Results 11,201-11,220 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: No, I do not agree with my colleague. I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner on many occasions with regard to this matter. I accept the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, has particular constituency interests with regard to this issue. It is difficult, particularly the case in which he has been involved. I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner that extensive work continues with...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I do not accept what the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, said on the investigation of the incidents because I have taken the time to talk to the Garda Commissioner thereon. To be fair to Deputy McGuinness, like any other Deputy with such a case in his constituency, he is extremely worried that the person responsible for the heinous crime has not been brought to justice. This has been...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: People such as the Deputies are trying to make political points in respect of the case.

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Garda Commissioner, to whom I have spoken on a number of occasions regarding this case, is satisfied that the existing Garda system is absolutely in accordance with best international practice. However, on foot of the constant calls to have a dedicated missing persons unit, I have asked the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to consider the idea. I will not prejudge what it will say despite...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: To demonstrate the bona fides of the Garda on these issues, the Garda Commissioner recently set up a Garda serious crime review team, managed by a detective superintendent, who assists senior investigating officers in the investigation of serious crimes, by identifying new and potential investigative opportunities and international practices, and disseminating information and looking back on...

Garda Operations. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: To be fair, he has an issue because the matter relates to a constituent and there is still a perpetrator at large.

Garda Deployment. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The nature of Garda work and the requirement that the Garda Síochána respond at short notice to unforeseen circumstances means that some overtime expenditure is sometimes unavoidable for the purpose of effective policing. The objective of Garda overtime is to allow the force flexibility in responding to circumstances that require personnel resources over and above those planned. The...

Garda Deployment. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I understand there were efforts at mediation locally and that a number of agencies had been involved in this regard, including the Garda. The initiatives were supported by Waterford City Council, Pavee Point, the Irish Traveller Movement, Waterford Traveller CDP and a number of other people. An independent freelance consultant mediator was appointed, but despite this the Garda had to do its...

Garda Reserve. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The establishment of the Garda Reserve is one of the most important innovations in policing in Ireland in recent years. It has strengthened the links between the Garda Síochána and local communities and is a source of local support and knowledge. It brings new life to the organisation through its members. Reserve members bring a fresh and innovative approach to policing as they approach...

Garda Reserve. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: With regard to the Laois-Offaly area, three Garda reservists have been taken on in 2008 and substantial numbers have been taken on across the country.

Garda Reserve. (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: They have been successful and there is significant interest among the general public, with over 2,800 having applied. I understand that only approximately one in ten of the applicants comes through the examination, for various reasons. For example, when they enter the process, some find it is a little more onerous than expected and others feel they may not be able to marry the reserve with...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy is always tabling parliamentary questions to get information he could just as easily get via e-mail.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: If we were not doing our work the Deputy would be giving out.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Stagg knows that the remarks in question were made in confidence.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Durkan is a national monument.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (1 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 129 together. The Government Legislation Programme published on 23 September 2008 provides for publication of the Property Services (Regulation) Bill during the current Dail session. The Bill will establish the Property Services Regulatory Authority on a statutory basis. The primary task of the new Authority will be to maintain and improve standards in...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (1 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2008. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in April 2006. All applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The current...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (1 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification in respect of his wife in August 2006. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (1 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that a number of complaints have been received at Kells Garda Station with regard to the operation of a "People in Profit" System (PIPS — Investment Scheme). Officers of An Garda Síochána have made enquiries, via Interpol, with the Malaysian authorities. A reply was received in November 2007 and following this communication further enquiries...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (1 Oct 2008)

Dermot Ahern: Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988, while not putting a statutory obligation on local authorities, confers powers on them to directly arrange and fund emergency accommodation, make arrangements with the HSE or a voluntary body for the provision of emergency accommodation, and/or make contributions to voluntary bodies towards the cost of accommodation provided by them. The structures in that...