Results 41-60 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: It will make for fascinating reading for people who are awaiting the arrival of the postman.

Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: I thank the Acting Chairman. I wish first to put a question of an administrative nature to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, regarding whether he has permission from the Cabinet to accept amendments to this legislation. The issue of whether he has such permission has an impact in the context of whether Second Stage will be agreed. The Labour Party's spokesperson, Deputy McManus, has already...

Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: I appreciate that. However, the Minister will appreciate that there are some Ministers who have set their faces against ever accepting amendments while there are others who have accepted them. I was merely seeking clarification in respect of this matter. I wish to comment on a number of the principles underlying the Bill. The Minister is aware that I have great respect for him. I do not...

Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: I agree, and I wish this kind of dialogue could happen more often. I am well aware of the difference between the irrationality of markets in assets. We could have added the total irrationality of markets in virtual assets such as those which have brought the banking system to its knees and brought our economy to the point at which we have lost economic sovereignty. Equally, this is quite...

Written Answers — National Minimum Wage: National Minimum Wage (19 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 107: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he intends to proceed with the provision contained in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act that allows for a reduction in the national minimum wage; the date from which it is intended to apply the reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2522/11]

Written Answers — Construction Industry: Construction Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 113: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by sub-contractors in the construction sector when main contractors go into receivership, both in regard to unpaid contracts and difficulties in retrieving equipment and tools from construction sites; his plans to provide protection for sub-contractors in this...

Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (19 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to contribute. When one looks at the substance of this legislation and its Title, the Bretton Woods Agreement (Amendment) Bill 2011, one cannot avoid asking the fundamental question as to what has happened to the spirit that informed the original Bretton Woods agreements. It has been one of the great moral failures of our time, although it began as a significant...

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (18 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 70: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the success of the Dublin bike scheme; if he recognises its potential for expansion; his plans to encourage the introduction of the bike scheme into other cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2248/11]

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Written Answers — Health Service Staff: Health Service Staff (13 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 47: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there have been any major gaps in appropriately experienced and qualified personnel to ensure that services are well managed following the recent redundancy-early retirement scheme; the measures being taken to ensure that appropriate staff are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1545/11]

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (13 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 76: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when investigations will be completed into inappropriate use of Health Service Executive funds for the SKILLS and other related programmes; the sanctions that will be taken against persons found to have misused such funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1546/11]

Order of Business (13 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: It is in the area of legislation.

Order of Business (13 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: When the Taoiseach hears the first cuckoo he will call the general election.

Leaders' Questions (12 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: That is right.

Leaders' Questions (12 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: He is about to put the question.

Written Answers — Banking Sector: Banking Sector (12 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 89: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the future viability of Irish Life and Permanent; if he expects that the State will be required to make a capital injection into the bank during 2011 in view of the revised PCAR analysis and enhanced capital requirements; if he remains committed to the future existence of a third force in Irish banking; and if he will make a statement...

Written Answers — Financial Services Sector: Financial Services Sector (12 Jan 2011)

Michael D Higgins: Question 132: To ask the Minister for Finance the date on which he intends to proceed with the disposal or merger of Irish credit institutions in which the State has a majority or controlling stake, particularly Irish Nationwide and Educational Building Society; when he expects to make a final decision on any such disposals or mergers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1398/11]

National Minimum Wage: Motion (Resumed) (15 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I am pleased to have the opportunity to conclude this debate on behalf of the Labour Party. As the party's president, I am proud it put down this motion defending those on the minimum wage. The Labour Party has also made it clear that when it enters government, the order to reduce the minimum wage will be rescinded. I pay tribute to my colleague, Deputy Penrose, who prepared a researched...

Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The issues that arise in this regard are quite serious. Obviously if Members can resolve this issue, which should be done either by clarification or by vote, one would be able to approach what the Minister seeks to achieve in other sections in a much clearer fashion. Certainly, the case for this amendment that has been made by my colleague, Deputy Burton, is very important. It is simply a...

Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Then we would have to oppose section 53.