Results 16,361-16,380 of 19,162 for speaker:Alan Shatter

Written Answers — Defence Forces Strength: Defence Forces Strength (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am informed by the Military Authorities that there are currently 534 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and 239 Reserve Defence Force (RDF) applications for security clearance awaiting processing by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. These numbers include serving members of the PDF and RDF who are required to be re-vetted on transferring to specific posts. A breakdown of these numbers between new...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Strength: Defence Forces Strength (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am advised by the military authorities that the total strength of the Reserve Defence Force at 31 March 2011 was 5,728, of which 986 were non-effective, giving an effective strength of 4,742. A national breakdown of the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force per Brigade is provided in the tabular statement overleaf. I am aware that effective numbers in the Reserve have declined...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Recruitment: Defence Forces Recruitment (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: The number of persons who were recruited into the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows: Army Naval Service Air Corps Total 2007 478 87 0 565 2008 441 66 0 507 2009 0 0 0 0 2010 77 38 0 115 Recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve the reduction of 3% in...

Written Answers — Programmes for Government: Programmes for Government (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: The relevant specific commitments in the Programme for Government are: - the implementation of the Defence Forces Medical Services Review as resources allow, and - the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. The Defence Forces Medical Services Review...

Written Answers — Army Barracks: Army Barracks (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. In that context the dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to the essential collective training required to fulfil those roles. It also imposes increased and unnecessary...

International Terrorism (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: The use of explosive devices such as that employed recently in Trim is a matter of ongoing concern to me and to the Garda authorities, no matter who is responsible for them. Garda strategies are very firmly focused on disrupting their use and, where sufficient evidence is available, proffering charges and bringing such persons before the courts. The House should remember that there are...

School Transport (3 May 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Ciarán Cannon. I will draw to his attention the comments made by the Deputy and will respond as best I can with the information available to me. A number of changes to the school transport scheme were introduced in the 2011 budget by the previous Fianna...

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: The Deputy will be aware that there has been a significant increase in the number of outlets offering to buy gold for cash in towns and cities in the State. I am aware that the trade gives rise to concerns reported in communities about crime that may be linked to the cash for gold trade. The informal purchase of jewellery is not specifically regulated in criminal legislation; however the...

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am reviewing the current entry requirements into An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Commissioner. This review will of course take into account the recommendations of the Report referred to by the Deputy, including the recommendations on educational qualifications.

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am informed by the Garda authorities that vetting applications in respect of the persons to whom the Deputy refers have been received at the Garda Central Vetting Unit and are in the course of being processed. Responses will issue to the registered organisation involved in due course.

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit and is in the course of being processed. It is anticipated that a response should issue shortly. The average processing time for vetting applications fluctuates in line with periods of increased demand. In processing an...

Written Answers — Commercial Rent Reviews: Commercial Rent Reviews (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government indicates that legislation will be introduced to end upward only rent reviews for existing leases. I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to progressing this matter as expeditiously as possible. That consultation will, of course, take account of all relevant factors which pertain to this matter.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: Ireland has comprehensive legal protection against discrimination on the ground of disability. Persons with disabilities, including persons with autism, are protected from discrimination and afforded reasonable accommodation in access to goods and services and in the field of employment, under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2008 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2008, respectively. In...

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am advised by the Garda authorities that an application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit and is in the course of being processed. It is anticipated that a response should issue shortly.

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 24th May, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of...

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (21 Apr 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 — Gaming Regulation: Gaming Regulation (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I am aware of the action launched by US law enforcement authorities under its Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, 2006. Internet gaming, including internet poker, is not licensed in the State, therefore none of the gaming sites mentioned by the Deputy can claim to have any authorisation from the State to provide services to jurisdictions where such gaming is prohibited. I understand...

Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2011 - Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: I begin by thanking everyone who has participated in the debate. In particular, I thank Deputies for the support they have expressed for the Bill. Also, I congratulate the speakers who have made their maiden speeches. I congratulate Deputy Flanagan for temporarily becoming Leader of the Opposition in the House. I thank Deputies for the kind comments they have made and for their good...

Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2011 - Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: As soon as possible after the Easter recess. I cannot provide an exact date. Unfortunately, we must await the formation of the committees before Committee Stage can be taken.

Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2011 - Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2011)

Alan Shatter: Okay. On Tuesday, 3 May 2011. I will stick with the formula.