Results 3,461-3,480 of 13,291 for speaker:Joe McHugh

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: We will resume in public session. I apologise, but it is good to see democracy in action.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: I thank the delegates for their contributions. We will now hear from members of the committee, who will be followed by Members attending the meeting.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: We will hear from three more committee members and the delegates can then decide which of the contributions and observations they want to zone in on.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: I now call Senator Brennan, who will be followed by Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: I will hand back to the witnesses to answer those questions. Out of all the meetings I have chaired, I have never witnessed such a range of interventions, which highlights the passion and desire on the part of members to maximise the importance of the Irish language. There were many personal observations that do not need a reply but in the remaining time, if the witnesses want to make their...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: I thank Ms Ervine.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis na baill ar fad agus leis na rannpháirtithe a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht. Bhí an cruinniú inniu iontach tábhachtach agus bhí an t-ábhar agus an díospóireacht tábhachtach chomh maith. I thank the delegates. The meeting has been invaluable, as members have been given an insight...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: We will give Mr. Mac Póilin time and when it is ready, he can sent it to the clerk to the committee.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: Mr. Ó Catháin's comments are helpful. I am aware the Special EU Programmes Body has, until now, operated via local authorities. This has been done for reasons of financial prudence because the local authorities have financial expertise available to them. Notwithstanding this, we should be conscious of groups such as Glór na nGael and Coiste Céim Aniar in my parish of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: We all agree on that. On the issue of the North-South Ministerial Council and possible cutbacks in funding for representative groups in Northern Ireland, the appropriate persons for the joint committee to contact are the Minister of State, Deputy Dinny McGinley, and the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North, Ms Carál Ní Chuilín. I am aware that funding has been...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: We can include a transcript of this meeting in our correspondence with the Taoiseach on the Broadcasting Act. It may also be worthwhile to circulate the various proposals and suggestions to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Deputy Ó Snodaigh referred to a timetable. While I may be reading the position incorrectly, it may not be helpful to refer to a timetable. What...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: I apologise for interrupting, but the Government has clearly stated it supports an Irish language Act. This legislation needs to be implemented and there is no question about the fact that we are on the same page on the issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: That is not a problem. The committee can reaffirm its support for an Irish language Act. Clearly, a conversation is needed on how we will achieve that outcome. That is the area in which the committee will act by assisting this conversation in the best way possible. I propose to conclude the meeting.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Irish Language Act: Discussion (13 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: We are clear that, as an implementation committee, we are working towards the implementation of outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement, including the Irish language Act, a bill of rights and the establishment of a North-South civic forum. I will conclude proceedings as we have exceeded our time. I thank members and the contributors for their excellent presentations and look...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Reliefs Availability (18 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: 98. To ask the Minister for Finance the tax arrangements that apply in respect of the transfer of family farmlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29219/13]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (18 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: 115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will update Dáil Éireann on his Departments consideration of requests that children with Down syndrome be allocated maximum resource hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28726/13]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (18 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: 116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will update Dáil Éireann on his Departments continuing review of special education circular 02/05; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28727/13]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Support Schemes Issues (18 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: 123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will advise Irish families who support third level students of the financial supports available where reckonable household incomes exceed €44,000. [28793/13]

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Farm Assist Scheme Payments (18 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: 212. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her Department's consideration of concerns regarding changes to farm assist payments that have been conveyed to her Department in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28761/13]

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Foreshore Issues (18 Jun 2013)

Joe McHugh: 295. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the action being taken in respect of removal of materials from the bed of a tidal area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28773/13]