Results 15,961-15,980 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

European Council Meeting: Statements (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It shows a complete lack of respect——

European Council Meeting: Statements (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——for both the democratic institutions of the State and the democratic will of the people. That is what it amounts to. The Taoiseach can make all the mocking sounds he likes as to the irony of my saying this, but——

European Council Meeting: Statements (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——I point it out to him, nevertheless. However uncomfortable it makes him, it is his problem, not mine.

European Council Meeting: Statements (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Rerunning the referendum on the Lisbon treaty, albeit one that will not be altered by one iota, would be a denial of democracy. It is no different from a defeated Government rerunning a general election in the hope that the people will change their minds. We have often wished it, but we know that it is never an option. If the Taoiseach proceeds with his intention to put the same treaty to...

Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I would like clarification on No. 12 before agreeing to proposal No. 5 on the Order Paper, which refers specifically that leave be given by the Dáil to introduce Supplementary Estimates relating to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I would like confirmation that this is in the context of the recent crisis in the pork and bacon industry. Will the Taoiseach clarify, in the...

Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It is most unusual that a matter of this importance would be met in the House with such heckling and interference. This is a hugely important issue with regard to the principle of the acceptance of farmers throughout the island of Ireland as Irish producers and the Government's responsibility to compensate without discrimination based on geographic location. Can we please have clarification...

Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: On the same issue, given the schedule for tomorrow, it is within the Government's compass to accommodate what is being sought by Opposition voices here this morning. We need additional time to address the critical issue of the proposed recapitalisation of the banks. We need the opportunity to quiz the Minister. Some 20 minutes is not sufficient, as we have had examples of this and will...

Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Tá sé thuas i Lapland.

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Taoiseach confirm that, at the European Council meeting last week, he secured no changes and no commitments to make any changes to the actual text of the Lisbon treaty? Given that no changes have been secured and no commitments to make any changes to the actual text have been made, why has the Taoiseach agreed to put the same treaty to the electorate, which has already rejected it?...

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Taoiseach referred to people not being minded to make changes. If Sinn Féin had accepted that position over the years, the dramatic and important developments——

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——in the North of this island would never have occurred. The significant achievements made in the past 12 months were brought about because people were prepared to continue to play their part and to imaginatively explore the options. Does the Taoiseach accept that he has not so explored the mandate the electorate gave him in the referendum on the Lisbon treaty to the effect that he...

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Taoiseach accept he does not possess a clear formula to allow him to answer my question regarding the status of these oft referred to legally binding declarations? Does he also accept that, critically and clearly, no changes to the Lisbon treaty as presented to the Irish electorate, either by amendments to the text or by protocols, have been secured, and that is the critical fault line?

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Taoiseach explain how they are legally binding?

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It does not say in the Nice treaty that we cannot.

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It is to be reduced to 27.

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Let us stick to the facts.

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Is there sufficient generosity in the Taoiseach to acknowledge——

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——that only the majority of Irish people voted "No" he would not have sought that and was prepared to have us accept far less than is even provided for in the Nice treaty?

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Taoiseach have the generosity to acknowledge that?

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It does not have to be worse under the Lisbon treaty.