Results 11,041-11,060 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Crime Levels. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I agree with the Deputy. The Government and all Deputies are concerned about the safety of ordinary individuals and civilians caught up in these robberies. That is our number one priority and in case anyone in the banking fraternity believes otherwise, the safety of individuals is also the absolute priority of the Garda in these types of incidents. The secondary concern is to prevent such...

Crime Levels. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Nothing written by the individual in question is fair or balanced, particularly if it relates to the Fianna Fáil Party.

Garda Investigations. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Garda Síochána that in 2008, some 96 investigations were commenced where human trafficking was alleged or suspected. Of these, 60 investigations relate to suspected breaches of the provisions of the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, while 36 investigations relate to suspected breaches of the provisions of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008....

Garda Investigations. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Yes, I am satisfied RIA is the appropriate agency. During discussions on this issue with the Garda and other agencies, no major issues were raised regarding the use of RIA accommodation. On the Deputy's question on the number of cases with the Director of Public Prosecutions, the figure is not provided on the file. Since the passing of the Act in June 2008, some 73 investigations have...

Garda Investigations. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: If a respected international agency makes criticisms, we will examine them. I noted that 11 persons have been granted temporary permission to reside here for six months. Of these, two were granted a second period of six months and six were given the recovery and reflection period of 60 days. To return to the Reception and Integration Agency, those entering the RIA system are given full...

Garda Investigations. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: These investigations are very complex and time consuming. The Garda have to go through procedures in regard to identification and assessment but it is not true to say that there has not been action. There have been three European arrest warrants granted in regard to people who were trafficking into this country. Major prosecutions are taking place in a number of European countries,...

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Operations against persons involved in serious crime in this jurisdiction are undertaken on an ongoing basis. Such criminals, their operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are proactively targeted through intelligence-led operations such as Operation Anvil. Such operations are primarily undertaken by specialist units of An Garda Síochána, including the National Bureau...

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Some €4 million was saved by the CAB but €476 million generally in fraudulent payments was saved.

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: From the point of view of the CAB, there are 103 criminal asset profilers in total, which are based in every Garda division in the country and operate at a local level, dealing with social welfare queries. As the Deputy knows, social welfare officials are also seconded to the CAB. Multi-agency checkpoints also operate in localities. When I was Minister for Social, Community and Family...

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: That is a question not for me but for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Hanafin.

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I do not have those figures. The Deputy will have to table a question. It depends on what one defines as a criminal because many people come before the courts on a daily basis who are in receipt of social welfare and who could potentially be criminals. Is the Deputy suggesting such peoples' social welfare payments should be taken away? Social welfare is a very basic payment.

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: To get the Deputy's point-----

Social Welfare Fraud. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy indicates that there are individuals who have great wealth, yet are potentially claiming social welfare. To the best of my information, anyone who portrays a lifestyle far above his or her social welfare entitlements is immediately targeted by gardaí and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I attach a high level of importance to the achievement of the maximum levels of safety for local communities, in particular through the tackling of problems resulting from the misuse of alcohol. This is reiterated in the renewed programme for Government which contains a specific commitment that we will continue to target Garda actions within communities experiencing significant anti-social...

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Up to 31 October 2009, 1,404 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 1,060 to children. In addition, 13 formal good behaviour contracts were agreed in respect of children. There were three civil orders in respect of adults and three behaviour orders in respect of children issued by the court. It is an incremental approach.

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: There are 13 contracts, three civil orders and three behaviour orders.

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: It is an incremental approach. When the behavioural warnings are issued by the Garda, they tend to be successful and ultimately tend not to criminalise people and children in particular, who must come before the court if they are to get an ASBO. I agree with the Deputy in that the issue of public order or disorder is of grave concern to ordinary constituents. That is why the Garda has...

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I would have thought the fact there are so few orders granted from the 2,500 issued warnings is an indication that the legislation is working well.

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The people who got warnings have not now come to the notice of the Garda.

Anti-Social Behaviour. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I would have thought the process is working well. Despite that, I have accepted that there is a perception among people, not least the Deputy, that the process is not working and I have asked my Department to have another look at it to see if we can make any changes. Ultimately, the success of the initiative is being measured by in effect criminalising young people in particular. If a...