Results 5,921-5,940 of 18,728 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of designated full-time Community Gardaí assigned at 31 December, 2005 and 2006 was 453 and 497 respectively. The 2006 figure is almost 4% of the current personnel strength of An Garda Síochána and represents an increase of 44, or 10% in the number of Gardaí assigned to community policing duties over the previous year's...

Written Answers — Garda Training: Garda Training (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The current Garda recruit training programme is of two years duration and is made up of 5 separate but integrated phases. The time devoted to each phase of training and the location of each phase of training is as set out as follows:- Phase 1 involves 22 weeks in the Garda College. Phase 2 involves 24 weeks in a Training Garda Station. Phase 3 involves 12 weeks at the Garda College and 4...

Written Answers — Departmental Evaluations: Departmental Evaluations (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that the final report of the completed pilot project by the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency (NDVIA) was received by my Department on Thursday 25th January 2007. Following the delivery of the report, further funding for the project on an interim basis was agreed by my Department and representatives of the NDVIA. Officials of my Department are now...

Written Answers — Equality Issues: Equality Issues (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Equality Authority has been designated as the National Implementing Body for Ireland to organise its participation in the European Year of Equal Opportunities for all. The Equality Authority in its role of National Implementing Body is responsible for defining the national strategy and priorities of the Year, while ensuring a balanced treatment of all nine grounds under Irish equality...

Written Answers — Prisoner Costs: Prisoner Costs (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The average cost of keeping an offender in custody in this jurisdiction is calculated by averaging out the current running costs of the prisons and places of detention against the average number of offenders in those institutions. These costs include certain items which are fixed no matter what the number of offenders in custody, e.g. utilities, staff salaries, etc. It also reallocates the...

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the volume and street value of heroin seized for 2005 and 2006 is as set out in the following table: Heroin seizures made by An Garda Síochána 2005-2006 Year Quantity Estimated Street Value kgs €m 2005 32 6.4 2006* 136 27.2 * The figure for 2006 is provisional and may be subject to change pending the publication of An Garda Síochána's...

Written Answers — Prisons Inspectorate Reports: Prisons Inspectorate Reports (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention recently submitted a report to me on a visit he carried out in Castlerea Prison. In his report the Inspector concluded that the prison is well managed. However, as well as pointing out a number of areas where there have been significant positive developments, he did raise some issues where further improvements could be made. I am happy to say...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the allegation that Gardaí leaked information to the media in this case was fully investigated by Superintendent E.P. MacEoin. The High Court's determination was critical of the Garda Síochána but was not definitive in relation to any specified individual member of the Garda Síochána. Notwithstanding the High Court's decision there was...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 72 together. On 13 February 2007 I published the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice Bill 2007. This legislation is being brought forward to counter the threat posed by crime gangs which, as I have repeatedly stated, represents one of the most significant threats to our society since the advent of the paramilitaries in the 1970s. It is against that...

Written Answers — Youth Diversion Projects: Youth Diversion Projects (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 33 together. Garda Youth Diversion Projects are a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seek to divert young persons from becoming involved or further involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term...

Written Answers — Garda Ombudsman Commission: Garda Ombudsman Commission (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 43 together. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commissioners were appointed by the President on the 10th February 2006, following nomination by the Government and recommendations by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Garda Ombudsman Commission is planning to commence operations in May 2007. In order to meet this deadline, the Commission is now engaged in...

Written Answers — Tribunals of Inquiry: Tribunals of Inquiry (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Yesterday I received the report from the Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate into the review of practices and procedures for certain types of incidents. The Report sets out a number of recommendations for dealing with such incidents. The report is being considered by my Department and I have forwarded a copy to the Garda Commissioner.

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: As papers relating to the seizure of drugs referred to in the Deputy's question are before the Director of Public Prosecutions at present, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 of today's date.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Any interpretation of the crime figures has to factor in the increase in population. In 1995, with a population of 3.6 million, there were 28.5 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2006, with a population of over 4.2 million, there were 24.5 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a significant reduction by any standard. During the two full years of the Rainbow Coalition Government (1995 and...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Public satisfaction with An Garda Síochána in Ireland is significantly higher than in other countries, higher than the PSNI, higher than any UK police service and higher than in any EU country. National surveys of public attitudes to the Garda Síochána, satisfaction with service and policing priorities have been carried out every year since 1999. The Garda Annual Policing Plan 2006...

Written Answers — Commissions of Investigation: Commissions of Investigation (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Assistant Commissioner has been appointed to assess the impact of the recommendations of the report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case for An Garda Síochána with a view to recommending remedial action where necessary. This assessment is ongoing at present and is nearing completion. I am informed that the Commissioner is expecting to receive a report on the matter...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda investigation into the murders of the persons referred to are ongoing. I am further informed that an investigation file has not been forwarded to the Law Officers at this time. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further as there is an ongoing Garda investigation.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Government Legislation Programme published on 30 January provides for publication of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill in 2007. Pending enactment of the legislation, I have established an Implementation Group to assist and advise on practical matters relating to the new body and to prepare for the new licensing system. A Chief Executive designate has also been appointed...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (22 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The subject matter of this question is before the courts and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.