Results 11,321-11,340 of 18,734 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 23 October 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the applications was taken on 15 November 2006. It is open to the applicants to appeal the decision. Comprehensive guidelines on making an appeal can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). All appeals must be submitted within two...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person in question is a non-EU national and therefore requires the permission of the Minister to remain in the State as stated in Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004. It should be noted that there is no automatic entitlement to residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national. However, I do consider applications which are made in writing to the Irish Naturalisation...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have always made clear that I am open to examining any viable site offered for the proposed new Cork Prison. In that context, I can confirm that my Department and the Irish Prison Service are currently exploring,on a without prejudice basis, the option of an alternative site at Kilworth.

Written Answers — Drugs in Prisons: Drugs in Prisons (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Visitors found passing contraband are generally banned from visiting our prisons, either indefinitely, or for a specified period of time. The visit is immediately terminated and the visitor removed from the area. Gardaí may be called with a view to prosecuting the persons concerned. In such instances, retrieved substances are handed over to Gardaí and any resulting sanctions are a matter...

Written Answers — Drugs in Prisons: Drugs in Prisons (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The authority to impose punishments for breaches of prison discipline, such as the possession of illegal drugs, is covered by Rule 69 (1) of the Rules for Government of Prisons, 1947. This rule allows Prison Governors to order a prisoner's punishment by any one or more of the following: (1) Close confinement for any period not exceeding three days (2) Forfeiture of remission of sentence for...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 14 August 2006. 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 on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five...

Written Answers — Human Trafficking: Human Trafficking (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Legislation creating an offence of trafficking in persons for the specific purpose of sexual or labour exploitation is contained in the draft Criminal Justice (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill which has been approved by Government and is currently being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. This Bill will comply with the EU Framework Decision on combating...

Written Answers — Human Trafficking: Human Trafficking (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 created an offence of trafficking persons under 17 years of age into, through or out of the State for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The maximum sentence on conviction is life imprisonment. Under the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, it is an offence to organise or knowingly facilitate the entry into Ireland of a person who is...

Written Answers — Joyriding Offences: Joyriding Offences (28 Nov 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 Kill O'Grange Garda station 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 Unit, Drug Task Force and the District and Divisional...

Written Answers — Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that all criminal incidents reported to them are recorded. Incidents may be recorded on the crime recording system PULSE on the basis of the criminal offence they disclose, which may range from homicide to minor assault, whether related to domestic violence or otherwise. I understand that instructions relating to the recording of incidents involving...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person concerned submitted a permanent residence application on FORM EU 3. Form EU 3 clearly states ''This form is to be completed by each family member of a European Union citizen who is not a national of a member State and who has been resident in the State for more than five years.'' These applications are considered under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: This is a matter for my Colleague the Minister for Health and Children, who, I understand will be replying to the Deputy's query today.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I accept the amendment.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Senator Henry has tabled a proposal to extend the audio-visual provisions in section 33 to persons detained. I would like to examine the implications of such a move, the question of prison transport and the implications of extending the concept of "prisoner" to the categories of persons to whom she referred between now and Report Stage. This has negative and positive implications and far be...

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: However, I must reflect further on this and I am grateful to Senator Henry for raising the issue. I cannot accept amendments along those lines now.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: With regard to the proposal that the Oireachtas and not the Government should decide the contracts, the Attorney General's office advises that a decision in this regard is most suited to the Executive. Amendments Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, insert additional conditions on the performance of functions by a prison custody officer, including that he or she must demonstrate respect, ensure the...

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: There is middle ground between myself and the Senator. Section 6(7)(b) states that a condition of the certificate is that the custody officer complies "with the provisions of this Act and any prison rules relating to the treatment of prisoners in custody". I can apply any rules I want in the area to guarantee the safety and welfare of prisoners. It is not as if they are excluded from the...

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Custody officers must receive training, as appropriate, under the legislation. Every prison custody officer will not have to be a fully trained psychiatric nurse.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It depends. For example, a prisoner suffering from schizophrenia could be moved from a prison to a psychiatric hospital and it may not be appropriate or practical to have him or her accompanied by an officer with psychiatric training. We cannot have a situation in which someone cannot be moved and must be left untreated because a person with psychiatric training is unavailable at the time....

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Committee Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No.