Results 4,561-4,580 of 18,728 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Legal Representation: Legal Representation (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I understand that the Deputy is referring to an article in the inaugural edition of the Courts Service Report 'Family Law Matters' published in February 2007. The article, based on an interview with the manager of the Dublin Circuit Family Law Office, speculated that there has been a huge rise in lay litigants in family law cases over the past few years due perhaps to the costs of legal...

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: On 19 December, 2006, as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum into the Garda College will continue until this target is reached. The Garda Commissioner is proceeding with the recruitment...

Written Answers — Garda Information System: Garda Information System (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Information System (GIS) which includes, inter alia, access to PULSE, the Garda National Immigration Bureau Systems and Email is also used to deliver internet access to members where operational needs require. Training in information technology is provided both in the Garda College and in the Continuous Professional Development Centres...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 54 and 83 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to by the Deputies is under investigation under the direction of a Superintendent and when it is completed an investigation file will be submitted to the Law Officers. As the investigation is still ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on it at...

Written Answers — National Disability Strategy: National Disability Strategy (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: The National Disability Strategy was launched by the Government in September 2004 and underpins the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society by building on existing policy and legislation. The implementation of the Strategy is the agreed focus of disability policy under the Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016. My Department is responsible for the provision of the framework...

Written Answers — Criminal Assets: Criminal Assets (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that the Criminal Assets Bureau has sufficient financial and other resources available to it to operate effectively pursuant to its statutory remit. The Bureau also continues to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions in order to fully achieve its objectives pursuant to its statutory remit. The Bureau keeps the allocation of...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 52, 129 and 134 together. I refer the Deputies to my answer to Question No. 60 of today's date. Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 31 on 22 February 2007. I have nothing further to add to that reply.

Written Answers — Port Status: Port Status (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Questions Nos. 193 and 194 of 6th March, 2007. The position as set out in that answer has not changed. Section 6 of the Immigration Act 2004 provides, inter alia, that a non-national (other than a seaman) coming by sea or air from outside the State shall not, without the consent of the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, land elsewhere...

Written Answers — Drugs Trade: Drugs Trade (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: As is reflected in the Deputy's question, recent international data from the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) suggests that the level of heroin production, particularly in Afghanistan, has significantly increased in recent times. The UNODC also highlight that there is a significant surplus of heroin supply exceeding worldwide demand for the drug. That Office continues to...

Written Answers — Services for People with Disabilities: Services for People with Disabilities (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: At present, due to the nature of the steps to the front of the building at 94 Stephen's Green, which are consistent with the building's age and character, access by persons with a physical disability is facilitated via the car park entrance at the side of the building. A planning application has been lodged with the Local Authority to erect/install a wheel chair ramp at the front of the building.

Written Answers — Garda Ombudsman Commission: Garda Ombudsman Commission (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has undertaken an extensive programme of work in order to commence operations and significant progress has been made in this regard. A new building has been sourced in Dublin City Centre and is currently being fitted out. The recruitment and training of staff is far advanced and 58 of the 81 staff approved for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: A 120 acre site at Corrstown was one of a number of sites selected for a detailed examination and rejected by the Mountjoy Complex Replacement Site Committee which consisted of officials of the IPS, the Dept of Justice Equality and Law Reform, one of the Commissioners for Public Works and an outside valuer. The examination by consulting engineers led to its being rejected as being unsuitable...

Written Answers — Community Policing: Community Policing (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: Community policing is a central feature of the policing policy of An Garda Síochána. Community Policing Units are established throughout the country, and members are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are working. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons...

Written Answers — Anti-Racism Measures: Anti-Racism Measures (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: One of the key objectives of my Department is to promote a fair, tolerant and caring society. This includes the development of a broad framework of policies and measures to create and promote an inclusive society and to combat discrimination including racism. In point of fact, Ireland is already to the fore in its promotion and protection of the principles of equality and freedom from...

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that I have recently received the report of Mr Mellett into the death of Mr Douch and am in the process of studying its findings. In that context, I have been in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions and am also considering their views on the matter.

Written Answers — Gender Pay Differentials: Gender Pay Differentials (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: It is generally acknowledged that the reasons behind the gender pay gap are varied and complex. Consequently the Government has adopted a multifaceted approach across a number of areas in order to address the closure of the pay gap. The Consultative Group on Male / Female Wage Differentials, set up under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, was chaired by my Department and reported to...

Written Answers — Anti-Social Behaviour: Anti-Social Behaviour (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 12 of today's date.

Written Answers — Criminal Assets Bureau: Criminal Assets Bureau (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: The recommendation, which was made in a Report of the Committee published last month, along with the other recommendations made by the Committee which affect my Department, are being examined in my Department.

Written Answers — Telecommunications Interception: Telecommunications Interception (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 126 together. The interception of telecommunications is governed by the provisions of the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993. It is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose details of any authorisations to intercept, including their number. I am sure that, on...