Results 17,841-17,860 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Unlike other Opposition parties, Sinn Féin Deputies will not oppose this legislation. There are genuine concerns that the creation of additional Ministers of State may be for the purpose of rewarding political colleagues. However, in looking at the list of junior ministerial positions, Sinn Féin is not so much concerned about numbers. For us, the key question is whether these positions...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Is it possible to speak to the amendment?

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I regret that the amendment tabled by my colleague, Deputy Morgan, on the tax placed on transactions at ATMs was not allowed. It is a matter for another day. I support amendment No. 2 tabled by Deputy Burton. We highlighted a number of statistics on Second Stage but when one takes on board that 36,000 out of the 38,000 first-time buyers in 2006 paid no stamp duty, it demonstrates that the...

European Council: Statements. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Listening to the Taoiseach's contribution on the statements today one can see that he believes it is virtuous not to seek an opt out in any particular situation. It is important to remind the Taoiseach and Deputy Roche, who now holds a new portfolio, that sovereign governments exercise the right to secure the right to opt out in the interests of sovereign people, which we are. The...

Hospital Services. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I welcome the Minister's colleagues, Deputies Brendan Smith and Jimmy Devins, and commend and congratulate them on their respective appointments and wish them the very best in their areas of responsibility. I am sorry to say I cannot give the same welcome to the Minister with the health portfolio because her approach to health care and the needs of our people do not meet at all. Does the...

Hospital Waiting Lists. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: What is being done to expedite the implementation of the task force recommendations? Recently, I asked if the Minister had received the report of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, Health and Safety Standards for Irish Emergency Departments. I was surprised at the Minister's reply yesterday, stating she had not yet received a copy. I have made a copy and would be happy to pass...

Order of Business (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I also object to the proposal to guillotine the debate on Committee, Report and Final Stages of the Finance (No. 2) Bill. The import of what is involved requires greater scrutiny and opportunities for Deputies to participate but the proposal simply will not accommodate the range of opinion represented in the House. The Minister for Finance, in his contribution yesterday, clearly indicated...

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Taoiseach agree that serious consequences arise from the state aid provisions that will significantly restrict the Government's indicated intent to correct the imbalance in regional development across the State? As a Border Deputy I am very concerned and I am sure people from the west and midlands will join Border voices in the House in asking how the Taoiseach intends to overcome...

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: That is a very healthy position for the Taoiseach to take. We have taught him very well.

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: There is little time so I will move directly to the crucial question of the day. Given that the Blair to Brown transfer of power has been consummated and we see the creation of the Middle East peace envoy position that is likely to be taken up by Tony Blair, is there a prospect that the creation of a high representative role for the EU in respect of foreign policy and security might dovetail...

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: In that context, when will this appointment be made? We are all interested because the Taoiseach will occupy the space that Mr. Blair enjoyed in the local and international media in the coming days and months. Does the Taoiseach have an answer?

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Yes, we can work from that.

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thought the Taoiseach was going to ask me to put in my CV.

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with German Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Reinfeldt of Sweden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16485/07]

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his participation in the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16863/07]

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach his proposed official visits abroad for the remainder of 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16865/07]

European Council. (27 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Taoiseach has confirmed that there will be a referendum on the revised EU treaty, the constitution we are told is not a constitution. Can he assure the Irish people that there will be only one referendum on this revised EU treaty, that the Government will abide by the verdict irrespective of the verdict delivered and that it will implement it accordingly? Can the Taoiseach guarantee...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 100: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if it is intended that the commission on taxation proposed in the programme for Government will review user fees and service charges for essential public services specifically to examine their impact on low income families with a view to reducing the proportion of funding of public services which comes from charges to members of the...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (26 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when, in view of the evidence of increased activity by sub prime lenders, legislative changes in respect of this type of predatory lending will be introduced in order to give consumers greater protection. [17251/07]

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (26 Jun 2007)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 336: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the additional posts in cystic fibrosis service delivery, for which an additional €2 million was allocated in Budget 2007, will be filled; when hospitals will be informed that they can start the recruitment process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17575/07]