Results 20,021-20,040 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Departmental Bodies. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: While I accept that my colleagues wish to speak, I would also like to be shown the courtesy of being able to put my question. I ask nothing further.

Departmental Bodies. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Taoiseach advise whether funding for the Community Workers Co-operative will be restored? A White Paper on community and voluntary activity has been published and an implementation group established. Will the implementation group and the task force on active citizenship be linked?

Departmental Bodies. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Perhaps I might ask a very brief supplementary question.

Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I object to taking this motion without debate because it should be debated, especially given that on numerous occasions the Minister for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and his officials have acknowledged the need for a review of The Hague programme, particularly in the context of the rejection of the EU constitution by the French and Dutch electorates. A moratorium should...

Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: However, there will be no debate in this House. That is the issue. I object to the lack of debate in this House.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach the responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27693/05]

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Chief Whip, Deputy Kitt, who is one of the Taoiseach's Ministers of State, is described on the Department's website as having among his tasks the operation of the pairing system. Will the Taoiseach elaborate on the role of the Chief Whip in this regard? For the benefit of those outside the House who have little or no understanding of this system, will the Taoiseach advise the House how it...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——explanation of how this pairing system works. The Chief Whip is nominally responsible for Dáil reform. What measures of reform has he presented in the period of his tenure since 2002? Given our knowledge of these, will the Taoiseach advise us if the Chief Whip is seriously considering real reform measures at this time?

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I welcome Deputy Kenny to the Chamber. I thought I was doing well in his absence as Deputy Kehoe had placed me in the Taoiseach's chair when he referred to Corporal O'Dea at my side.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We will wait and see.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I am still talking to Deputy Kenny and I hope he is pleased to note that. In the Taoiseach's reply to my question about——

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——the operation of the pairing system, in which Deputy Kenny will be very interested, he indicated that it applies to Ministers and Ministers of State. I have been a Member of this House for just over eight years and I have noticed the pairing arrangement operating beyond that. Is the Taoiseach not aware that pairing arrangements have exceeded the original arrangement? The pairing...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——I recall that during the expulsion of a Fine Gael Member, Deputy Timmins, from this House, members of his party had to sit on their hands and could not cast a vote due to pairing arrangements. That is hardly something that would bring the Government down. Does the Taoiseach believe that the arrangement operating between Fine Gael, presenting the semblance of opposition, and the...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It gives a false reading of the position of the Government on issues in this House. Perhaps the Taoiseach will elaborate on his reply.

Departmental Bodies. (15 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 5: To ask the Taoiseach the membership of the task force on active citizenship; when it will issue its first report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24621/05]

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (10 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 14: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of US troops that have been present in Shannon Airport dressed in military uniform each month for the past six years. [33476/05]

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (10 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 81: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of US troops that has been present in Shannon Airport dressed in military uniform in 2005. [33475/05]

Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (resumed). (10 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: This is modest legislation and provides for some improvement in parental leave in accordance with the Sustaining Progress agreement. However, the Government should be embarrassed to debate this Bill in the Oireachtas at this time. It is long overdue and implements an agreement that has run out at this stage. This Bill is pathetic when demands are growing and debate is raging though the State...

Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (resumed). (10 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I wish him well and welcome back the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power.

Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (resumed). (10 Nov 2005)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Ministers have been swapping places like a game of musical chairs all morning. They are coveting that chair.