Results 7,561-7,580 of 18,728 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Firearms Restrictions: Firearms Restrictions (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Under Section 29 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 I may, by statutory instrument and in the interests of public safety and security, declare specific firearms and ammunition as "restricted", by reference to their category, calibre, working mechanism, muzzle energy and description. It should be noted that where a firearm is deemed "restricted" it does not mean that the possession or sale of...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 16th June 2006. The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Accidents: Road Traffic Accidents (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the road traffic collision referred to involved a motorcycle with a driver and pillion passenger and a car. The driver of the motorcycle was seriously injured and was brought to Mayo General Hospital. He was later transferred to Beaumont Hospital where he died on 26 October 2004. The pillion passenger received less serious injuries, and the driver...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 8th November, 2006. A decision in respect of the application will be made in the coming weeks.

Written Answers — Lottery Licensing Laws: Lottery Licensing Laws (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together. I have been informed by the Gardaí that they are aware of a number of gambling casinos in the Dublin area as indicated by the Deputy. These private clubs are visited by the Gardaí Síochána on a regular basis and no irregularities have been detected to date that would justify a prosecution under the Gaming & Lotteries Acts...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (21 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 — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (21 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 — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (21 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 — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Constitution requires that people who appear before our Courts in essentially the same circumstances should be dealt with in essentially the same manner. It follows that in the exercise of its judicial functions under various enactments, including those on family law, it is already the duty of the Courts to see that this principle of equality is observed. The Judicial Council Bill that...

Written Answers — Legal Aid Service: Legal Aid Service (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am pleased to be able to advise the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board is currently providing legal services to all eligible persons within a maximum period of four months nationwide. In fact, at most of the Board's Law Centres the waiting time for an appointment for a solicitor was two months or less at the end of October 2006. The Deputy may also wish to note that the Board provides a...

Written Answers — Garda Training: Garda Training (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that an appropriate training is delivered to Garda trainees on Phases I and III under the auspices of the Legal and Policing Section. I am further informed that this training covers matters relevant to Barring/ Protection/ Safety Orders, arrest powers, procedures...

Written Answers — Legal Services Ombudsman: Legal Services Ombudsman (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 that is before the House provides for the establishment of a Legal Services Ombudsman who will oversee the handling by the Law Society and Bar Council of three types of complaint against solicitors and barristers, namely inadequate services, excessive fees and misconduct. The key function will be to provide a form of appeal for clients of...

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No invitation to meet with me was extended to the person in question.

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: My Department has received no documentation to date from authorities in Ecuador on this matter.

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. As I have been advised that judicial review proceedings have...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person concerned, a Ukrainian national, applied for asylum on 27 May, 2003. His application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 23 August, 2004. He did not appeal this decision. In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed on 14 October, 2004 that the Minister was proposing to make a deportation order in...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 23rd August, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on 9th October, 2006. An appeal against the initial refusal decision was received on 17th November, 2006. Following a re-examination of the application, the decision to refuse was overturned. Accordingly, I am pleased to...

Written Answers — Tribunals of Inquiry: Tribunals of Inquiry (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Law Society funds the operation of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

Written Answers — Garda Transport: Garda Transport (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles in two circumstances: (a) where they hold at least a class B driving licence and have been authorised to drive by the Chief Superintendent; or (b) where they have completed an official driving course. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (21 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The detailed information sought by the Deputy is being compiled by the Garda authorities and I will communicate with him shortly.