Results 16,041-16,060 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: Senator Cummins attacked Senator Mansergh for speaking when there was no one to defend the members of the Garda Síochána but Senator Cummins himself went up like a Polaris missile from under the water to defend their interests, as well he might.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I wish to tell my friends in the AGSI that my comments are positive, constructive and meant in the best spirit of partnership. Senator White mentioned that I have shown a certain flexibility of mind today and I invite others——

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——to be as equally flexible in their approach to these issues. I do not wish to become involved in a broad debate on this matter but it would be wrong were the Government to be highlighted as a party to the Weston Park agreement that did not deliver. I will pay tribute to Senator Mansergh, something I should do more often. I was present at Weston Park to dot the i's and cross the t's on...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——of that type of which it should be ashamed. I hope Irish people have not behaved in a collusive way in recent times. However, we must bear in mind that other people's perceptions of us would not be the same.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: In 1970 arms were given to many people in circumstances that Unionists in Northern Ireland would not be so quick to say were entirely——

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: Some of them were caught but others were not intercepted.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: What happened is now history and I will not be divisive. We should never claim we are morally pure and others are wrong. We should examine how others perceive us.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am just making a point——

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: ——that should be made. We are collectively seen by some people on this island as a group that has not been entirely without fault, irrespective of our party and our past disputes.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I will not involve myself in controversy. I am in an avuncular mood today and will remain so.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am pleased to have the opportunity to table this motion seeking the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry into suggestions of collusion in the brutal and callous murders of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Bob Buchanan by the Provisional IRA in 1989. The background to this motion originates as far back as August 2001 when, following discussions with the Northern...

Road Traffic Offences. (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am grateful to Deputy Keaveney for raising this matter. I share her concern at the presence of untaxed vehicles on our roads. As she points out, honest motorists are fed up with the small hardcore who continually evade paying their road taxes. The Exchequer loses millions in revenue each year to those evaders. I was interested to hear the Deputy say that she had raised this issue in the...

Garda Investigations. (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I thank Deputy Rabbitte for raising this matter. The facts of this case have been outlined to the House on a number of occasions. I do not propose to set them out again in full, but a brief summary may be helpful. The main facts, as notified to me by the Garda authorities, are as follows. Sylvia Shiels and Mary Callinan were murdered on the night of 6-7 March 1997 as they were sleeping....

Written Answers — Refugee Legal Services: Refugee Legal Services (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 237, inclusive, together. The information requested by the Deputy, in so far as it is readily available to me, is provided in this reply. The number of appeals against the recommendations of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner received by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the number of appeals which were granted for...

Written Answers — Courts Service: Courts Service (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: As I stated in reply to Question No. 351 from Deputy Costello on 8 March 2005, it has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested by the Deputy. The information sought is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

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

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that the speed detection equipment available to gardaí can be used during day time and night time hours.

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I regret the information the Deputy requested in Question No. 798 for written answer on 26 January 2005 was not available at that time. The information requested is outlined in a table which is being made available to the Deputy. The table shows the number of cases reported to the Garda Síochána for 2002, 2003 and 2004 by division and indicates where a firearm or firearms were stolen and...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: There are reciprocal recognition arrangements in respect of admission of lawyers in place between Ireland and the states of Pennsylvania, New York and California. This is facilitated by section 44(6) of the Solicitors Act 1954 as inserted by section 52 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994. The Act permits a person who is qualified in a profession corresponding to that of solicitor in non-EU...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: I am informed that the non-EEA national in question failed to report to the Garda immigration authorities in June 2004 to renew his permission to remain in the State as required under the provisions of the Immigration Act. He subsequently came to the attention of the Garda National Immigration Bureau in January 2005 while attempting to unlawfully enter the State from the UK without a required...

Written Answers — Children Act: Children Act (23 Mar 2005)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy will appreciate that the Children Act 2001 is very complex and comprehensive. As such, provisions under the Act are being implemented on a phased basis as envisaged at the time of its enactment. Responsibility for implementing the Children Act 2001 lies with the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science and Health and Children. The Department of...