Results 5,321-5,340 of 6,728 for speaker:John Curran

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (8 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together. The Government approved the establishment of an Office of the Minister for Drugs (OMD) on 16 June. The main staffing cohort for the new Office will be drawn from my Department. A total of 14 people are currently working in this area, which equates just under 12 whole time equivalents. Direct involvement of the broader statutory sector...

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (8 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 359, 361, 362 and 363 together. The revised funding allocations for the period July to December 2009, taking account of the Supplementary Budget in April, have now been advised to all Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) and to seven of the Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs). Approval was conditional on the requisite information being furnished by them and...

Written Answers — Anti-Racism Measures: Anti-Racism Measures (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I will shortly arrange to publish the final report of the Steering Group set up to oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism on the new website for my Office which was launched on 25 June. The website is available at www.integration.ie. The Group states that, while the National Action Plan Against Racism was an ambitious plan and not everything was achieved "...

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: Under the current Scheme, which has been suspended pending the completion of a review, carbon monoxide monitors and similar devices were eligible for support. The review, which I hope to complete by mid-September, will look at the range of issues including the types of equipment that might be supported under a revised Scheme.

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: The Community Development Programme is designed to reduce social exclusion by targeting support at disadvantaged and socially excluded communities in order to improve their capacity to benefit from social and economic development. The project referred to in the Deputy's question received the following funding under the Community Development Programme in the past four years: 2005:€107,200.00...

Written Answers — Care of the Elderly: Care of the Elderly (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: Under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People, which was suspended on 7th April pending a review of the Scheme, personal alarms and other security devices were eligible for support. The review of the Scheme will look at the range of issues, including the types of equipment that might be supported under a revised Scheme. The review is currently underway and I hope to be in a...

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: The revised funding allocations for the period July to December 2009, taking account of the Supplementary Budget in April, have now been advised to all Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs). As I have pointed out previously, the challenges posed by the reduction in funding arising from the reduced budget allocations means that some schemes will be affected. However, I believe that if properly...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I thank the House for agreeing to consider all Stages of the Bill this afternoon.

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I thank the Senator for his comment. When I finished in the House on Friday afternoon I did not realise I would be back here so soon. The House will be aware that the Bill flows from the issues raised in the recent High Court judgment in the McCann case in which the applicant successfully challenged the constitutionality of section 6 of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940. The High...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I acknowledge the detailed and specific amendment that has been tabled by Senator Regan. As I said in my opening speech, at this time the Government has limited the Bill before the House to the introduction of the protections and safeguards that were identified by the High Court in the McCann case. The Government intends to return to this subject, with the benefit of the Law Reform...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I will confine my comments as directly and specifically as possible to many of the points raised and will deal with them in no particular order. I will conclude by responding to the key point raised by Senators Regan and Alex White. In regard to the FLAC report, the sanction of imprisonment should be removed immediately from the instalment order procedure for those who are unable to pay...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I have listened carefully to what has been said. Without going over all the points raised, Senators' concerns relate to where a person has resources or limited resources. As I pointed out, there are a number of options in this regard, including instalment plans and mediation. I also mentioned the seizure of goods under section 8(b). Report Stage of the Bill will be taken tomorrow. I have...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: They are identical. It was a typographical error and both amendments are the same.

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: There are several issues to deal with and I will try to be as specific as possible. The possible consequences of non-appearance are addressed in section 6(2)(b) and 6(2)(c). Paragraph (b) sets out the consequences under the section of failure to comply with an instalment order, including the possibility of imprisonment. Paragraph (c) stipulates that the debtor may be arrested if he or she...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: As I said, concerns in regard to the use of clear language will be referred to the District Court rules committee. To reiterate, the proposed provision regarding information on a variation to an instalment order is not being accepted because of the necessity to ensure a balance between the interests of creditors and debtors. The Senator spoke about what happens when debtors go to court. A...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: Senator Bacik referred to sticks. It is important, when the summons is issued, that the seriousness of non-attendance is clearly identified. The Senator referred specifically to an alteration to the instalment order. In discussing mediation I failed to point out, although the matter is not strictly relevant to the legislation, that consideration is also being given to preparing an...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: An information leaflet may be different in some respects from a summons, which refers to obligations. I could be flippant and say we will send out a copy of the legislation but that would serve no purpose. An information leaflet is different from what is required in a summons notice.

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: When one listens to the discussions of the eminent legal professionals in the House, it is difficult to be sure. I understand fully the concerns that have been expressed by Senator Alex White about people who may try to avoid personal service. However, I will not accept this amendment. I will revert to it tomorrow when we talk about other forms of court service. I am specifically...

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: I assure the House that I understand the issue. I want to clarify the situation in respect of those who deliberately avoid personal service in advance of Report Stage. We will deal with it then or at some other time.

Seanad: Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (7 Jul 2009)

John Curran: This short amendment will strengthen this provision slightly. In effect, the use of "shall" channels the courts towards using the provisions of section 6(6), 6(7) and 6(8).