Results 3,541-3,560 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to share time with Deputy Burton.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I congratulate the new appointees to the Cabinet, Deputies Pat Carey and Tony Killeen, and wish them well. I also congratulate those who have been appointed as Ministers of State. It is a great honour and also a challenge to be granted ministerial responsibility. I wish those who have been given such responsibility well. The presentation of the new Cabinet arrangements by the Taoiseach did...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I would like to ask about the question on the order paper on the negotiations that are following the Copenhagen summit. Is the Government opening a dialogue with the developing bloc of countries that went to the summit with specific demands on the additionality of resources over and above that which is committed to development? Very little meaningful progress was made on technology transfer....

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The Taoiseach has said that the United Nations' role and responsibility are clear following any future agreement. Is it not the case that individual EU countries are effectively trading off different levels of crisis against each other? These include the food, energy, environmental and climate change crises. My question is positive towards the outcomes that will happen in Mexico. If, for...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: This is my question: is the UN being urged by the Irish Government to resume a more active role in being the lead agency for resolving the issues that will go into the Mexico conference? Is there any evidence available to the Taoiseach that the UN is resuming such a role?

Passport Applications. (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for allowing us to raise the private notice question and I am grateful for the Minister of State's replies so far. We had an opportunity earlier today of raising some of the issues at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, who were forthright and complete in their answers....

Passport Applications. (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: There should be an office in Galway.

Passport Applications. (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Arising from the Minister of State's comment that the talks between the Government and mediation facilities are at a preliminary stage, is there not considerable merit in asking that the talks address this particular dispute as a serious obstacle to progress? Will the Minister of State convey that message to those involved in the talks to ascertain whether the dispute is blocking the...

Written Answers — Light Rail Project: Light Rail Project (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 88: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the development of light rail systems in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford; if he has been in contact with Galway City Council on the publication of a feasibility study for the Galway Luas; if the Gluas would be developed through a public private partnership; if his Department will conduct feasibility studies in respect of Luas...

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (24 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 105: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12800/10]

Written Answers — Garda Training: Garda Training (25 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 28: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the main findings of the recent report on training and development in the Garda Síochána; the steps that are being taken to deal with the skill training gaps identified in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12993/10]

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (25 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 40: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recorded cases of tiger robberies in which staff or relations of staff of financial institutions were taken hostage in each year from 2005 to date in 2010; the amount of money taken in such robberies; the discussions he has had with the financial institutions about these robberies; and if he will make a...

Middle East Peace Process. (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 70: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he plans to recommend to his colleague ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council following his visit to Gaza; and the timescale for such actions in view of the urgency of the humanitarian issues involved. [13401/10]

Middle East Peace Process. (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I thank the Minister for his reply. A total of 56% of the population of Gaza are children. The Minister is aware of that. It was welcome that he visited Gaza and that his visit was followed by the visit of Baroness Ashton and Ban Ki-moon. A number of supplementary questions arise. I do not understand why humanitarian corridors have not been established given the degree of humanitarian...

Haiti Earthquake. (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I support Deputy Deasy's suggestions regarding volunteering. However, it should not be left to each NGO to structure the experience of volunteers. There is great space for an agency to identify the essential features of a volunteering experience. We might not say it, but we know the NGOs differ with regard to the experience they offer volunteers. It should not be left a casual matter....

Haiti Earthquake. (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Well, there are places I could suggest. We should examine this issue. The Minister mentioned Europe, which prompted me to ask this question. Getting on to the European roster is governed by one's presence on the Irish roster. Different member countries have different places, hence one encounters somebody from the European Parliament who heads a delegation, as was the case when I was in...

Haiti Earthquake. (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Yes, it could.

Overseas Development Aid. (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I will outline a Labour Party difference on this matter. Given that the impact of GM provision in regard to Africa is usually construed in terms of its adding to the volume of food that might be available rather than the production of food, given the available evidence in regard to the climate changes between, for example, the major rains and the short rains and given the fact most...

Leaders' Questions (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Anglo Irish Bank, the systemic bank.

Leaders' Questions (30 Mar 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Oh, yes.