Results 2,221-2,240 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Northern Ireland Issues. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Sargent again asked me about the date. As I said, I do not have a date nor am I as concerned about one as making sufficient progress on the issues which are important. Obviously, I hope it will not be a long period. I have already acknowledged the role of Sean Kelly, of which we are aware. I hope the case will pass through the appeals commission very quickly and that the issue will be...

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Campus and Stadium Ireland Development has stated that the reports in the media relating to the National Aquatic Centre are inaccurate in most respects and it would be inappropriate to comment on any of these issues as there are proceedings before the court.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The proceedings are before the court. Yesterday, CSID's legal team referred to the situation which has grown murkier and murkier——

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I advise all concerned to allow the courts——

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Everyone should allow the courts to deal with the issue and not be fooled by red herrings, because that is what yesterday's furore in the media is about. I am very sad to see the Opposition aligning itself with the company that CSID has taken to court and acting as its mouthpiece in the House today. Opposition Deputies appear to have no compunction about making public statements on matters...

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am happy to outline the factual position for the House. CSID has a legal action in the commercial court against Dublin Waterworld, the operator of the aquatic centre, for breaches of the lease agreement. In the commercial court on 3 June Mr. Justice Peter Kelly made an order regarding the following matters which were the subject of a statement of claim lodged by CSID against Dublin Waterworld.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The dispute as to whether Dublin Waterworld is liable to pay VAT of €10,254,600 on the granting of the lease has been referred to arbitration which will be concluded shortly. The dispute regarding repair and maintenance and as to whether Dublin Waterworld has properly maintained the national aquatic centre has been referred to an architect for expert determination. This process is under way...

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am reading from the court order.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: If Opposition members want to make fun of Mr. Justice Kelly's order, that is a matter for them. Deputy Burton has been claiming that the national aquatic centre is a pet project of mine. I wish to confirm to the House that this is the case. I am proud to claim it as such. The motivation of the Government in developing the centre in the first place was to provide a 50 metre pool for the...

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I only need another minute; I have injury time. Opposition members are giddy because they are getting their holidays.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The national aquatic centre has drawn well deserved admiration from those who have visited and used the facilities since the centre was opened just over two years ago.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It has successfully hosted the Special Olympics Summer Games and later in the same year the European short course championships, both to significant acclaim. In its first year of operation it had close to 1 million visitors which placed it among the top attractions in the country.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It continues to be equally popular as a facility for those who love water sports, especially young people, tourists and swimmers of all ages and abilities. Deputy Kenny has referred to a statement made last week by my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, who said the capital expenditure provision represented value for money. I fully agree with him.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is one of them.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The wind.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: While I am hugely powerful, I am not the one who will organise it.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It blew off a lot of them.

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Since Deputy Kenny has asked for my opinion, the Government is not happy with the performance of the company. While it has done a very good job in Killarney in the Kerry operation, it has not done a good job in this case. That is the reason CSID has brought the company to court. I support the action being taken. Obviously, I do not stand over the remarks made at the time. I have already...

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——and bringing endless enjoyment to adults and children, day in, day out, as well as providing a top class facility for our swimming athletes. I was in it ten days ago for a national swimming competition in which children and teenagers from all over the country participated. Since the issues are being dealt with in the courts, CSID is constrained from dealing with them in the media while...

Leaders' Questions. (28 Jun 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte made two points. As we approach the school summer holidays thousands of children throughout the country are using the National Aquatic Centre every day. Therefore, the Deputy is badly informed on this issue and totally wrong. In February 1999, Assistant Commissioner Carty was appointed by the Garda Commissioner to investigate allegations that gardaí in Donegal had engaged in...