Results 5,941-5,960 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: It is not true to say there has been a dramatic increase in headline or serious crime in the past three years. For the Deputy's information, headline crime decreased by 3% in 2003 compared with 2002 and by 4% in 2004 compared with 2003. Furthermore, the Deputy should be aware that the crime rate per 1,000 of the population has fallen from 29 crimes per 1,000 in 1996 when the Deputy's party...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that the personnel strength in all ranks of each of the six operational Garda divisions in the Dublin metropolitan region as at 21 November 2005 is as set out in the following table. Of course, the greater Dublin area now extends into areas which are the responsibility...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government is still as when I announced Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that criminal networks involved in the areas of criminality referred to by the Deputy are identified in a number of ways. Ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering by specialist national units working in collaboration with other national and international law enforcement agencies, including...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 224 together. I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of today. I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the other information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Prison Accommodation: Prison Accommodation (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: As of 18 November 2005 the maximum available bed capacity of the prison system was 3,352 and there were 3,142 persons in custody on that date. That does not, however, imply the existence of 200 readily available spaces. A significant proportion of these spaces were accounted for as follows: high security spaces in Portlaoise which are not suitable for the general prison population; remand...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 271 on Wednesday, 19 October 2005, in regard to the above.

Written Answers — Public Order Offences: Public Order Offences (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy on this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Missing Persons: Missing Persons (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Garda missing persons bureau is attached to Garda headquarters and is responsible for maintaining data relating to missing persons. It also has responsibility for maintaining the compilation and updating of data relating to missing persons, along with the administration in association with the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children of the Irish missing children's website...

Written Answers — Garda Diversion Programmes: Garda Diversion Programmes (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Children Act 2001 provides the framework for the development of our juvenile justice system. The Garda juvenile diversion programme provides an opportunity to divert juvenile offenders from criminal activity. It operates under the supervision and direction of the Garda national juvenile office, Harcourt Square, and is implemented throughout all Garda divisions by 94 specially trained...

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I presume the Deputy is seeking information on the outcome of the recently advertised Garda recruitment competition. The written examination stage of the recruitment process is being conducted at present at various centres throughout the country, the results of which are not yet known. The various stages of the recruitment process will be concluded by early 2006. The first recruits to be...

Written Answers — Criminal Prosecutions: Criminal Prosecutions (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy regarding this matter when the data becomes available.

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Criminal Assets Bureau takes civil proceedings focused on assets which are believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct. These are civil investigations but will, in most cases, follow from earlier criminal investigations. The seizure of assets in criminal investigations or proceedings is carried out by the Director of Public Prosecutions under separate provisions. The Criminal Assets...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I assure the Deputy that the authorities are fully aware of the potential damage that may be caused by unauthorised access to industrial secrets by non-national entities. In this context, every effort is made to identify any vulnerabilities that may exist and to guard against non-national entities potentially engaged in industrial espionage.

Written Answers — Judicial Investigations: Judicial Investigations (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The courts are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. There are also avenues open to the person concerned to make complaints against the Garda Síochána, the legal profession and others against whom he has a grievance.

Registration of Deeds and Title Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (24 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: We will no longer have a reference to the Six Counties; it will be the seven counties.

Registration of Deeds and Title Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (24 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: This is music to my ears.

Registration of Deeds and Title Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (24 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am never surprised; I am always delighted.

Registration of Deeds and Title Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (24 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy should not worry.

Registration of Deeds and Title Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (24 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Fine Gael will stop the Green Party from introducing such a measure.