Results 15,341-15,360 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Prison Closures: Prison Closures (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: The closure of Fort Mitchel Place of Detention will yield significant savings by facilitating the transfer of prison staff to other prisons where better economies of scale can apply and where transferred staff can offset and reduce ongoing overtime costs. In addition, savings will arise from non-payment of the allowance which is paid to staff for working on the island, non-operation of the...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (17 May 2005)

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 Shankill Garda station as of December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and as of May 13, 2005 was as set out in the table: Date Number 31/12/00 53 31/12/01 48 31/12/02 53 31/12/03 55 31/12/04 61 13/05/05 63 I am...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. Working Group Name Year Established Expenditure Central Presidency Planning Group 2003 Nil Legal Advisory Group on Defamation 2002 â'¬1,108.00 Expert Group on the Codification of Criminal Law 2003 â'¬64,717.53 Coroners' Rules Committee 2001 â'¬44,011.71 ...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 308 together. In the normal course of events, the disposal of land or buildings used by my Department is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works. However, the Prison Service has disposed of several properties in recent years, the details of which are set out below. In 1996 the old Garda station in Kells, County Meath, which was vested in the...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.

Written Answers — Children Act 2001: Children Act 2001 (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Children Act 2001 is complex and comprehensive legislation and, for those reasons, provisions under the Act are implemented on a phased basis, as was envisaged at the time of enactment. Responsibility for implementing the Act lies with the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science, mainly in respect of juvenile offending, and Health and Children in respect of...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: The system of direct provision of accommodation and other services to asylum seekers was introduced with the approval of the Government by my predecessor who had full regard to the provisions of the equality legislation, the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. I see no reason to disagree with the decision of my predecessor on this matter.

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: The direct provision system seeks to ensure that the accommodation and ancillary services provided by the State meet the requirements of asylum seekers during the period in which their requests for asylum are being processed. In addition, a direct provision allowance of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child was introduced several years ago and is paid by community welfare officers,...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: On Committee Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, I propose to introduce measures to provide that firearms and other offensive weapons may be surrendered to the Garda. I will also be proposing a range of measures to increase sentences for more serious range of firearms offences, including the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences in some cases. My full range of proposals will be...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: The non-EEA national in question has been residing in Ireland for the last 25 years but has only recently sought to regularise her immigration status in the State. Certain documentary evidence has been requested from her legal representative in support of her application for residency. On receipt of the required evidence, I expect that the matter will be finalised quickly.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my replies of today's date to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 5 and 6.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: On Committee Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, I propose to introduce measures to provide that firearms and other offensive weapons may be surrendered to the Garda. I will also be proposing a range of measures to increase sentences for more serious range of firearms offences, including the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences in some cases. My full range of proposals will be...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: There is a particular overriding necessity to ensure that public safety and security are given priority in any review of policy and legislation for firearms. I have decided to introduce at an early stage, certain proposals for inclusion in the Criminal Justice Bill. The Bill, as published, contains one of those proposals, to provide for the secure custody of firearms. Other provisions will be...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the procedures in place to record criminal incidents are such that the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I am further informed that the research and retrieval and verification of data required to furnish the information in question would place an inordinate demand on Garda resources.

Written Answers — Private Security Industry: Private Security Industry (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am concerned that there is some evidence of unacceptable elements entering the private security industry. That is one reason why I have introduced legislation to regulate the industry. The Private Security Services Act 2004 was signed into law on 4 May 2004. This Act allows for, inter alia, the establishment of a private security authority to control and supervise persons providing security...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: I refer the Deputy to my replies of today's date to Questions Nos. 5 and 6.

Written Answers — Proceeds of Crime: Proceeds of Crime (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that a formal audit of the amount of property allegedly in the hands of criminal bosses has not been carried out to date given the inherent difficulties involved, not least because of the extent of potential overlaps between various criminal activities. Data available from the Criminal Assets Bureau may be indicative. Since its inception in 1996, the...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (17 May 2005)

Michael McDowell: It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.