Results 2,801-2,820 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a copy of the agreement with the Russian Federation will be made publicly available to ensure all parties are fully aware of their rights and duties. [18637/09]

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status discussions regarding a bilateral agreement between Ireland and the Russian Federation have reached; the level at which these discussions are being held; and the timeframe envisaged for reaching agreement. [18638/09]

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 220: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on proposing reforms to the inter-country adoption assessment process. [18644/09]

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 217: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the Minister of State with responsibility for children travelling to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to progress discussions, demonstrate commitment and reach agreement on bilateral inter-country adoption; and the reason he has not done so. [18640/09]

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 218: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views, in view of the lapse in securing a continued bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the Adoption Board allowing parents facing a second declaration renewal to roll over the declaration in an expedited way; and her further views on making the initial declaration valid for two...

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 219: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has advice for parents who have been caught by the lapse in securing the continuation of the inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam yet are still seeking to adopt; if these applications are valid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18642/09]

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 211: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on inter-country adoption. [18632/09]

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (12 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 216: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive's post-placement reporting practices are in line with best international practice; if the HSE's practices are in line with the current agreement with the Russian Federation; and if her reports that the reporting practices of an agency (details supplied) are in line with requirements of the Russian...

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: It is time for the lifeboats.

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: It was not.

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: They are starved of credit by the banks.

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I have already congratulated the Minister of State and wished her well. I listened with great care to the speeches made by Government speakers. It is important that we are forthcoming, clear and honest with the public who are evaluating this debate, yet so far there has not been the slightest statement that there will be any departure from a model of the economy that has significantly...

Banking System: Motion (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: That is an assumption.

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 106: To ask the Minister for Finance if the income tax heading of the Exchequer returns includes both the income levy and the pension levy; the breakdown of the contribution of these revenue streams to total income tax receipts; if he will separate these revenue streams from the income tax heading going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18980/09]

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (13 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 123: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on reports that a credit institution covered by the bank guarantee is paying significant bonuses to its front office staff. [18948/09]

Order of Business (14 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Last September, when we discussed in the Chamber the response to the Anglo Irish Bank crisis, I got the impression from the Minister for Finance that the companies legislation would be amended to define the role of the public interest directors. Such an amendment would enable the public interest directors who have been appointed at a number of banks to fulfil their role. Under the...

Order of Business (14 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: While I will not delay the House, one would appreciate that those who have been named, and they have been named from a wide source, will be sitting there, going through the annual meetings of the banks, with the shareholders asking questions. Much more importantly, however, this was an important gesture as to how the public interest is served. If they are to serve the public interest as was...

Order of Business (14 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: They could use the machines for soccer matches.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to say a few words on the Bill. I will make reference to conditions I know about in a small west of Ireland port, namely, Galway. I was the author of a report for the human sciences committee of the Irish national productivity committee towards the end of the 1960s. Notice taken that 20 Members were not present; House counted and 20 Members being present,

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 May 2009)

Michael D Higgins: In 1969 in my first research position I finished a report for the human sciences committee of the Irish national productivity committee on the factors affecting productivity in a small Irish port, namely, Galway. The issue was our response to changing circumstances in sea traffic. The port of Rotterdam had expanded massively into the roll-on, roll-off business. Right across the world in...