Results 16,601-16,620 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 126: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the recent report on household budgets from the Vincentian Partnership which revealed that single female pensioners and single adults living on social welfare or the national minimum wage, have a weekly shortfall in terms of their income and expenditure. [24619/08]

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I hold the same opinion as Deputy Gilmore and had indicated to speak on the matter. The motion was added to the schedule late yesterday evening. It has implications not only for data retention, but data protection and must, therefore, be of considerable concern to citizens and Deputies. This is not the way to do business. We have not had an opportunity to discuss, examine and inform...

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Following the Government's recent decision to withdraw its opposition to the EU directive to protect the rights of agency workers and agreement at the Council of Ministers, it is now the Government's responsibility to introduce domestic legislation to give effect to the decision. However, there is a two-year period of time within which this should be done. As there are clearly very serious...

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Chancellor Merkel used her visit here to call for a "Yes" vote in the Lisbon treaty referendum. Has the Taoiseach had the opportunity to speak directly to the German Chancellor since the referendum result of 12 June? Has he availed of an opportunity to impress upon her and other European member state leaders, as he should do, that the process of ratification of the reform treaty cannot now...

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The history of the Taoiseach's party is obviously forgotten.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: When we use the opportunity here to engage in debate about issues such as the Lisbon treaty and the Taoiseach resorts to that type of response in terms of a physical force background, it is a sure indication that he has lost the argument and that he has no answer.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: With respect, I have addressed the issues here. As presumably the only person in the Chamber at the moment who voted "No", I am telling the Taoiseach that I have the right to put my case to him. He resorts to raising the issue of physical force backgrounds. There is no party represented here which does not have that.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The other thing is that the Taoiseach will not accept lectures.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: What he will not accept is the right of anybody else in this House to have a different opinion. So when he talks about respect and acceptance, he shows absolutely none——

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I have offered the Taoiseach a very clear and straightforward analysis of what should be done by a Taoiseach in his position on the back of the Irish people's decision of 12 June. I ask him again with respect because I have never shown disrespect to his position——

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: That is not the case. I ask him again whether he will translate that respect and acceptance that he claims to hold for the Irish people's decision of 12 June and affirm that the ratification process cannot conclude because, quite simply, unanimity does not exist. That is the very least that the Irish electors, not only those who voted "No" but many who voted "Yes", would expect of a...

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Taoiseach not accept if a referendum presents again, it would be on the issue of whether Ireland remains within the EU? Does he not accept that the Irish electors did not vote in respect of Ireland's position within the EU and that it was not an issue on the agenda on 12 June? Quite clearly, the overwhelming body of Irish opinion, including elected opinion, is absolutely committed...

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: As do we, which we have offered to the Government.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We have offered it to the Government.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I accept that.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Not in its entirety.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Taoiseach accept he is not free to do what he wants and that the people have given him a clear direction?

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I would welcome that.

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the German Chancellor, Ms Angela Merkel on 14 April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15231/08]

European Council Meetings. (25 Jun 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Hans-Gert Pöttering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15235/08]