Results 3,421-3,440 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2010: First Stage (28 Jan 2010)

Michael D Higgins: On that matter-----

Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2010: First Stage (28 Jan 2010)

Michael D Higgins: As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle is aware, I am usually very orderly. The Minister stated there is a Government decision in the matter. In that case, may I assume the Minister for Education obtained Cabinet permission to abolish the National University of Ireland? Is that the decision?

Mid-West Task Force: Statements (28 Jan 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this topic. At present I represent a constituency from a neighbouring western region, but I am familiar with Limerick, in particular. It is the city in which I was born and where my father spent most of his working life. It is important that we are positive in responding to the interim report of the task force. I wish to be positive in what I have to...

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (28 Jan 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 63: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Galway qualifies for a medical card; and if so, if one will be provided. [4302/10]

Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Last week I asked when Ireland proposed to sign the optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Tánaiste undertook to have somebody communicate with me, but I have not yet received any information. Ireland was represented on 10 December 2008 at the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, upon which Irish...

Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I will continue to ask about this in the House.

Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Of course. I understand that.

Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Is it the Taoiseach's aspiration to sign the protocol within the lifetime of this Government?

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (2 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding and timeframe for the transposition of the Services Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4835/10]

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (2 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the work of the Company Law Review Group; the timeframe for the publication of legislation following the reports of this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4834/10]

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: That is untrue. Why does the Taoiseach not prove that?

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: While cutting the back to education allowance.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Absolutely.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The back of the choir is starting up.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: And invest our way out of it.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this Bill. I am deeply disappointed that so few Members are in the Chamber to discuss issues pertaining to planning which should be of great interest to us all. The planning discourse in this State is in chaos. I listened with great care to the debate that has taken place thus far on this legislation. There should be broad public...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The average number of such votes was probably 15, although it reached 30 on occasion. It was almost like a system of carbon credits with people owing each other support on section 4 votes. Members from one side of the county would vote for something on the basis that they had credit from another councillor in another part of the county. That was disgraceful. I do not have time today to go...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The politicians involved contaminated the process. I will come back to this matter because a price is continuing to be paid in terms of community conflict and distress. Agencies of the State got involved on the side of the developer, rather than on the side of the community. Given that alternative models were available in other countries, it was scandalous that we proceeded as we did. It...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I am well aware that there can be petty jealousies in the engineering profession at times. I have been proposing since 1974 that a city architect be appointed in Galway city. I nearly secured such an appointment at one time, until someone said that a senior engineering post would have to be lost. One could have an architect buried in the planning department. I know what an architect is...

Written Answers — National Asset Management Agency: National Asset Management Agency (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 101: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has been approached by interested parties with respect to taking shareholdings in the National Asset Management Agency special purpose vehicle; when these investments will be concluded; the terms of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5341/10]