Results 9,921-9,940 of 18,733 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can confirm that the decision to decentralise part of the new Garda Ombudsman Commission involving 23 posts (the same number decided upon by the Government before the new complaints mechanism was established) still stands. The Office of Public Works is continuing with its work in relation to finding a property solution for this decentralisation project in Roscrea.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have nothing further to add to my reply to Question No. 405 of 20 June 2006.

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand that the Land Registry has forwarded the information requested directly to the Deputy. I would like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for TDs and Senators concerning the current status of Land Registry/Registry of Deeds applications. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a...

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand that the Registrar of Titles has forwarded the information requested directly to the Deputy. I would like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to Members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service, which was introduced on that date, for Deputies and Senators wishing to make enquiries in relation to the current status of Land Registry/Registry of Deeds applications....

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand that the Registrar of Titles has responded directly to the Deputy and confirmed that the applications have been marked 'expedite'. I would like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to Members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service, which was introduced on that date, for Deputies and Senators wishing to make enquiries in relation to the current status of Land...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person in question on 1 July 2005. Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 4000 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. No circumstances, other than those referred to by the Deputy, have been advanced by the person...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí from Clontarf and Raheny Garda stations with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by Divisional Garda Units, including the Traffic Corps, Mountain Bike, Drug Unit, Task Force and the District and...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 to 283, inclusive, together. At the outset I should say that as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I play no role in the prosecution of offences and both the decision to initiate a prosecution and the subsequent conduct of that prosecution are functions exclusively assigned (with limited exceptions) to the DPP under the Constitution and the...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday 8 September following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: A wrap around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to involve themselves in any activity or to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted. Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Visa Office on 30th August, 2006 and are currently awaiting examination by a Visa Officer. A decision in respect of these applications will be made in the coming weeks.

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 288, 399 and 400 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they maintain regular contact with the management of the premises referred to in order to address any public order issues which may arise from time to time. I am further informed that additional Gardaí are deployed at weekends and when events are being held in the venue. I am advised...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 3 July 2006. Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 10,000 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. It is likely that processing...

Written Answers — Child Custody and Access: Child Custody and Access (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: Under section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, an unmarried father of a child may apply to the court for an order giving directions on any question affecting the welfare of the child including the question of access to the child. In making such orders the court has to regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration. Where appropriate and practicable, the...

Written Answers — Commissions of Investigation: Commissions of Investigation (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I published the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case on 1 September 2006. I sent a copy of the Report to the Garda Commissioner for his consideration. I also sent a copy to the Expert Group which I established in the light of concerns arising from the Dean Lyons case. The Group will be reporting to me on the adequacy of Garda training, protocols, regulations...

Written Answers — Traffic Fines: Traffic Fines (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of parking fines issued by Gardaí and Traffic Wardens employed by the Garda Commissioner in the Dublin Metropolitan Region for the years 2001 to 2005 is set out in table 1 and the number of unpaid parking fines is set out in Table 2. Table 1. 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 43,508 68,415 54,437 58,077 70,933 Table 2 2005 2004 2003 2002...

Written Answers — Traffic Fines: Traffic Fines (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that legislation providing for the issue of fixed charge notices requires that motorists detected for committing offences be issued with a fixed charge notice, irrespective of their residency status. The legislation also provides that in the event that the individual fails to pay the fixed charge within the prescribed time frame a prosecution can be...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that all road traffic offences that come to the attention of An Garda Síochána are investigated, whether these are committed by residents or non-residents. I am also informed that legislation providing for the issue of fixed charge notices requires that motorists detected for committing offences be issued with a fixed charge notice, irrespective of...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 20 July, 2006. Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 10,000 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. A request that her...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (27 Sep 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person in question was previously considered for deportation under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 when included as a minor on his stepsister's immigration file. Consideration of deportation was put on hold when his stepsister made an application for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for parents of Irish children born before 1 January 2005, commonly...