Results 15,721-15,740 of 19,162 for speaker:Alan Shatter

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: My Department is audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. There is an Internal Audit Unit within my Department and there are currently 3 full time and 1 contract Auditor employed in this Unit. There is an external audit contract in place and audit services are drawn down as and when required to carry out technical/specialised audits.

Written Answers — Organised Crime: Organised Crime (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: Tackling serious and organised crime, and bringing those involved in such activities to justice, is a key ongoing priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána are utilising all available legislation to target organised crime, including the provisions contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is progressed by the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Since August 2008 new Garda Stations have been provided in the Dublin Region at Irishtown, Finglas and Ballymun....

Written Answers — Courts Service: Courts Service (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: There are four judicial vacancies at present; two in the High Court and two in the District Court. The current procedures are set out in the Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995. In accordance with the provisions of section 16(2) of that Act, I have requested the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board to furnish me with the names of those persons it considers suitable for the current vacancies...

Written Answers — Organised Crime: Organised Crime (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: Combating serious and organised crime continues to be a key priority of the European Union in the development of an area of freedom, security and justice. The Stockholm Programme – An Open and Secure Europe Serving and Protecting Citizens, is the key strategic document setting out guidelines for legislative and operational planning within the area of freedom, security and justice for the...

Written Answers — Extremist Groups: Extremist Groups (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they continue to be actively involved in monitoring potential radical elements and engaging with communities in order to prevent a rise in extremism. The Garda maintain close and regular contact with their EU and other international counterparts in this regard. The prevention of violent...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: In respect of citizenship, as I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications for citizenship to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale which currently averages 25 months. These new arrangements will be publicly...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Immigration Act, 2004 (Registration Certificate Fee) Regulations 2008, S.I. 336 of 2008, sets out the fee payable for obtaining a certificate of registration under the Immigration Act, 2004 and the categories of persons for whom no fee is applicable. The current fee is €150. The Regulations provide that the following categories of persons are exempt from payment of the fee: Persons...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May, 2008. The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be finalised as expeditiously as possible. As I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: The position is that section 23 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 provides that an owners' management company may, as respects the multi-unit development for which that company has responsibility, make house rules relating to the effective operation and maintenance of the development. These rules must be consistent with any covenants or conditions contained in the title documents and...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: The bombing at Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was a senseless act of violence which tragically ended the lives of two innocent teenagers, Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a thorough investigation into the bombing was carried out at the time by local Gardaí, assisted by experts from Garda Headquarters and from the Army. There was also...

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am informed by the Garda authorities that they maintain liaison with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the requirements for the movement of animals, particularly along the border. Liaison in also maintained with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I am further informed that each of the Garda Divisions comprising the Northern Region has an information campaign...

Written Answers — Courts Service: Courts Service (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: Last month I formally launched the Dolphin House Family Mediation Initiative which is a joint initiative by the Legal Aid Board, the Family Mediation Service and the Courts Service. This pilot initiative provides the availability of both mediation and legal aid services within the one location with a view to encouraging more people to avail of mediation when seeking to resolve disputes...

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. Persons in the asylum process are not entitled to access social welfare supports, including rent supplement, and are therefore not entitled to State-funded private accommodation. The basic needs of such persons are...

Written Answers — Drug Courts: Drug Courts (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: Drug treatment courts can make an important contribution as a restorative justice measure but international studies also indicate that they need to evolve and develop on an ongoing basis. My Department carried out a review of the Dublin Drug Treatment Court which was published in May 2010 and identified particular issues to be addressed in terms of the court's management and operation. As a...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: The National Traveller Monitoring & Advisory Committee (NTMAC) was established in March 2007 following a commitment in Towards 2016 from all social partners to give concentrated attention to developing a more integrated approach towards the provision of services for the Traveller community, and to improve communication between Travellers and the settled community. Membership of the NTMAC...

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Central Vetting Unit has no record of a vetting application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. In the circumstances, I can only suggest that the person seeks clarification from the organisation submitting the application.

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: Further to Parliamentary Question No 290 of 5 April 2011, I am informed by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in late 2009. As I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps...

Written Answers — Departmental Funding: Departmental Funding (15 Jun 2011)

Alan Shatter: I can inform the Deputy that since my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality my Department has borne no costs relative to my Constituency Office and home in respect of telephones, IT services, office lease or rent, etc. The staff numbers currently assigned to my Constituency Office are as follows: 2 Clerical Officers (salary scale applicable: €23,177 - €37,341) and 1 Personal...