Results 9,721-9,740 of 18,733 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The lengthy processing time for applications is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications that were received in the last number of years. The following table shows the number of applications received in the years 2000 to date. Year Applications for naturalisation received 2000 1,004 2001 1,431 2002 3,574 2003 3,580 2004 4,074 2005 4,523 ...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 (all ranks) on Thursday 8 June with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. I have been...

Written Answers — Information Technology: Information Technology (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 588 to 592, inclusive, together. The effective operation of my Department is dependent upon the provision of a secure, stable and flexible IT network. The IT procurement policy is designed to support this requirement, while also securing best value for money. This is in part done by, where possible, drawing off Civil Service-wide procurement contracts for...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda Authorities that having reviewed the Public Access Callbox units commonly referred to as the 'Green Man' units, which are installed in Sub-District stations, they have concluded that such units are becoming increasingly obsolete as spare parts have become difficult to obtain. I am further advised that plans for replacement of faulty units with latest technology have...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The persons in question applied for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for parents of Irish children, born before 1 January 2005. Their applications were received on 30 March 2005 and were acknowledged on 14 April 2005. The cases for the persons concerned are still active and being processed. A decision on their applications will be made when all circumstances...

Written Answers — Parental Leave Provisions: Parental Leave Provisions (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: At present there is no statutory entitlement to paternity leave. However, many employers in both the public and private sectors have arrangements in place providing short periods of paid paternity leave. Paternity leave was considered in the context of a review of the Parental Leave Act 1998 conducted by a Working Group chaired by my Department. The Working Group comprised the social...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One of these conditions is that the applicant has had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: A reply to Parliamentary Question No. 440 of 16 May, 2006 was issued to the Deputy on 3 July, 2006.

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: As part of the ongoing review of procedures in the Citizenship section of my Department, my officials have already commenced a process of examining the regimes in place in various jurisdictions, including the UK, with a view to applying best practices to our system where possible. Such an examination will, of course, have to have regard to the different legislative processes that exist in the...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The organisation referred to is known to my Department. Should the Deputy have information in relation to the practices of the organisation in question which she believes to be irregular, I will be happy to have the matter investigated on receipt of the relevant information.

Written Answers — Sexual Offences: Sexual Offences (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Written Answers — EU Regulations: EU Regulations (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 602 to 605, inclusive, together. The substantive matters to which these Questions relate are outside the remit of my Department. I am, therefore, not in a position to assist the Deputy.

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is not possible to provide the Deputy with a comprehensive answer based on the details supplied to my Department. I would ask the Deputy to provide further details in respect of the person in question.

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years (ie: 60 months) on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I wish to advise the Deputy that questions regarding the right of a non-EU national to reside and work in Estonia are a matter for the Estonian authorities. The rights of non EU nationals, who have no family connection to an EU citizen, are not covered by Community free movement legislation. This is not a matter for my Department or, indeed, the Irish Government. The Minister for Enterprise,...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The application referred to the Deputy was received in the Visa Office on 6th June, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was made on 3rd July, 2006. It is open to the applicant to appeal this decision. All appeals must be submitted to this office within two months of the date of the initial refusal decision.

Written Answers — Sexual Offences: Sexual Offences (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 610 and 611 together. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit has a national remit for all cases of domestic violence and sexual assault investigations. Members of the unit are available to advise and assist all members of An Garda Síochána in the investigation of such incidents. A...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: The lengthy processing time for applications is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications that were received in the last number of years. The following table shows the number of applications received in the years 2000 to date. Year Applications for naturalisation received 2000 1,004 2001 1,431 2002 3,574 2003 3,580 2004 4,074 2005 4,523 ...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Community Policing Unit at Mountjoy Garda station has initiated a number of operations to tackle vandalism, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area concerned. The Garda authorities also held meetings with Dublin City Council and Irish Rail with a view to installing new lighting, a CCTV camera and raising the height of the railings...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (4 Jul 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,641 (all ranks) on Thursday 8 June with the attestation of 273 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,939 (or 18.1%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. I have been...