Results 12,881-12,900 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

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.

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

Written Answers — Prisoner Releases: Prisoner Releases (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: On 17 November 2005 there was a total of 110 persons in the category referred to by the Deputy, a figure which represented 3% of the prison population. The corresponding figure in October 1996 was 550 which accounted for 19% of the prison population at that time.

Written Answers — Prisoner Releases: Prisoner Releases (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.

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

Michael McDowell: It is not true to say there has been a dramatic increase in headline or serious crime in the past three years. For the Deputy's information, headline crime decreased by 3% in 2003 compared with 2002 and by 4% in 2004 compared with 2003. Furthermore, the Deputy should be aware that the crime rate per 1,000 of the population has fallen from 29 crimes per 1,000 in 1996 when the Deputy's party...

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

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that the personnel strength in all ranks of each of the six operational Garda divisions in the Dublin metropolitan region as at 21 November 2005 is as set out in the following table. Of course, the greater Dublin area now extends into areas which are the responsibility...

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

Michael McDowell: The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government is still as when I announced Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí...

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

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that criminal networks involved in the areas of criminality referred to by the Deputy are identified in a number of ways. Ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering by specialist national units working in collaboration with other national and international law enforcement agencies, including...

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

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 224 together. I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of today. I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the other information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.

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

Michael McDowell: As of 18 November 2005 the maximum available bed capacity of the prison system was 3,352 and there were 3,142 persons in custody on that date. That does not, however, imply the existence of 200 readily available spaces. A significant proportion of these spaces were accounted for as follows: high security spaces in Portlaoise which are not suitable for the general prison population; remand...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 271 on Wednesday, 19 October 2005, in regard to the above.

Written Answers — Public Order Offences: Public Order 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 the Deputy on this matter when it becomes available.

Written Answers — Missing Persons: Missing Persons (23 Nov 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Garda missing persons bureau is attached to Garda headquarters and is responsible for maintaining data relating to missing persons. It also has responsibility for maintaining the compilation and updating of data relating to missing persons, along with the administration in association with the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children of the Irish missing children's website...