Results 35,781-35,800 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: Yes.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: I welcome the investment in passport machinery and advanced technology. If we are to deliver the service to a wider community and larger population, we need to realise we must invest on an ongoing basis. Has the investment to date achieved the proposed targets, with particular reference to the time within which a passport can be issued? In respect of consular assistance, has demand...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: On the issue of the emergency passport response, consideration should be given to emergency response for a fee. However, it is important to pitch that fee at the correct level. If a family is going on holiday it can happen that one member of the family has an out-of-date passport. This can result in the person staying at home or the entire family staying at home. The critical issue is the...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: I accept that, but we are talking about the Irish community abroad and games, including soccer, Gaelic games, rugby, hockey or another batting sport which has emerged in prominence I recent times.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: The Tánaiste should not forget the other element of cricket, soccer, etc., which also have networks. To what extent has that been considered?

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: This is one of the most important parts of our foreign relations and national programmes. I strongly support pursuing all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement vigorously, ensuring we maintain a hands-on approach, establishing new contacts, as well as embellishing existing contacts, and that we continue the targets set out. To break down sectarianism, suspicion, hatred and tradition is a...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: I compliment the Tánaiste on his speech to the North-South Interparliamentary Association in Cambridge last year. It was an excellent performance.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: International peace, security and human rights are current issues because wherever one looks there are problems leading to human rights abuses, deprivation and atrocities. I agree with Deputy Smith's comments on the efficacy of the UN. Ireland has an exemplary record in this area but some of our colleagues at the UN, as well as certain of the agencies with which we operate, appear to have...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Revised)
Vote 28 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Revised) (22 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for his response to the international requirements that arose during the year. Many unforeseen emergencies occurred to which Ireland responded. The Minister and the Minister of State responded admirably even in the current difficult economic circumstances. It is important to recognise that we hope to return as quickly as possible to working towards the target of 0.7%...

Other Questions: Job Creation (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: 10. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation having regard to the experience to date, the extent to which he expects new, extra job opportunities to emerge in the coming year with particular reference to the ongoing need to maximise the potential in the manufacturing and service sectors through the medium of innovation both in respect of the indigenous and foreign direct...

Other Questions: Job Creation (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: The purpose of this question is to emphasise the need to maximise the job opportunities in both the manufacturing and services sectors for both males and females, and for the young, at a competitive time internationally.

Other Questions: Job Creation (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply. Is cognisance taken of deficiencies in telecommunications in various parts of the country in terms of the ability of the IT sector to meet modern requirements to the fullest possible extent? To what extent does the inclusion of innovation and technologically laden enterprises rely on an adequate, efficient, modern and fast...

ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: That is putting it up to the Minister and it would not be the first statue to be put there either.

ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: Well done.

ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: It will be very hard to follow the Deputy because I cannot outdo him in the course of this debate in what the Minister might do to be canonised. I concur with the sentiments expressed on the importance of this infrastructure in the modern era. I compliment the Minister on bringing the Bill before the House. It is a recognition of the need to ensure there is long-term planning of vital...

Order of Business (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: A few days ago my colleague, Deputy Butler, mentioned the urgent need to introduce the Bill dealing with the sale of loan books to unregulated institutions. I raise the issue now in a different context. Given the emphasis being placed by some lending institutions-----

Order of Business (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: I am talking about the same legislation but in a different context. Given the emphasis being placed by some lending agencies on extracting a response from borrowers that they may not be able to give and the lack of regard for their particular circumstances, will the Government consider introducing the legislation as a matter of urgency? The promised date for the introduction of the...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Job Creation Targets (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: 25. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will set out his priorities for job creation over the next three years; the extent to which the young unemployed are likely to benefit; if he continues to be satisfied regarding the competitiveness of our economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2897/14]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Revenue Documents Issuance (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: 45. To ask the Minister for Finance if and when a P45 might issue with any outstanding salary in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3464/14]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Grant Scheme Eligibility (23 Jan 2014)

Bernard Durkan: 87. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the other options that are available in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3465/14]