Ahern, Dermot

Wednesday, 12 January 2011

Dáil Éireann Debate
Vol. 726 No. 1
Unrevised

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Leaders’ Questions

Deputy Rabbitte put his finger on it. It is that ludicrous.More Button

Order of Business

Deputy Gilmore clearly has not read it.More Button

Again.More Button

The Dignity project, which went to Sweden, produced a report at my request. It is now with the Attorney General to examine the constitutional and legal implications of a change in the law.More Button

He should put down a question. It has gone to the Attorney General’s office.More Button

Like the Deputy, it goes on and on.More Button

Brostaigh ort.More Button

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2010: Order for Report Stage

I move: “That Report Stage be taken now.”More Button

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2010: Report and Final Stages

I move amendment No. 1: In page 4, lines 4 and 5, to delete “a fine not exceeding €400” and substitute “a class E fine”. These amendments arise from the new classification system introduced by Part 2 ...More Button

The reason this Bill was mentioned in the Chief Whip’s press release is that it is one of the Bills which is nearing completion in the House. Equally so, it is a fairly simply Bill but one with an im...More Button

During the Christmas period I heard Joe Duffy claiming credit for the legislation on head shops. I and this House also had something to do with that.More Button

Yes, that is what I said.More Button

I move amendment No. 2: In page 4, lines 39 and 40, to delete “a fine not exceeding €300” and substitute “a class E fine”.More Button

I move amendment No. 3: In page 6, lines 1 and 2, to delete “a fine not exceeding €200” and substitute “a class E fine”.More Button

I move amendment No. 4: In page 6, to delete lines 19 to 21 and substitute the following: “(a) on summary conviction to a class A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or”. ...More Button

In principle, I am in favour of changing the law regarding prostitution and of moving in the direction recently indicated. I have stated this in reply to parliamentary questions. I was encouraging o...More Button

I accept there is anger and there are none more angry than members of the Cabinet who have had to deal with this issue over the past two and a half years. I do not accept that the laws are inadequate...More Button

I move amendment No. 5: In page 6, line 23, to delete “€50,000” and substitute “€200,000”.More Button

I move amendment No. 6: In page 6, line 29, to delete “a fine not exceeding €5,000” and substitute “a class A fine”.More Button

Written Answers - Pension Provisions

Was asked: the budget cuts to the pensions of civil servants, if a person (details supplied) who is on the early retirement scheme will now be exempt from the condition which states that they are not permitted ...More Button

The person in question retired from my Department on 31 March 2009 under the Cost Neutral Early Retirement Scheme. Under the terms of this Scheme, there is no condition preventing an individual retur...More Button

Written Answers - Citizenship Applications

Was asked: the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 March 2008 and I decided in my...More Button

Written Answers - Crime Prevention

Was asked: the measures that are in place to regulate the increasing number of cash for gold outlets that have been set up in recent months in view of the fact that thefts of gold and jewellery from domestic ho...More Button

Was asked: if the cash for gold industry is supervised and regulated by the Financial Regulator and if not, his plans to introduce measures to regulate this industry. More Button

Was asked: his plans to regulate the cash for gold shops which have opened in the past two years; his view of whether the establishment of these shops attributes to the increase in theft and robbery of jeweller...More Button

Was asked: if he will provide details of the regulations governing the so called cash for gold outlets; if proof of ownership is necessary when selling gold to these outlets; if his attention has been drawn to ...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 497, 502, 514 and 572 together. 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...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Recruitment

Was asked: the Garda Síochána Training and Development Review Group Report 2009, his plans to implement new guidelines in relation to the recruitment of gardaí with specific reference to the 140 CAO points requ...More Button

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 ...More Button

Written Answers - Firearms Licences

Was asked: the number of judicial reviews currently before the High Court arising out of a refusal to grant firearms licences; his plans to undertake a review of existing firearms legislation or to issue furthe...More Button

I can inform the Deputy that in the region of 175 judicial reviews have been lodged arising from refusals to grant firearms licences by designated persons within An Garda Síochána. As the matter is c...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Remuneration

Was asked: if he will provide details on the range of allowances paid to members of An Garda Síochána; the amount paid to members of An Garda Síochána in allowances in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and ...More Button

The information sought by the Deputy is currently being collated by the Garda authorities and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.More Button

Written Answers - Garda Training

Was asked: if he will provide details on the new Garda training programme being developed by the Garda College, including details on the curriculum and the duration of the training programme including the durat...More Button

The new B.A. Programme (Applied Policing) currently being developed is a 104 week (2 year) degree level programme which will be accredited by H.E.T.A.C. The 104 week training and education programme ...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Support Services

Was asked: the position regarding asylum seekers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the position regarding immigrants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 504 together. My Department has established a comprehensive system for the provision of the broad range of immigration services. The Irish Naturalisation and ...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Recruitment

Was asked: the position regarding Garda recruitment and the position in respect of existing panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 410 Garda applicants who have successfully completed stages 1 and 2 of the application process. Of these there are a total of 164 appli...More Button

Written Answers - Prison Staff

Was asked: the position regarding prison officer recruitment and the position in respect of existing panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with Government Decision of 3 February and 24 March 2009 on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, more generally referred to as ...More Button

Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure

Was asked: the cost to his Department from 2007 in respect of providing all computer hardware and software, in his private and constituency office, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter...More Button

All Ministers are provided with the standard Departmental suite of ICT equipment. In addition some Ministers have been provided with PCs and associated IT equipment for their constituency offices. T...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The person concerned has had his leave to remain in the State renewed for a further three year period, to 22nd November, 2013. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter ...More Button

Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure

Was asked: if he will set out any sum of money paid by his Department to a company (details supplied) in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I can inform the Deputy, that following a review of the Department’s centralised payment system, there does not appear to have been any payment made to the company in question over the last 5 year pe...More Button

Written Answers - Departmental Bodies

Was asked: if a bonus was paid to any of the management in the Legal Aid Board in 2010; if there are plans for a bonus to be paid in 2011; the amount of bonus paid per manager; the total amount paid; if he will...More Button

The question of the payment of bonuses in the Legal Aid Board is a matter for the Board, which is statutorily independent of my Department. I am advised that as the high level scheme of performance-re...More Button

Written Answers - Departmental Websites

Was asked: the number and cost of each website that falls under his remit; the number of unique visitors per month to each website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

My Department provides centralised support for 23 websites — related to the work of the department and some bodies under its remit — developed under its IT Shared Service model. Details of visits are...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Operations

Was asked: the position regarding vandalism to a vehicle (details supplied). More Button

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy, and its investigatio...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Vetting

Was asked: if a voluntary organisation (details supplied) in County Mayo will be entitled to garda vetting for their staff and volunteers; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the organisation appli...More Button

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting to organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary ...More Button

Written Answers - Visa Applications

Was asked: the position regarding a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I can advise the Deputy that the visa application referred to is currently being considered by a Visa Officer. A decision on the case will issue in due course. I should remind the Deputy that queries...More Button

Written Answers - Citizenship Applications

Was asked: the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied). More Button

An 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 2010. The Irish Nationality and...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 1108 Wednesday, 25 September 2010 and Parliamentary Question No. 147 Thursday, 25th November 2010. The status of the person conc...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 542 together. I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 218 on 2 December 2009 and to his Parliamentary Question No. 168 on Wedne...More Button

Was asked: if he will consider extending residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the fact that their spouse has residency status here since 2001; and if he will make a sta...More Button

The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, made following the consideration of her case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This Order was served on the person c...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: if a review of an application for residency can be undertaken in view of the deportation order issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the...More Button

Was asked: if a review of an application for residency can be undertaken in view of a deportation order issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the m...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 524 together. The person concerned arrived in the State on the 30 November 2008 and applied for asylum on the 1 December 2008. The Refugee Applications Commis...More Button

Written Answers - Work Permits

Was asked: if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare requires a work permit in order to obtain employment; the current position in relation to residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy does not meet the qualifying criteria for Long term residency which would exem...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the current or expected position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 536 together. The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for a two year period, to 30th November, 2012. This decision was conveyed in ...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 7 December 2010. The position is as stated. A decision regarding the granting, or otherwise, of future permission to remain in the S...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: the progress made to date in the determination of residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The persons concerned, a husband and wife, have no current permission to remain in the State. As a result, they were informed, by separate letters dated 18th August, 2009, that the Minister proposed t...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an asylum application and residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 571 together. The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for a two year period, to 5 January 2013. This decision was conveyed in writin...More Button

Was asked: when Stamp 3 will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who has a promise of employment which they are anxious to take up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The person referred to by the Deputy was granted Long Term Residency on the 8 March 2010 for 5 years as a dependant. This permission does not allow the person concerned to work without a work permit....More Button

Was asked: the reason approval by letter dated November 2010 has not been honoured in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when they will receive permission to remain; and if he will make a sta...More Button

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy applied for a change of Status and was granted a Stamp 2 Student sta...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: the position regarding an application for leave to remain here in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 7th ...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Arising from the refusal of her 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 19th...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: the progress made to date in the determination of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 537 together. The Spouse of Irish National Unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that correspondence was recently received...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Arising from the refusal of her application for asylum, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated ...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned is the sibling of an Irish born child of non-EEA parents that was born in the State prior to 1 January, 2005. The person concerned was granted per...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: when a decision will be made in respect of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Arising from the refusal of her 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...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: when Stamp 4 will be updated and or renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, the delay in respect of which is causing serious hardship; and if he will make a statement on the ...More Button

I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State in 2001 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children. This pe...More Button

Was asked: the progress made to date in the determination of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

As the name of the person referred to by the Deputy does not match the reference number supplied, it is not possible to provide the information sought at this time. However, information on the particu...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Applications

Was asked: the progress made to date in the determination of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 140 of Thursday, 25th November, 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 with particular reference to danger to their safety and well-being if returned to their homeland; and if he will make a statement...More Button

The persons referred to by the Deputy are a mother and her young child. While only the mother is named in the Deputy’s Question, it is being assumed that as both reference numbers are provided, he is ...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: when stamp 4 will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that they have received confirmation of impending approval; and if he will make a stateme...More Button

I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 Januar...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 13th...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 7th ...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application for Family Reunification in August 2009. The application was forw...More Button

Written Answers - Deportation Orders

Was asked: the grounds on which a motoring offence is considered sufficient grounds for deportation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has legally worked in this jurisdiction for t...More Button

The Deputy might wish to note that the motoring offence in question was that of drunken driving which, upon conviction at District Court level, gave rise to a financial penalty and a three year disqua...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: when a decision on an application to remain here will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow.More Button

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the persons referred to by the Deputy made an application for permission to remain in the State in March 2009. A letter re...More Button

Written Answers - Family Support Services

Was asked: his views on a matter (details supplied). More Button

It is unclear from the details provided what assistance the Deputy has in mind or the nature of the abuse envisaged by the question. Should the Deputy be referring to emotional support or social work ...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Strength

Was asked: the notifications received regarding the number of gardaí who intend to retire in 2011; and the number of gardaí scheduled to retire during 2011. More Button

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of applications received to date for voluntary retirement in 2011 and the number of compulsory retirements in 2011 is as set out hereunder:More Button

Written Answers - Prisoner Releases

Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 7 December 2010, in the case of non-EEA nationals released from prison-detention deported at the time of their release, the arrangements made for such dep...More Button

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question 201 of 17th December, 2010 outlining the issues with compiling the information sought. For the sake of completion I would also add that the ...More Button

Written Answers - Prison Mobile Phone Seizures

Was asked: the number of mobile phones seized in prisons in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 and to detail in respect of each year the numbers seized in each prison in the State. More Button

Section 36 of the Prisons Act, 2007, which was brought into operation on 1 May, 2007, makes it an offence for prisoners to have unauthorised possession of or use of mobile telecommunication devices. U...More Button

Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 147 and 148 of 17 November 2010, in the context of 1,387 mobile phone seizures in prisons during the first nine months of 2010, his promise that the Central Sta...More Button

In my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos 147 and 148 of 17 November, 2010 I stated that I had asked the Central Statistics Office to supply statistics directly to the Deputy, as the Garda Síochána A...More Button

Written Answers - Visa Applications

Was asked: the reason for the rejection of an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1130 of 29 September 2010. I should add that my Department is not aware of any visa application having being made by the person concerned ...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 25th...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Arising from the refusal of her 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 23rd...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

As the name of the person referred to by the Deputy does not match the reference number supplied, it is not possible to provide the information sought at this time. However, information on the particu...More Button

Was asked: if he will clarify the way a person (details supplied) in County Waterford was deemed to have been avoiding deportation for most of the time since 2003; if this was due to the oversight of the applic...More Button

My Department’s records show that the person concerned was served with a Deportation Order on 23rd October, 2003 which placed a legal obligation on him to ‘present’ at the Offices of the Garda Nationa...More Button

Was asked: if Stamp 3 can be extended to Stamp 4 to enable a person (details supplied) in County Kildare take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The person concerned has had his temporary permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 3 conditions, renewed for a six month period, until 11th April, 2011. This decision was conveyed to the person c...More Button

Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is required to make a further new application in view of the fact that they have done so already on several occasions; and if he will make a st...More Button

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to Parliamentary Questions in this matter. I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy ...More Button

Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 7 December 2010, if he will clarify the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 7 December 2010, the Travel Document Unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that the person referred to in the Deputy’s...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Applications

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 22nd...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application for Family Reunification on behalf of his wife in June 2005 and a...More Button

Was asked: if Stamp 4 will be offered to the spouse of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I wish to inform the Deputy that the spouse of the person concerned initially entered the State on a Join Spouse “D” visa in December 2006. I am informed that he was subsequently granted permission t...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Support Services

Was asked: when an accommodation transfer to Dublin will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The person referred to in...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Applications

Was asked: the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 352 of Tuesday, 19th October, 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 15 O...More Button

Written Answers - Residency Permits

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency and update of Stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I wish to inform the Deputy that minor children under the age of sixteen who are in the care of non-EU national parents who have been granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 scheme,...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy has no application pending for residency. The person concerned is the subject of a ...More Button

Was asked: the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy has no application pending for residency. The person concerned is the subject of a ...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Training

Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 15 December 2010, when will this information be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 15 December 2010, when will this information be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 15 December 2010, when will this information be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 to 575, inclusive, together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength, inc...More Button

Written Answers - Irish Prison Service

Was asked: the position regarding an allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I can advise the Deputy that there has been no increase to the allowance referred to since 1 January 2004. More Button

Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure

Was asked: the amount spent by his Department on opinion polling and focus group research in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

In 2009 and last year a total of €800 was incurred by the Citizenship Division of my department into research on aspects of the process of applying for Irish Citizenship and related issues.More Button

Was asked: the number of mobile telephones paid for by public bodies under his remit in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the total cost of paying mobile telephone bills in each of those years;...More Button

I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy. As the Deputy may be aware there are approximately twenty four public bodies under the remit of my Department. This includes lar...More Button

Was asked: the number of mobile telephones paid for by his Department in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the total cost of paying mobile telephone bills in each of those years; and if he will...More Button

I wish to inform the Deputy that it is not possible to provide the requested information for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 as the data sought cannot be disaggregated from other data for the period in ...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Equipment

Was asked: if the Garda and immigration automated fingerprint identification system has been implemented in full; the final cost of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I have requested the information sought from the relevant authorities and will revert to the Deputy in writing in due course.More Button

Written Answers - Legislative Programme

Was asked: the progress he has made in providing a property price database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I intend to bring forward amendments to the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 at Committee Stage to provide for the publication of residential property sales prices by the Property Services Reg...More Button

Written Answers - Restorative Justice

Was asked: the progress he has made in implementing the Final Report of the National Commission on Restorative Justice; the amount of the identified estimated annual savings of €8.3 million which have been achi...More Button

In my reply to Parliamentary Question 129 on 25 November I announced that the Probation Service will be introducing a scheme to test a range of restorative interventions for adult offenders based on t...More Button

Written Answers - Child Abduction

Was asked: the number of cases dealt with by the Central Authority for Child Abduction in 2009 and 2010; the number of cases concerning abductions into the State from other countries and those concerning abduct...More Button

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to cases dealt with by the Central Authority for Child Abduction in my Department in 2009 is available on my Department’s website www.justice.ie (Press...More Button

Written Answers - Sex Offender Treatment Programme

Was asked: the progress he has made regarding the introduction of standardised evidence-based risk assessments specifically designed for sex offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

In 2009 I announced a new policy on the management of sex offenders in prison which is aimed at bringing about changes in offenders’ lives that reduce risk of re-offending and enhance public protectio...More Button

Written Answers - Human Trafficking

Was asked: the progress he has made in implementing the national action plan to combat human trafficking, specifically awareness raising by means of targeted campaigns, programmes and information aimed at law e...More Button

Dedicated anti-human trafficking units have been established in the Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Legal Aid Board (LAB) and the Department of Justice and Law Reform (Anti-Hum...More Button

Written Answers - Sexual Offences

Was asked: his plans to introduce legislation similar to Sarah’s law in the UK providing information to parents. More Button

Was asked: his plans to introduce legislation similar to Sarah’s law in the UK on the provision of information to parents regarding sex offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together. As the Deputy may know, the Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to the notification requirements — sex...More Button

Written Answers - Citizenship Applications

Was asked: when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy’s Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 2008. The applicatio...More Button

Written Answers - Proposed Legislation

Was asked: if he will provide the background regarding his introduction of the corporate manslaughter Bill; the legislation that currently exists in this area; when this Bill will be brought before the Houses o...More Button

On 14 December last the Government agreed my proposals for the preparation of a Corporate Manslaughter Bill. The Government’s decision arises from its consideration of the “Law Reform Commission Repor...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Operations

Was asked: the number of random roadside checks carried out by the Garda Síochána during December 2008, December 2009 and December 2010; the number of random roadside checks that were carried out by the Garda S...More Button

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables show the numbers of mandatory alcohol testing (MAT) checkpoints and roadside breath-tests conducted at such checkpoints for the months ...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Applications

Was asked: the current position in respect of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

Arising from the refusal of her 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 16th...More Button

Written Answers - Citizenship Applications

Was asked: the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

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 August 2010. The application i...More Button

Written Answers - Pension Provisions

Was asked: the changes made to the pensions of retired members of the Garda following the budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The changes made to the pensions of retired members of An Garda Síochána in Budget 2011 are similar to the changes made to all public service pensions, and include the new Universal Social Charge and ...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Vetting of Personnel

Was asked: the number of persons awaiting a decision on Garda clearance; if all of these applications are from the previous year; the average processing time of applications; and if he will make a statement on ...More Button

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, pa...More Button

Written Answers - Irish Prison Service

Was asked: if he will give statutory recognition and underpinning to the Prisons Authority interim board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I have no immediate plans to introduce legislation to place the Irish Prison Service or the Prisons Authority Interim Board on a statutory basis. More Button

Written Answers - Prisoner Education Service

Was asked: if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the history of the CONNECT project in Irish prisons and the way this work of re-integrating former prisoners into society and the economy is now facilitated in th...More Button

The CONNECT project was piloted with EU Integra Funding in the years prior to 2000 and was announced as part of the 2000 to 2006 National Development Plan. It consisted of three strands: Work Trainin...More Button

Written Answers - Irish Prison Service

Was asked: his plans to institute a modern management system in prisons for governors and their deputies similar to the normal management powers of chief executive officers, deputy chief executive officers and ...More Button

As the Deputy is aware political responsibility for the Prison System in Ireland is vested in me as the Minister for Justice and Law Reform. The Irish Prison Service operates as an executive agency wi...More Button

Was asked: the number of times he has visited Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, since June 2008; the date and purpose of each visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I can advise the Deputy that I visited Mountjoy Prison on 14 June 2010. During this visit I toured the facility to see a first hand the range of services and facilities available to the prisoners. I a...More Button

Written Answers - Prison Building Programme

Was asked: the plans and timeline for the new Thornton Hall prison, County Dublin, and for the installation of normal cell toilet facilities in Mountjoy Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I can inform the Deputy that the development of the new prison campus at Thornton Hall, Kilsallaghan, County Dublin is now proceeding on a phased basis. Phase one, which is currently in progress, comp...More Button

Written Answers - Prison Education Service

Was asked: the way the prison system interacts with local and national training and jobs agencies such as the Northside Partnership, other partnership companies nationwide and the city and county VECs; and if h...More Button

I can advise the Deputy that over 70% of prisoners are unemployed on committal and a similar percentage of these prisoners self-report as not having any particular trade or sectoral occupation. Emplo...More Button

Written Answers - Irish Prison Service

Was asked: the total number of prisoners each year from 1997 to the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. Figures are taken from the Annual Reports for the Irish Prison Service. Figures for 2010 are being finalised and will be publishe...More Button

Written Answers - Prisoner Work Schemes

Was asked: the number of community work projects carried out by inmates of prisons each year between 1997 and 2010; the work undertaken on these projects; the number and type of community work projects carried ...More Button

I can advise the Deputy that the information required is not readily available and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.More Button

Written Answers - Probation and Welfare Service

Was asked: the procedures that are in place for establishing accommodation facilities for prisoners leaving prison after they have served their term and who have no permanent residence; and if he will make a st...More Button

In recent years, in addition to the direct work of probation officers in regard to accommodation issues, a weekly clinic service has been provided in ten prisons by the Health Service Executive (HSE) ...More Button

Written Answers - Prison Education Service

Was asked: the education, arts and in particular drama programmes currently in place in Mountjoy and other prisons for rehabilitation and re-integration purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The Irish Prison Service places a strong emphasis on access to educational services and on the provision of work and training activities for prisoners. Educational services are available in Mountjoy ...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Operations

Was asked: if he will report on Garda Operation Marshall; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the amount of drugs seized to date; the number of gardaí involved; and if he will make a statement o...More Button

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Operation Marshall was a policing operation undertaken by the Garda National Drugs Unit with support from local drug units during the period June to December...More Button

Written Answers - Visa Applications

Was asked: the progress he has made on the issuing of Schengen visas for entry to Ireland from new and emerging markets, in particular visas from mainland China as it applies to the United Kingdom; and if he wi...More Button

Ireland is not a party to the Schengen Convention and does not, therefore, issue Schengen visas. My Department continually keeps under review visa arrangements with visa-required countries including ...More Button

Written Answers - Legal Costs

Was asked: the steps taken to date to implement the recommendation of the legal cost implementation advisory group report of November 2006 that an interim regulatory costs body is put in place and commence work...More Button

Was asked: his view on the proposal by the legal cost implementation advisory group in its report that legislation be enacted to establish a legal costs assessment office and an appeals adjudicator; the work he...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 608 together. As indicated in response to Question No. 148 of 15 December 2010, the details of proposals for legislation in relation to legal costs continue to...More Button

Written Answers - Court Staff

Was asked: the salary paid to the Taxing Masters of the High Court for the year ending 31 December 2010; and the public expenditure incurred in the running and maintaining of the Office of the Taxing Master of ...More Button

Was asked: if he plans to appoint a new Taxing Master of the High Court to replace one of the Taxing Masters who retired in December 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 610 together. The salary paid to each Taxing Master of the High Court during 2010 was €138,655 p.a. The costs associated with the operation of the Office of th...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Investigations

Was asked: when a report (details supplied) will be published; if the Garda completed its investigations into outstanding claims of abuse and submitted all files to the Director of Public Prosecutions; the info...More Button

The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides that, if the specified Minister considers that the publication of a report from a commission might prejudice any criminal proceedings that are pendin...More Button

Written Answers - Garda Training

Was asked: the number of qualified accountants who are members of the Garda fraud squad or who have been employed to work with the Garda fraud squad; the qualifications and ages of the individuals concerned; th...More Button

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are two Civilian Forensic Accountants employed full time by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) which replaced the Garda Fraud Squad in 199...More Button

Written Answers - Legal Profession

Was asked: the report of the Competition Authority of December 2006 into the solicitors and barristers profession if he is satisfied that the Honourable Society of Kings Inns have taken adequate action to imple...More Button

Was asked: the report of the Competition Authority with regard to the solicitors and barristers profession of December 2006, if he will give details of the actions taken by him to date in respect of the recomme...More Button

Was asked: the report of the Competition Authority of December 2006 into the solicitors and barristers profession whether he is satisfied that the Law Society of Ireland has taken adequate action to implement t...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 to 615, inclusive, together. I refer the Deputy to the 2009 Annual Report of the Competition Authority which makes clear that the Law Society has either completed ...More Button

Written Answers - Legal Services

Was asked: the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 the arrangements entered into by his Department for the obtaining of advice from a firm of solicitors and or from senior or junior counsel; in each case the ...More Button

Was asked: the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 if he will give details of the number of court cases initiated in each year in which he or his predecessor was named as a defendant; the number of such cases in each yea...More Button

Was asked: his Department, any body under the aegis of his Department and any State agency for which he is responsible; if he will give details of the legal services of which there has been competitive tenderin...More Button

I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 to 618, inclusive, together. I can inform the Deputy that, for the most part, the legal services sought by my Department are coordinated and paid for by the Office...More Button

Written Answers - Asylum Applications

Was asked: the position in relation to an application for residency or leave to remain in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. More Button

The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 27th March, 2007. Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, it was established that she had previously mad...More Button

Written Answers - Prisoner Releases

Was asked: the total prison population; the number of prisoners granted temporary release for Christmas 2010; the amount of those prisoners who cannot be accounted for after the Christmas break; and if he will ...More Button

I can advise the Deputy that on the 10 January, 2011 there were 4,369 prisoners in custody as compared to a bed capacity of 4,430. This represents an occupancy level of 99%. I can also inform the Dep...More Button

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