Results 7,341-7,360 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Departmental Funding. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: It was the Commissioner's view that if one water cannon was bought, another would have to be purchased as they are complex instruments and if one breaks down there would have to be a back-up. In his view, he would get much better value for €2 million relying on the mutual assistance arrangements between the PSNI and the Garda, rather than having water cannons lying in a depot. I can imagine...

Departmental Funding. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: If somebody were to analyse today's Question Time and compare it with the Second Stage speeches earlier——

Crime Prevention. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: A number of initiatives have been undertaken by the community relations section of the Garda Síochána during the last ten years in response to crime directed against tourists. Crime prevention cards and booklets are made available to tourists through airports, car hire firms, tourist accommodation and at tourist attractions. These provide information on personal security and give advice on...

Crime Prevention. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: To be a victim of crime while visiting any country is appalling and it wrecks a tourist's whole experience. There is in all European countries a tendency in criminal quarters to target tourists and I do not believe we are any different. However, 500 out of the total who visit Ireland is a very small minority. We have set up the Irish Tourist Assistance Service which had 293 referrals in 2005,...

Crime Prevention. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I agree but, comparatively speaking, foreign tourists in Ireland are safer than in many, if not most, places in Europe.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy will be aware that there have been three recorded incidents involving the use of so-called pipe bombs recently in Dublin, all of which required the services of an Army explosives ordnance disposal, EOD, team. In the first incident, which occurred at approximately 4.25 p.m. on 8 February 2006 outside a residence in Coolock, a small, flask-like object fell from the boot of a car on...

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is a slightly different question but since the Deputy asked——

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: There is a significant difference between firearms and pipe bombs and the firearms issue is far more serious.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: What am I talking about?

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Is a hoax pipe bomb a firearm?

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: In two weeks, we will debate the amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill in the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. They will introduce significant increases in minimum sentences for firearms offences. There will be an amnesty in respect of firearms and new offences in respect of sawn-off shotguns and the like. The Deputy mentioned the Judiciary. In respect of...

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Will the Deputy listen?

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: If the Deputy has such a good memory, he will recall that both Opposition parties, which are now speaking about minimum mandatory sentences, strongly opposed that notion.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Deputy Costello's colleague, Deputy McManus, strongly opposed the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences at the time.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Deputy Jim Higgins rather than Deputy Jim O'Keeffe was the Fine Gael spokesman at the time. He opposed mandatory minimum sentences and claimed they were unconstitutional.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Let us remember the recent hypocrisy in the House of people who have always opposed firm laws.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Let us remember a pair of parties that were hounded out of office because they ran down the number of gardaí and the prison service.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy opposes the amendments. He said they are unconstitutional.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: There were three pipe bombs, the technical examination of which has not established a link between them — some of them are quite dissimilar. On the speculation that they were supplied to members of criminal gangs by members of paramilitary groups, it has not been established.

Explosive Devices. (9 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Will the Deputy allow me to use the minute available? I am aware that certain paramilitary units have been in close alliance with ordinary criminals to a significant degree. To answer Deputy Jim O'Keeffe's first question, I believe it is sinister. Putting a bomb or mock bomb——