Results 19,661-19,680 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Taoiseach recall that during the recess it was reported that requests made to his Department under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the use of Shannon Airport by the US military and related matters, were refused? Will the Taoiseach advise if such a request or requests were refused and if they were refused under section 24 of the Act? Will the Taoiseach agree that section 24...

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: This question is in the context of the Information Commissioner's commentary. I am merely asking a question about the Taoiseach's position on this matter and whether he shares the view. I was just giving examples of matters relating to public spending.

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I have already asked the Taoiseach a number of questions. With regard to the comments by the Information Commissioner, I ask whether the Taoiseach has any view regarding the Information Commissioner's commentary, particularly regarding matters of major public expenditure.

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Following my earlier questioning, the Taoiseach acknowledged that at least one question was refused by his Department under section 24 of the Freedom of Information Act. Will he advise us how many questions have been refused over the 12 month period from January to December 2005 under section 24 of that Act? Will the Taoiseach advise us also in what way the security of the State would be...

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Taoiseach is the head of his Department.

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: These are questions about his Department.

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Taoiseach is accountable to this House concerning valid and legitimate questions.

Freedom of Information. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: It is a smoke screening of everything.

Disability Act 2005. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the implementation of the Disability Act 2005 within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38708/05]

Disability Act 2005. (7 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. The Disability Act provides for sectoral plans to be drawn up by a number of Departments. Does the Taoiseach's Department have an overarching responsibility with regard to the drawing up of these plans and an oversight role with regard to their implementation? Does the Taoiseach recall that the Act states that the Minister for Finance may, by order,...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (2 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 12: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for his views of female genital mutilation as a cultural issue rather than a human rights issue; and the further reason he does not consider women fleeing female genital mutilation to meet the refugee status criteria of fearing persecution on the grounds of membership of a particular social group, in view of the...

Written Answers — Prison Education Service: Prison Education Service (2 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 27: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken and will take to get Cloverhill Prison's educational facility up and running; and the discussions he has had with the prison service on the matter. [3524/06]

Written Answers — Hospitals Building Programme: Hospitals Building Programme (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided to redevelop the Meath Hospital, Dublin 8; the amount of this money which has been spent to date in 2006; the way in which it has been spent; and the planned future for the Meath Hospital site. [3429/06]

Written Answers — Hospital Accommodation: Hospital Accommodation (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 215: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the closure of 12 beds in St Mary's, Rathmines, Dublin 6; and the locations where the residents have been accommodated. [3430/06]

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 240: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the statistical information his Department keeps on applicants for visitor visas. [3384/06]

Social Services Inspectorate: Motion (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I support the motion tabled by the Fine Gael Deputies and I commend their initiative. The Government's amendment, quite simply, is not adequate. It rows back on the commitment given by both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste last year in the wake of the Leas Cross nursing home scandal. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste clearly committed to an independent nursing homes inspectorate. There can be...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I commend Deputy Ned O'Keeffe on his welcome contribution which has opened a raw wound on the Government benches. Sinn Féin is adamantly opposed to the revocation of the groceries order. As my colleague, Deputy Morgan, stated, we believe it will result in less rather than more choice for the consumer. It will drive small independent shops out of business and out of the community.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We should examine the reasons behind the introduction of the groceries order. It was introduced in 1987 to prevent larger supermarkets using their muscle to pressurise suppliers and force competing retailers out of business. It was introduced after a number of high-profile traditional Irish businesses went out of business. It banned the predatory practice of selling goods at below cost price....

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: There is no doubt that we will also witness a future Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment admitting that the revocation of the groceries order was a mistake of equal proportions. I urge the Government to withdraw this Bill immediately.

National Economic and Social Development Office Bill 2002: Report Stage. (1 Feb 2006)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I support Deputy Burton's amendment. The arguments for moving towards and accepting gender equality have been articulated in the House time and again. The Government has continuously kicked to touch, showing a sympathy with the aspiration but no willingness to take on board the concrete, practical stepsthat would facilitate such a transition. The House has an opportunity to address the matter...