Results 2,161-2,180 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (7 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 307: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has to cut funding in respect of returning émigrés; and if he will honour the pledge made in August 2002 to provide assistance to agencies working with elderly and vulnerable Irish emigrants, or if it is planned to ignore the financial contribution which the Irish immigrant community has made over the years here. [33363/08]

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (7 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 311: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives being worked on to help those who emigrated more than 50 years ago and who now wish to return home; the discussions that have taken place with other appropriate Governments, particularly those of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, to facilitate the homecoming of those émigrés who wish to return. [33364/08]

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (7 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 377: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding plans for the Oughterard sewerage scheme; his views on the need for an accelerated process in view of the water quality issues involved; and the information on the matter that has been made available to the community. [33420/08]

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (7 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 387: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding plans for the Oughterard sewerage scheme; his views on the need for an accelerated process in view of the water quality issues involved; and the information on the matter that has been made available to the community. [33630/08]

Leaders' Questions (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: It was to keep on gambling.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Alas, poor Donie.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: The people of Longford are most welcome.

Cultural Events. (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 124: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on expanding the culture night in 2009 to allow greater participation over, for example, a weekend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33786/08]

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Broadcasting Bill. I am sure the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan, will appreciate that while I hold the very best estimation of his character and personality, he will not misinterpret it when I say I found the introduction of the Second Stage of this Bill to be somewhat disappointing. What I bring to the Bill is...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: One of the reasons for strong broadcasting values and so forth is quite interesting. I was Minister with the relevant portfolio from 1993 to 1997. On Tuesday, 21 September 1993, François Mitterrand gave a speech, having received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gdansk, in which he stated: We must be on our guard. Although the spirit of Europe is no longer threatened by the...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 182: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the issue of special visas for artists coming here; the progress his Department has made, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, towards ensuing special visas will be obtained by visiting artists more promptly than is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33776/08]

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (8 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 325: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason, in view of the revelations regarding the water supply in Galway and other areas here, the Aarhus Convention has yet to be adopted particularly as the adoption of the Aarhus Convention was to have been included in the programme for Government; and when this will happen. [34242/08]

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 2: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the Government's change of policy and facilitation of the US-India nuclear agreement at the Nuclear Suppliers Group; the implications for the future of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and the discussions which preceded the Government's decision to abandon the view on this issue which it possessed. [34248/08]

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: If I might deconstruct that reply, I will put my questions simply. Will the Minister give details of who precisely contacted the Irish Government, as is reported in The Irish Times today, and at what level, with the aim of taking away one of the building blocks of Irish foreign policy? The Minister mentioned Dr. ElBaradei, but Dr. ElBaradei's predecessor Dr. Blix, in visiting the Minister's...

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: No, I am giving the facts.

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: They are the facts.

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: And why did the Government not hold that line?

International Agreements. (9 Oct 2008)

Michael D Higgins: This is not one small country. We are coequal with 44 others.