Results 11,101-11,120 of 18,734 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No legislation is promised.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The commitment is to publish the Bill this session so that it can be debated by the House in the coming session.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That legislation will be published next year.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Taoiseach has indicated his willingness to promote such a referendum, if there is a wording that attracts general support.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: He will also engage in a widespread process of consultation. His commitment to address this issue was welcomed by all parties, including that of the Deputy.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: While the Taoiseach has indicated he is prepared to amend the Constitution, he wishes to engage in a process of consultation. On a matter of constitutional importance, one does not simply state that something will be put into the constitution, no matter——

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No, one does not. He stated he would engage in a process of consultation. If, having welcomed his announcement, the Deputies opposite have some input on this matter, the Government would be glad to have it.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No.

Europol (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second Stage (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The objective of this Bill is to give effect in our domestic law to three protocols to the Europol Convention. The protocols, dated 2000, 2002 and 2003, relate to the competence of Europol in the area of money-laundering, as well as clarification of certain matters concerning joint investigation teams, and the streamlining of certain matters...

Europol (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second Stage (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I thank all the Deputies for their contributions to this debate. It was almost inevitable that the debate would be wide-ranging because the Bill is a narrow, technical piece of legislation. I thank Deputies Jim O'Keeffe and Gerard Murphy for their supportive approach to the legislation. I also thank Deputy O'Shea for his comments. I accept his criticisms of two things: first, the delay in...

Europol (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights in accordance with Standing Order 120(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee. In moving the motion I express the hope that it will require virtually no amendment and will return to the House soon and be passed into law.

Written Answers — Irish Prison Service: Irish Prison Service (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: There are only two sites currently available to the Irish Prison Service in the Cork region for prison development. The existing site in Cork city has been considered in detail and is not deemed to be suitable. The prison facility on Spike Island offers obvious advantages from a security perspective and is immediately available for development. No other sites in the Cork region have been...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I assume the Deputy is referring to the procedures in regard to applying for subsidiary protection status under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006, which I signed into law recently and are effective from 10 October 2006. I refer the Deputy to the Information Note on the Regulations which is available on my Department's website along with the Regulations....

Written Answers — Garda Complaints Procedure: Garda Complaints Procedure (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Garda Síochána is duty-bound to uphold the rule of law, and it has been seeking to do so in difficult circumstances and in a sometimes confrontational scenario not of its making. With specific regard to incidents on 10 November, 2006, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as criminal prosecutions may arise, it is not considered appropriate to comment further at this time. This...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (16 Nov 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 in December 2003. I understand that processing of the application is complete and that the case file has been submitted to me for a decision. I will advise the Deputy and the person in question once I have reached a decision on the...

Written Answers — Closed Circuit Television Systems: Closed Circuit Television Systems (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 to 79, inclusive, together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Castlebar is one of the 17 locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme that remains to be completed. I am advised that the Garda authorities propose to take over the existing CCTV system in Castlebar Town. This system was installed in 2004 by a local group called...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: There is no provision for the granting of permanent residency in Irish Immigration legislation. However, the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will, for the first time, make statutory provision for a status of long term resident. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 26th June 2006. The position in relation to...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: My Department has no record of a current visa application in respect of the person in question. I can confirm receipt of an application in respect of the person in question by the Honorary Consul in Kiev on 30th May, 2006. This single journey visa was issued. In general, multiple-entry visas may be issued when an applicant has demonstrated a compliant travel history to Ireland in the recent...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (16 Nov 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, 2006, 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...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (16 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I presume the Deputy is referring to those public boards or other authorities under my Department's aegis to which persons are appointed either as Chairpersons or ordinary members. Bodies without such a board/authority structure are not listed. Name of Public Body Statutory Process involved in the Appointment of Chairs and Members National Crime Council Non-statutory body. Private...