Results 12,841-12,860 of 18,733 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Ground Rents Abolition: Ground Rents Abolition (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: As regards the abolition of ground rents, a High Court challenge to the constitutionality of certain provisions of the existing ground rents legislation has been heard and judgment is awaited. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to proceed with proposals for further legislation in this area until the outcome of this case is known. As regards expired leases on dwelling houses,...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: A working group chaired by my Department and representing the Department of Transport, the Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies, carried out an in-depth examination into the engagement of private sector interests in the provision and operation of speed cameras. On the basis of the group's report, my colleague the Minister for Transport and I presented proposals to Government in July...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Government has approved in principle the development of a new prison complex on the Thornton site on a value for money PPP basis. The Prison Service is currently preparing a detailed assessment of the project in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines for the provision of capital projects through public private partnerships which will result in a detailed business case being...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Preliminary estimates of the cost of providing various services to the Thornton Hall site were prepared as part of the site evaluation process which was carried out by engineering consultants prior to the decision to purchase the site. The report estimated the cost of providing various services, such as mains water, foul sewer, and power including gas and electricity to the site at...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am advised by the director general of the Prison Service that the existing access road serving Thornton Hall has been assessed as adequate by the consulting engineers who evaluated the site when it was offered to the Prison Service. The consultants, however, recommended some improvements and upgradings to the road which will be pursued following consultations with the appropriate...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The size of the site purchased will provide for and enable the development to be carried out in a manner which is consistent with best practice. It will also facilitate the provision of an integrated prison complex with ample recreational and therapeutic facilities. In addition, in line with a recent Government decision a site will be made available for the replacement of the Central Mental...

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Following the transfer of the property to the Prison Service a specialist contractor was employed to secure the residence and site against vandalism and unauthorised access. This instruction was issued by the Prison Service. The works involved included securing the windows of the residence in a non-destructive manner which preserved intact all of the features of the property, as well as the...

Written Answers — Gangland Killings: Gangland Killings (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 209 and 212 together. I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Questions Nos. 48 and 49 of today.

Written Answers — Court Accommodation: Court Accommodation (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the courts, is independent in the performance of its functions. I am responsible for ensuring that the service is adequately funded and, in this regard, €96.7 million was provided in 2005. The 2006 Estimates for the service provide for an increase of €3.84 million in respect of...

Written Answers — Criminal Assets: Criminal Assets (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for the Garda to quantify, at any given time, the number of properties or businesses which are in the hands of or funded by criminal gangs or in the course of acquisition by such gangs. The Garda continues to take a proactive and integrated approach to the investigation of all serious crime. The Criminal Assets Bureau continues, under its...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (23 Nov 2005)

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 the information becomes available.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 215 together. 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 Carlow-Kildare division on 19 October last was 332, all ranks. The personnel strength of the division on 31 December 1997 was 292, all ranks. Therefore, there has been an...

Written Answers — Deportation Orders: Deportation Orders (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to the replies I gave to Question No. 143 of 19 May last, Question No. 139 of 20 October last and Question No. 497 of 25 October last. As I stated previously, I must in addition to the 11 factors contained in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, also have regard to section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement, when considering whether to...

Written Answers — Law Enforcement: Law Enforcement (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: My Department has no direct role in law enforcement which is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. However, a comprehensive series of performance indicators is contained in my Department's 2003-2005 strategy statement. These performance indicators are linked to the high level goals, objectives and activities of the Department. I intend to publish a new strategy statement shortly. The...

Written Answers — International Co-operation in Law Enforcement: International Co-operation in Law Enforcement (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Question No. 150 of 20 October 2005. I understand that the Garda authorities are satisfied with the levels of international co-operation received in the fight against drugs. International co-operation has yielded tangible results, as exemplified by a number of recent successes, one of which was highlighted as recently as last week and was the subject...

Written Answers — Witness Intimidation: Witness Intimidation (23 Nov 2005)

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 in relation to this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Security Industry: Security Industry (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: My concern in relation to unacceptable elements entering the private security industry was one of the reasons I brought forward the Private Security Services Act 2004 to regulate the private security industry. The Private Security Authority, which was established as an independent body in October 2004, commenced licensing contractors providing private security services in the door supervisor...

Written Answers — Criminal Prosecutions: Criminal Prosecutions (23 Nov 2005)

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 in relation to this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána as at 31 October 2005 was 12,312. This represents an increase of 207 in the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 October 2004. In relation to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment...

Written Answers — Sexual Offences: Sexual Offences (23 Nov 2005)

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 him in regard to this matter when the information becomes available.