Results 11,501-11,520 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Any decision to establish a Garda station is made by the Commissioner following consultation with senior management and my Department. Factors relevant in any such decision could include the physical condition, capacity and staffing levels of other Garda stations in the district; crime trends and demographics of the area; and other operational policing needs.

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: An additional five gardaí are due to be assigned specifically to the Baltinglass district, two on 16 March and a further three on 18 April. I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the west Wicklow area is policed by gardaí attached to the Baltinglass district, which forms part of the...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (7 Mar 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 of Blessington Garda station as at 28 February 2006 was 14, all ranks. I have been further informed that the opening hours of Blessington Garda station are as set out in the following table: Days Hours Monday to Saturday 10am-1pm...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and the following table gives the total value of property stolen and property recovered for each of the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Comparable statistics are not readily available for years 1998 and 1999 and would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to retrieve the information sought. Value of...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: There are ongoing discussions between the Garda authorities and my Department on the Garda accommodation requirements for Watercourse Road, Mallow Road and McCurtain Street stations.

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (7 Mar 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 Newcastle West Garda station, County Limerick on 28 February 2006 was 27. It is the responsibility of each divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division at levels on a priority basis in accordance with...

Written Answers — Outdoor Events: Outdoor Events (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: The control and direction of the Garda Síochána, including the allocation of resources, is vested with the Garda Commissioner. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a comprehensive policing and security plan is in place for the football match mentioned in the Deputy's question, which will include high-visibility patrolling on all adjacent roads and streets. Local Garda...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in our New Delhi visa office on 24 February 2006. Visa applications are processed as speedily as possible having regard to the numbers on hand and the resources available to process them. The applications referred to by the Deputy are currently pending examination by a visa officer and a decision is expected in the very near future.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am advised by the Garda authorities that they will shortly be submitting proposals to my Department regarding Greystones Garda station. When received, discussions will take place with the Office of Public Works to progress the project as quickly as possible.

Written Answers — Visiting Dignitaries: Visiting Dignitaries (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 475 to 477, inclusive, together. As the Deputies will be aware, it is standard practice for visiting Heads of State to make the Government and the Garda Síochána aware of any intention to visit this State, and this practice was adhered to with regard to President Bush's recent stopover. It is not policy to discuss specific matters of security for the...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I presume that the Deputy is referring to applications for leave to remain made pursuant to section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 as amended. Leave to remain in these circumstances arises where a non-national is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1999. Persons served with such a notice of intent, including persons refused refugee status and...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently, the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the totals for offences...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (7 Mar 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 contact with the Deputy about this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Ennis district in the Clare division. 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 Ennis Garda district as at 31 December 1997, 2000 and 2002 to 2005, inclusive, was as set out in the following table: Date Strength ...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: The person in question was not requested by the immigration division of my Department to withdraw their application for residency based solely on marriage to an Irish national in favour of their application made under EU regulations. Legal representatives of the person in question were contacted by phone by an officer of my Department and advised of the timeframes involved in processing the...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 30 March 2005 and, in the normal course, it would fall to be finalised in or around March 2007. However, the person concerned entered the State in January 2001 and was resident here for less the statutory five year period at the time of his...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that international co-operation between law enforcement agencies is achieved in a number of ways, including the exchange of strategic and operational intelligence on the activities and modus operandi of criminal networks and organisations. The Garda Síochána has an excellent level of co-operation with police forces from other jurisdictions through...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: Road safety in the context of bilateral relations is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen. He has informed me that following the ministerial meeting of the transport sectoral group of the British-Irish Council on 9 February 2006 he exchanged letters with the UK Minister of State for Transport in which they agreed to enter into bilateral arrangements on...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Accidents: Road Traffic Accidents (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: All Government Departments and agencies which are responsible for dealing with road safety related issues are extremely aware of the urgent necessity of bringing about a steady reduction in the numbers killed and seriously injured on our roads. Government policy in this area is set out in the Government's document, Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006. The strategy sets out an ambitious range of...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (7 Mar 2006)

Michael McDowell: There is a particular overriding necessity, in view of the recent increase in violent crime involving firearms, to ensure that public safety and security are given priority in any review of policy and legislation on firearms. With this in mind I propose to bring forward a wide range of amendments to the Firearms Acts 1925-2000 in the context of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is before...