Results 8,081-8,100 of 18,755 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Missing Persons: Missing Persons (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The disappearance of any person is traumatic for their family and friends, and for this reason I am anxious to assist them in any way I can. I am of the view that a helpline for this purpose is best set up on an independent basis and by a non-official, voluntary organisation. Any proposals for funding for such a purpose which are made to my Department will be carefully considered on...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand that the Immigration Division of my Department has been in correspondence with the person concerned. Upon receipt of the documentation requested, a decision will be made on the application.

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I presume that the Deputy is referring to applications for Leave to Remain in the State made pursuant to Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999. An application for Leave to Remain in the State in these circumstances arises where a non-national person is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act, 1999. A person served with such a notice of intent...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I regret that the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the time allowed and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Planning procedure for the development has not yet been instigated. It is intended that when this occurs, which is likely to be early in 2007, all submissions received in relation to the development will be given full consideration.

Written Answers — Public Order Offences: Public Order Offences (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can inform the Deputy that strong provisions are in place to combat anti-social behaviour. The primary basis for the law regarding public order offences is the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, which modernised the law in this regard. Furthermore, because of my concerns about the abuse of alcohol and its contribution to public order offending and broader social problems, I...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand the Immigration Division of my Department has recently been in contact with the person concerned outlining the options open to her.

Written Answers — Computerisation Programme: Computerisation Programme (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I can confirm that there are electronic interfaces between the Garda and Courts Service information technology systems for the purposes of processing summons applications and court scheduling details for fixed charge offences. An Garda Síochána are supplied with an electronic copy of the National Driver File by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the purpose of...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled, including where the applicant has had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Arising from an EU tender in January 2001, Balseskin was developed by a private company as a reception centre for asylum seekers. The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) has remunerated the company on a fixed rate basis since that time and the total value of the contract to date is €20,865,951. Balseskin Reception Centre currently operates as a reception centre providing reception...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Under Section 6(b)(iv) of S.I. 496 (Building Control Regulations) 1997, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is exempted from the requirement to obtain a fire certificate. Notwithstanding this exemption, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) includes in all contracts requirements that the contractor comply, at all times, with the provisions of the Fire Services Acts 1981...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: My Department has issued no instructions in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. When the prospect arose of the centre in question being used by the HSE for step-down beds, my Department advised the Department of Health and Children that it would make available a senior staff member to facilitate the health authorities in exploring that particular option. This was done, but in the...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (1 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 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an...

Written Answers — Making of Wills: Making of Wills (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No data are available on the percentage of the adult population that has made a will. However, the 2005 Annual Report of the Courts Service indicates that of the 15,671 applications made to the Probate Office in the year under review 11,328 (72.3%) were in respect of wills having been made and 4,343 (27.7%) were in cases without a will having been made. The policy of the Succession Act 1965...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Subject to the provisions of the Immigration Act 2004, an Immigration Officer may, on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, give a non-national a document, or place in his or her passport or other equivalent document an inscription, authorising the non-national to land or be in the State. In performing his or her functions with regard to the granting of a permission to...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (1 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 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an...

Written Answers — Prison Accommodation: Prison Accommodation (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Dóchas Centre comprises seven houses as well as a dedicated healthcare unit. There is an average of twelve predominantly single occupancy bedrooms with en-suite facilities in each house. A television is provided in each room. Each house also contains domestic style cooking, laundry and recreational facilities. All sentenced and remand prisoners in the Dóchas Centre have access to a...

Written Answers — Garda Complaints Procedures: Garda Complaints Procedures (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have requested a Garda report in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in touch with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: By way of background, it should be noted that the effect of a deportation order when served on a person is that the person concerned is legally obliged to leave the State and to thereafter remain out of the State. Additionally, it should be borne in mind that while Section 3(2) of the Immigration Act, 1999 — the relevant legislation in this area — provides for a deportation order to be...