Results 2,661-2,680 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. In a way it makes a seamless connection to what we have just heard. Discussions about parliamentary reform in general, and of ministerial appointments in particular, raise the issue of trust. It is the most important aspect of a society. I have had the great opportunity and privilege of being a Member of this House for over 20 years and...

Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I am making general comments and if the Deputy wishes to provoke me, I would advise him not to do so, even if I have five or six minutes left. The allocation of Ministers of State should be based on function and I suggest the Ministers of State should be engaged with the committees structure. The committees structure was introduced late and it differs substantively from developed committee...

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (25 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 51: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question 524 of 10 March 2009 the reason boards of management are responsible for acquiring temporary school accommodation and signing such contracts, but are barred by his Department from taking out mortgages in order to build permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12265/09]

Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: She made a general observation.

Written Answers — Small Business Sector: Small Business Sector (26 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 26: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding the funding difficulties facing Irish small and medium enterprises; the way these difficulties are evolving; the steps he is taking to ease them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/09]

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (26 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 59: To ask the Minister for Finance if and when he will table further proposals with respect to the capitalisation and stabilisation of the credit institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12329/09]

Written Answers — Wealth Statistics: Wealth Statistics (26 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 89: To ask the Minister for Finance the research that has been carried out over the past ten years by his Department on the extent and breakdown of wealth, as opposed to income here; the findings of such research; if he will make these findings available; the changes in findings and figures on a year to year basis over this ten year period; if it is proposed that such research or...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Yes. There was a ministerial order.

Written Answers — Care of the Elderly: Care of the Elderly (31 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 84: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in terms off step-down beds being made available in the major urban centres in order that patients in acute hospitals who are ready to be discharged to such beds can be transferred relieving pressure on the accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13070/09]

Written Answers — Mental Health Services: Mental Health Services (31 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 105: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the most recent figures for children diagnosed with ADHD per county; the cost of administering appropriate medications to those children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13067/09]

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (31 Mar 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 339: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the overall expenditure made in respect of aid activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the years 2008 and 2009. [12854/09]

Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: When will we see the competition (amendment) Bill, especially section 4 which affects trade union participation? When the foreshore legislation is published, who will be the lead Minister for it? Will it include coastal zone management?

Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Is it envisaged that those responsible for coastal zone management will transfer from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government? Which Minister will sponsor the legislation?

Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: That is the end of that.

Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: And a lot of wasted time.

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: This Bill is important in so far as it amends some of the basic housing Acts from 1966 to 2004. We should structure our discussion in terms of whether we are referring to a right to a home or to housing units in a speculative market. This point, which has been raised by a number of international observers of the Irish housing situation, relates to how housing was not exempted from the...

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I am moved by the fact that the Acting Chairman is getting carried away by it all.

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: What is needed for local housing policy is genuine democratic structures. I agree with some of the principles in this Bill, such as the principle of integrated housing, something we did not have before. I warn other Members who may speak on the matters in section 11. Considerable powers are being taken yet no one will ever be able to consult the Minister about an individual case. That is...

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Getting the mortgage may be more difficult.