Results 10,361-10,380 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Regulation of Casinos. (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and giving me this opportunity to discuss the issue. As he is aware, when announcing the publication of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 a fortnight or so ago, I adverted to my intention to avail myself of the opportunity this Bill presents to address the subject of this debate. The opportunity arises because that Bill already...

Written Answers — Mental Health Review: Mental Health Review (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: A study examining rates of mental illness in Irish prisoners was undertaken by a team from the Central Mental Hospital under the supervision of the Hospital's Clinical Director. The Irish Prison Service was pleased to facilitate and part-fund this study. I understand that a report on this research has been completed and that the findings of this study indicate that, as in other jurisdictions,...

Written Answers — Court Sittings: Court Sittings (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: At present, the District Court in Dublin sits each Saturday and on Bank Holidays. Provincial District Courts sit outside of normal hours at weekends and at night to deal with emergency matters, as required. Experience of the operation of court sittings continues to be reviewed. This is being done in conjunction with legislative measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the courts. I...

Written Answers — Prisoner Transfers: Prisoner Transfers (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person referred to is serving cumulative periods of detention totalling 11 months. These sentences were imposed at Ennis Circuit Court on 13 February, 2006 and the Judge ordered that he be committed to St. Patrick's Institution. Where possible, prisoners are accommodated at locations most convenient to their homes. However, there are limitations to the extent that this can be achieved....

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I refer to the answers given in Question No. 59 on 2 February, 2006, Question No. 678 on 21 March, 2006, and Question No. 246 on 29 March, 2006. In order to clarify the circumstances of the individual concerned, a letter issued on 31 January, 2006 from my Department to his legal representatives allowing them the opportunity to make further representations on behalf of their client. Further...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: A declaration of Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship was lodged by the person referred to by the Deputy on 26 October 2004. Certain matters in relation to the cohabitation of the person concerned and his Irish born wife are being investigated at the present time. I am not, therefore, in a position to say when consideration of the declaration will be finalised. I will inform both the...

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason...

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) stationed in the Clare Division as at 31 December 1997, 2002 and 2005 was as follows: Division 1997 2002 2005 Clare 219 234 261 This represents an increase of 42 (or 19%) in the number of Gardaí (all ranks) stationed in the Clare Division during that period. Whilst national, divisional and...

Written Answers — Refugee Legal Services: Refugee Legal Services (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 140 to 144 of 27 April 2006.

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in September 2005. Applications of this type, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately fourteen months to process. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: In his previous Question, the Deputy sought information specifically on the procedure by which a child born in the State after 1 January 2005, whose parents were not Irish citizens, could obtain Irish citizenship. In my response, I set out the procedure for a child in such circumstances to obtain Irish citizenship. The situation is different for such a child if his/her parent or parents...

Written Answers — Prison Service Examinations: Prison Service Examinations (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I assume the Deputy is referring to the exam on 10 December by Prison Officers for promotion. Further to my reply of 6 April, I have been informed that the Irish Prison Service (IPS) has received a number of queries in relation to this competition, almost all of which have been replied to at this stage. As regards issues raised in relation to the exam papers in the morning, I am informed that...

Written Answers — Refugee Resettlement: Refugee Resettlement (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I would like to give the deputy some background to the refugee situation in this Jordanian camp. Ireland is one of 18 countries which voluntarily participates in resettlement programmes co-ordinated by the UNHCR. Resettlement programmes are designed to find a durable solution for persons, generally in a country of first asylum, where local integration or repatriation is not an option....

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been three incidents of criminal damage to vehicles and three incidents of thefts from vehicles reported to Gardaí in the area referred to so far in 2006. These incidents are being actively investigated by the Garda authorities. However to date no one has been held amenable. I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied...

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Waste Management Act, 1996 prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land. The Act provides on summary conviction for a fine not exceeding €1,900 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both or, on indictment, for a fine not exceeding €12.7 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both. Continuing offences carry a daily additional fine of up to...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter concerned was raised with local Gardaí at a meeting of the Neighbourhood Watch group in the area on 2 May, 2006. The matter was subsequently raised by the Garda authorities with the proprietor of the business referred to. An undertaking has been given to the Garda authorities by the proprietor that the vehicles in question will be...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the application for naturalisation of the person concerned. A letter informing her of my decision, and the formalities to be completed before a certificate can issue, was sent to her on 2 May 2006. Once these formalities — the swearing of a declaration in court and payment of the statutory fee — are completed, a certificate of...

Written Answers — Prison Committals: Prison Committals (10 May 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 to 86, inclusive, and 88 together. The information sought by the Deputy covers a number of different years and more than one source. This work cannot be completed in the time available. However my Department will undertake the necessary analysis and will furnish as much information as is available to the Deputy as soon as possible.