Results 11,501-11,520 of 18,734 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (29 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 — Joint Policing Committees: Joint Policing Committees (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Section 36 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area and as part of the local government structures. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person in question applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. The person in question did not satisfy the criteria under the revised arrangements and was notified of this decision on 16...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that enquiries have been made by local Gardaí which indicate that the vehicles referred to are the property of a local garage owner, who has been advised regarding the parking of these and other vehicles on the public road. The vehicles referred to have now been removed. I am further informed that Gardaí from the local Garda Community Policing Unit...

Written Answers — Airfield Security Measures: Airfield Security Measures (29 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Garda Síochána is represented on the multi-agency group responsible for the formation and implementation of aviation and airport security policy. In this regard, the Garda authorities maintain close liaison with the Department of Transport in respect of security arrangements at small aerodromes. Moreover, there is regular — almost daily — contact between the Garda Síochána and...

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is proposed to take No. 17, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of an agreement between Ireland and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on participation in the multilateral carbon credit fund, back from committee; No. 28, statements on the implications for governance, accountability, discipline and training within An Garda Síochána arising from the...

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: With regard to the Transport Act, legislation is being worked on to reform transport law. Legislation is also being prepared for a Dublin transportation authority to deal——

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is happening and that legislation will be brought forward this session. If the Deputy has not seen the Defamation Bill, he should visit his optician because it is before the Seanad and will be debated on Wednesday next.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I remind the Deputy that it was his very distinguished brother, who was standing where I am now when I was on the benches opposite, who said that reform of the defamation law was not a priority for him.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: With regard to the single crimes Act, as the Deputy, who takes a close interest in these matters, is aware, we have had the establishment of a codification body in the Criminal Justice Act. That body is being established at present and will set about creating an entire criminal code for Ireland.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The eligibility for health Bill is scheduled for publication next year, as the Deputy will appreciate.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Approximately two minutes ago, I said it would be this session.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: As the Deputy points out, the report was published yesterday. It will be considered at Cabinet and there will be an opportunity for the House to debate it and to decide where we bring the issue next.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Bill will be published before the commencement of the next session. It will be in early 2007.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Foyle and Carlingford fisheries Bill has 75 heads. We in this jurisdiction have completed our section of the Bill but we are awaiting text from Northern Ireland for other portions of the Bill. What was the other question?

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: That legislation is promised for next year.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Time has not been allocated to debate the Teamwork report this session. It will probably be next session before it is dealt with. I understand work is almost complete on the fines Bill and it will be published this session. The charities Bill is almost complete and will be published early next year.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand there has been discussion with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, on that issue. The Deputy would do better to raise the matter directly with the Minister as I am not clear what stage he has reached in those discussions. The offer of co-operation is greatly appreciated in regard to the breakout Bill.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Time is limited in this House. The first few months of the year are normally spent dealing with social welfare and finance legislation. Members will have to make maximum use of the time that is available. The ombudsman Bill is expected in early 2007.

Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy will appreciate that the commitment in the programme for Government was the subject of a review in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Department asked the Law Reform Commission to examine whether such a measure would improve the system. The Law Reform Commission has recently opined that in its view it would be a mistake to proceed with such a power as it...