Results 2,641-2,660 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Constitutional Amendments. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The issues concern who has the powers, how decisions are made, and how structures will operate. All the matters that were in the European Constitution must be dealt with one way or another, whether through a working document or in some other way, otherwise it will not be possible to continue. Even though, as I believe, this could drag on until 2007 or 2008, it will still have to be dealt...

Constitutional Amendments. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is not too much.

Constitutional Amendments. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I would be glad to answer that point. The recommendation in the all-party committee's report was that it does not require legislation. There is a strong argument about that and I have spoken to more than one senior counsel about the issue. Their view is that if one tries to do so, it will be challenged. The Department is now proceeding to examine the matter on a legislative basis and is...

Constitutional Amendments. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not.

Constitutional Amendments. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I already answered Deputy O'Sullivan on the matter. I stated that the Department is proceeding with the legislation. I cannot give a date for that legislation. I do not accept the other point. There has been an enormous range of initiatives on affordable land allowing for affordable housing. What was achieved in the Supreme Court judgment on Part V three or four years ago has allowed...

Departmental Bodies. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 9, inclusive, together. My next meeting with the Ireland-America economic advisory board has not yet been scheduled but I hope to hold a meeting with the board in the course of a future visit to the United States. It has been the practice for the past number of years to meet the board during the course of my annual visit to Washington over the St....

Departmental Bodies. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have dealt with the advisory board on and off as Minister for Finance and as Taoiseach. Its role changes all the time. The embassy primarily recruits new members from Irish-Americans or Irish people who come to its notice and who are prepared to help. The members of the board are briefed regularly on Northern Ireland. They were in Ireland approximately one year ago when they met a number of...

Departmental Bodies. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy will appreciate that these meetings are meant to encourage people to invest in the island of Ireland and to look at an all-Ireland economy. We try to sell the attractiveness of Ireland. After that, it is the job of the IDA and Forfás to bring people on site visits. Normally we are trying to draw investors who might be considering other locations, increasingly Singapore or...

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 5, the Employment Permits Bill 2005 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 1, the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 — Second Stage. Private Members' business shall be No. 42, motion re Irish Ferries, resumed, to conclude at 8.30 p.m.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Regarding the first question, I do not think legislation is required, but I will check that. With regard to Dáil reform I understand there has been a number of meetings, though I do not know what progress has been made.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: We are very anxious to have reforms. Unfortunately, the only ones in recent years have been initiatives I have introduced. Nobody else has done anything.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Will the Deputy support it?

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Regarding the Lansdowne stadium, for which planning permission is not yet received, will Deputy Rabbitte switch his support? He knows I was right all along.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Legislation is being prepared but I have no date for it.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The heads of the animal health Bill have been approved and the Bill has been sent for drafting. The fines Bill is due in the middle of next year. There is no decision yet to bring forward the sale of alcohol Bill.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I agree with that proposal, if we can allocate time.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Is the Deputy asking about legislation on child care?

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Legislation is not necessary to secure some improvements.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is not necessary for the main recommendations.

Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill is due to be introduced after Christmas.