Results 13,361-13,380 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (30 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I wish to refer the Deputy to parliamentary question (Ref 12984/10) from Deputy Rabbitte which I responded to on 25/3/2010 in relation to this matter. A number of the measures in the Special Group Report (McCarthy) have been implemented at this stage in order to achieve reductions in the Departments Estimates for 2010. These relate to the programmes in a range of subheads which include...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (30 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: It is not possible to state, at this stage, when replies will issue to the Parliamentary Questions referred to by the Deputy.

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: The status of diplomatic and other staff of foreign missions, including private domestic workers or private servants employed by diplomats, is regulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which, under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, has the force of law in the State. The Convention provides that the sending state must notify the Ministry for Foreign Affairs,...

Written Answers — Courts Service: Courts Service (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: The Small Claims procedure is an alternative method of dealing with a civil proceeding in respect of a small claim. The majority of claims are dealt with by administrative staff in local District Court Offices. Typical claims are in respect of goods or services purchased from someone selling them in the course of a business for minor damage to a property (excluding personal injuries) and for...

Written Answers — Peace Commissioners: Peace Commissioners (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: There are in excess of 6000 appointed Peace Commissioners currently active in this State. Accordingly it would not be practical for my Department to provide the Deputy with a full list. Individuals seeking details of Peace Commissioners available in their areas are advised to contact the Peace Commissioner Unit of my Department or make inquiries at their local Garda Station where this...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter referred to by the Deputy was reported to An Garda Síochána on 25 February, 2010 and continues to be under investigation. Significant resources from within the Garda Division concerned and from national support units, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Operational Support Unit (including the Garda Dog Unit, the...

Written Answers — Garda Vetting Services: Garda Vetting Services (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: Since October 2008, a programme for the vetting by the Garda Síochána of the employees of all contractors who provide accommodation centres and services for asylum seekers is being implemented by the Reception and Integration Agency of my Department. The design and purpose of the programme is to ensure that the level of care and protection for children and vulnerable adult asylum seekers...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: Gender segregation is just one of several factors considered by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department when formulating policy in the matter of housing asylum seekers. While certain gender-specific accommodation centres are used, the RIA must balance the available accommodation with the population seeking that accommodation. The RIA constantly monitors its accommodation...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I am not aware of any specific complaints of the nature outlined in the question. If the Deputy is aware of any such complaints, they should be addressed to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department which has responsibility in the matter. The RIA's accommodation centres are operated in accordance with standards set out in service contracts. The standards which apply...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: At the outset, I have to correct the assertion in the question that applicants for asylum are not allowed to live outside Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) accommodation while their applications are being considered. This is manifestly not so, as many applicants choose to live independently outside RIA accommodation centres. For those who require accommodation and associated supports...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: Until such time as my Department receives quotations from the relevant suppliers of the goods and services referred to, I will not be in a position to assess the costs in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy. However, I do not anticipate these costs to be significant in the context of my Department's budget.

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (31 Mar 2010)

Dermot Ahern: The Irish language is the first official language of the State and it is standard practice that the Citizenship Division of my Department issue certificates of naturalisation in Irish. A translation of the certificate in English is available on request.

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date.

Written Answers — Immigration Matters: Immigration Matters (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: The functions of the Irish Human Rights Commission are as prescribed in the Human Rights Commission Act 2000. The Act also provides that the IHRC is independent in the performance of its functions. Under the Act the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is required in each financial year to pay the Commission, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, a grant, with the consent of the...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: As the Deputy is aware, from 2003-2008 the Remembrance Commission operated a Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance, and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. Under the Scheme, payments could be made to individuals under various categories such as acknowledgement payments, economic hardship payments and medical expenses payments. The Scheme also...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: The Report of the Committee to review the house rules for asylum seekers in accommodation centres will be published on the website of the Reception and Integration Agency of my Department by the end of the month. The RIA website address is www.ria.gov.ie. Arising from the report and in accordance with its findings, the revised house rules were submitted to the National Adult Literacy...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: This matter was the subject of an Adjournment Debate in the House on the 30th March, 2010. I have nothing further to add to the response given on that occasion.

Written Answers — Drug Courts: Drug Courts (1 Apr 2010)

Dermot Ahern: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 427 on 23 March. As she is aware, my Department has been examining the operation of the Court to see how its throughput levels might be increased. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter in the near future.