Results 7,141-7,160 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Public Order Offences: Statements (Resumed). (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I thank Deputies for the support they have expressed for the motion which I hope will be adopted by the House without debate at the end of this discussion. It is right that there is accountability in Parliament for what happens on our streets. It is right that a Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should be politically accountable to his or her colleagues in Dáil Éireann because...

Public Disorder in Dublin City Centre: Motion. (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I move: That Dáil Éireann —condemns the wanton disorder perpetrated by a small minority on Saturday, 25 February 2006, which obstructed the planned demonstration by the victims group FAIR; —condemns the attacks on gardaí, civilians and the wanton damage to property; —commends the proportionate response by the Garda Síochána; —reaffirms the right to peaceful protest and...

Written Answers — Police Vetting Services: Police Vetting Services (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The British authorities are not refusing to provide police vetting for persons who have worked within that jurisdiction and who are now applying for positions in this jurisdiction. However, last December, the British national central bureau, NCB, of Interpol issued a communiqué to all Interpol member states, including Ireland, signalling changes in British vetting procedures. The nature of...

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 1119 of Wednesday, 25 January last in which I outlined the background to this application. An applicant must satisfy the visa officer examining the application of both a relationship history and the availability of sufficient funds to support the spouse in the State without recourse to public funds. It is important that the applicant can show...

Written Answers — Peace Commissioners: Peace Commissioners (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: Peace commissioners are appointed under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. The office of peace commissioner is an honorary appointment and peace commissioners receive no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services. An application for appointment may be submitted by a person who is interested in obtaining an appointment, or a third party may submit a...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that two members of the Garda Síochána are assigned as community gardaí to the area which includes Bridgefoot Street. 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...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that the number of Garda community officers attached to Kevin Street Garda Station as at 31 December 2005 was seven — all ranks. These figures are compiled on a quarterly basis and therefore 31 December 2005 is the latest date for which figures are readily...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that the Government Supplies Agency, GSA, has in place a central drawdown contract for use by Departments in respect of the placement of print media public information notices. I understand that this contract was most recently placed in 2004 for the period 2004 to 2007 following a full public procurement process. My Department also reimburses the Public Appointments...

Written Answers — UN Offices: UN Offices (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that, to date, I have not received any proposals from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in this regard.

Written Answers — Stardust Inquiry: Stardust Inquiry (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The position remains as set out in my response to Questions Nos. 521 and 587 of 21 February and that the issues raised in the recent "Prime Time" programme are receiving careful attention in the forensic science laboratory.

Written Answers — Extradition Proceedings: Extradition Proceedings (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The initiation of an outgoing request for extradition is a matter for the Garda Síochána in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department has any role in the procedure.

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 64 evidential breath testing instruments — one in each of the following Garda stations: Station Ashbourne Athlone Ballina Baltinglass Bandon Bantry Belmullet Birr Blanchardstown Bray Bridewell Bruff Buncrana Cahirciveen Carlow Carrick On Shannon Carrickmacross Castlebar Cavan ...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that following receipt of advices from the Attorney General and consultation with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with regard to drink driving enforcement, a Headquarters directive has been issued to all Garda officers to give operational effect to these advices. The directive deals with the operation of Garda checkpoints, including...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 408 laser type speed detection instruments deployed throughout the Garda Síochána. All personnel who operate these devices have received appropriate training.

Written Answers — Ministerial Meetings: Ministerial Meetings (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have met and spoken to the person concerned on a number of occasions.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 to 400, inclusive, together. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that while some crime in the areas referred to and surrounding districts in County Wexford can be attributed to criminals travelling from outside the areas in question, there is nothing to suggest that so-called Dublin crime bosses are targeting these districts. Garda management...

Written Answers — Garda Complaints Procedures: Garda Complaints Procedures (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 14 February 2002, the person referred to was arrested for a number of public order and drink related offences. He was later charged with breaches of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Licensing Act 1872 and was released from Garda custody after two hours. These charges were subsequently withdrawn. He made no complaint. I am...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: Following extensive fire damage to the Garda station at Ashford on 10 May 2003, alternative temporary accommodation has been provided for the station party. Discussions are ongoing with the Garda authorities and the Office of Public Works on the provision of permanent accommodation at Ashford.

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (28 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: Section 122(1)(d) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Minister may, after consulting the Garda Commissioner and with the approval of the Government, make regulations governing the admission, appointment and enrolment of members, including members who have served with other police services and members with different ethnic or national origins or different religious reliefs or...