Results 11,681-11,700 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Road Traffic Act 1994 provides that a person shall not drive, or attempt to drive, a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place while under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. An intoxicant includes alcohol, drugs or any combination of drugs or of alcohol and drugs. When a member of the Garda Síochána is...

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 to 551, inclusive, together. The National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 addresses the problem of drug misuse across a number of pillars — supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research — and implementation of the strategy across a range of Departments and agencies is co-ordinated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (21 Feb 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 29 November 2005. The average processing time for such applications is 24 months. It is likely, therefore, thatthe case will be finalised in or around the end of 2007. I will be in touch with the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: A declaration of acceptance of post-nuptial citizenship was received from the person referred to in the Deputy's question on 26 November 2004. I understand that officials in the citizenship section of my Department wrote to the person concerned on 5 August 2005, seeking documentation and information in relation to the declaration. The letter was sent to the address supplied by the declarant,...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Office of Public Works that it is finalising its technical assessment of an office premises in Thurles where it is intended to house the section involved. Subject to a favourable outcome to that assessment and agreement being reached with the owner, the staff will be recruited from the central applications facility and begin a programme of training. The completion of the...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: During the last few years, the volume of work in the citizenship area of my Department has increased significantly. The table below sets out the position in respect of naturalisation and post-nuptial citizenship since 2001. Year Applications for naturalisation received Certificates of naturalisation issued Declarations of post-nuptial citizenship received Certificates of post-nuptial...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the new operational Garda uniform was introduced as part of a live trial to continue in the next three years. As would be expected with any trial of this nature, a number of issues were encountered that required addressing. These issues have all been acted upon and Garda management states that it is satisfied that the garments provided under...

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

Michael McDowell: The person concerned arrived in State on 15 September 1997 and claimed asylum. His claim for refugee status was considered under the process then applicable and was refused by the asylum division of my Department. He was notified of the decision on 13 January 1999. He appealed this decision to the appropriate body at the time, the appeals authority, which affirmed the decision of the asylum...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the circumstances surrounding any loss of life as a result of a road traffic collision are thoroughly investigated by the Garda in accordance with the instructions set out in the Garda Síochána code. The code covers all areas of Garda duties, including operational, security and administrative duties. All members of the Garda Síochána are issued...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Garda Síochána is supplied with an electronic copy of the national driver file by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the purpose of processing payments in respect of penalty point offences recorded on the fixed charge processing system, FCPS. Details of payments received by the Garda Síochána in respect of fixed charge penalty point offences are forwarded...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the enforcement of speed limits is conducted uniformly across all Garda divisions, with a view to ensuring compliance by all road users across the entire road network in theState, without reference to any thresholds whatsoever.

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and currently has a portfolio of 67 centres across the State for this purpose. In March 2005 there was a total of 8,080 asylum seekers being accommodated by the RIA. Approximately 3,500 residents applied for leave to remain in the State under the Irish born children, IBC,...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: Following a public procurement tendering process, a total of 493 hand-held devices were purchased by the Garda Síochána at a cost of €2,613.00 each plus VAT. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a small number are used for training purposes and the balance are assigned for operational use. It is planned to carry out a post-implementation review of the entire system, including the...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am assured by the Garda Síochána that the hand-held device being provided under contract awarded pursuant to a public procurement tendering process meets the requirements set out in that tendering process. It is a matter for the Garda Síochána to review its requirements with regard to any additional or enhanced technological supports needed to carry out its duties effectively. If on the...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the post of community policing sergeant at Mountjoy Garda station became vacant on 1 November 2005. I have been further informed that local Garda management is in the process of advertising the position and once a suitable candidate has been identified, he...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Mountjoy, Bridewell, Cabra and Fitzgibbon Street Garda stations as at 31 December 2000-2005, inclusively, was as set out in the following table. Station 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Mountjoy 75 77 82 85 91 90 ...

Written Answers — Public Order Offences: Public Order Offences (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table provides details of the number of arrests and convictions to date for public order offences in the Garda district of Blanchardstown for 2003-05 inclusive. Cabra is included in Blanchardstown Garda district. Figures provided for 2005 are provisional, operational and liable to change. Year Arrests Convictions 2003 555 281...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (21 Feb 2006)

Michael McDowell: As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-10 has been assignedto the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new Office of the Minister for Children, under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan. Staffing grant assistance of €39,000 over three years has been awarded to...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (21 Feb 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 tables show the four offence group...