Results 11,201-11,220 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that expenditure on water supplies, which includes bottle and filtered/chilled tap water, by my Department for the year ending December, 2005 was €16,860.24. Data in relation to the quantity of water supplied is not readily available. The suppliers of water to my Department during the period in question were Tipperary Water and Glenpatrick Spring Water.

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 240 of Thursday, 25th May, 2006; 440 of Wednesday, 27th September, 2006; and 93 of Thursday 9th November, 2006, and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (22 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 13,000 on Thursday, 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (22 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 13,000 on Thursday, 16 November, 2006, following the attestation of 299 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an...

Written Answers — Garda Training: Garda Training (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The arrangements for the payment of Gaeltacht allowances are among the issues being examined at present by an Interdepartmental Group on the use and promotion of the Irish language in An Garda Síochána. This Group was established following the Government decision of 7 September, 2005 which approved changes in the eligibility criteria for entry to An Garda Síochána, including the...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing road traffic legislation, and the Divisional Traffic Corps in Galway supplement local mobile units in this task. I am also informed that a system which focuses on collision prone zones was piloted in Galway West Division and has proved successful in encouraging a compliance culture by all...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that my Department has provided funding to the project, in question, since November, 1993. A grant of €180,000 was provided to the project in the current year. I can also inform the Deputy that the contracts for purchase of a site from Kildare County Council are executed, having been signed by a senior official of my Department in June, 2006. However, I am...

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have written to the Deputy today providing the detailed information sought in Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 24 October 2006.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Second Stage (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: We will put them on the register for Senator Quinn's panel.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Second Stage (22 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Shamelessly canvassing.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is proposed to take No. 21, Citizens Information Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed; and No. 1, Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Seanad] — Second Stage.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy raised an occupier's right to defend his own home. It is the intention of the Government to deal with that in the forthcoming criminal law miscellaneous provisions Bill. I have indicated to the House my views on that issue and have pointed out that the difficulties that we face arise, as the Law Reform Commission pointed out, from legislation tendered to this House in 1997 which...

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: There are, however, clear justice angles to domestic violence and a family law Bill is proposed for next year. A preliminary examination of the case in Waterford suggests legislative change is not required but that the matter is one of procedure.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I cannot make any comment on an ongoing Garda investigation. The legislation to hold a referendum has not yet been promised because we have not yet completed the consultation phase on what would or would not constitute the elements of a referendum on the rights of children.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I was in conversation with the Taoiseach before the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis and he did not make the announcement without consulting me. I know nothing about exhuming the Manchester martyrs.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The law is perfectly adequate in that respect.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The medical practitioners Bill is due this session and the nurses and midwives Bill is due next year.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The criminal justice (United Nations convention against corruption) Bill is expected next year.

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The drafting of the fines legislation is at an advanced stage in the Attorney General's office. One issue was holding it up but I believe that has now been disposed of. Is the Deputy referring to the legislation empowering the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal lenient sentences in the District Court?

Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy may not be aware that I asked the Law Reform Commission to examine that issue. Its report, published some days ago, suggests that it might not be wise to provide for that power after all. We are considering that report before proceeding with the legislation.