstracted way is a mistake.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: If the Deputy checks the Official Report he will see he did mention it. The Garda Síochána is being expanded to 14,000 and additional resources will be made available.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Garda Commissioner stated that all additional gardaí will undertake frontline policing duties and will be there much earlier than three years from now. Deputy Jim O'Keeffe stated it would take 20 years to recruit these extra gardaí.

Garda Recruitment. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: In respect of Deputy O'Keeffe the only 20 year period I know about is that he was first appointed spokesman for justice for his party in 1978, almost 30 years ago. His party has signally failed to deliver any Garda reform at any time since he was appointed spokesman for justice.

Adequacy of Law. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Sections 18 and 20 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 make statutory provision on the justifiable use of force in order to protect a person or property or to prevent a crime. Section 18 sets out the various purposes for which justifiable force may be lawfully used, that does not constitute an offence. The force used must be reasonable by reference to the circumstances...

Adequacy of Law. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The 1997 legislation was introduced by former Deputy Owen and put through the Houses in the lead up to the general election of that year by the Labour, Fine Gael and Democratic Left Government. The legislation predates the current Government. The wording and balance was chosen by the Opposition parties, not by me.

Adequacy of Law. (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Deputy Jim O'Keeffe has stated that he believes the balance might be recast somewhat in favour of the home owner. Let us see the colour of his money on this issue. Let us see exactly how he believes that should be done. If he wishes to do this, the Criminal Justice Bill provides an opportunity for the House to consider the issue. If the balance that was struck in 1997 in the legislation...