Results 3,961-3,980 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — Corporate Accountability: Corporate Accountability (23 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 125: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the overt, and covert, actions of unaccountable but publicly registered finance companies whose actions have led to the undermining of the sovereignty of member countries of the EU in financial matters and given that some of these companies have paid large fines to the federal system in the United States, if the control of such...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 126: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding discussions in the General Assembly of the UN on a transaction tax; the discussion at UN level and such bilateral discussions at diplomatic level which have taken place on this topic [43145/10]

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (24 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 39: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the capital spend for artistic and cultural facilities for each year from 2000 to date in 2010 in tabular from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44011/10]

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 15: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Programme for Government commitment that there would be a review of the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44415/10]

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (25 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 51: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding promised legislation to enhance the protection of national monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44414/10]

Leaders' Questions (30 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The Mafia.

Leaders' Questions (30 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear. To stimulate the economy.

Leaders' Questions (30 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: That is not true.

Written Answers — Product Labelling: Product Labelling (30 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 213: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm that retailers are not only free to label goods from the West Bank accurately but that, under an EU Directive, they are obliged to label goods from the West Bank accurately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45102/10]

Written Answers — Product Labelling: Product Labelling (30 Nov 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 214: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he recognises that there are goods on the Irish market from companies (details supplied) that are misleadingly labelled particularly in light of Case C386/08 of the European Court of Justice which clearly stated that produce from illegal Israeli settlements can neither be considered Israeli or Palestinian. [45103/10]

Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: On the same matter, in answer to the point made by Deputy Kathleen Lynch, which is a very important matter, the absence of the mental capacity Bill's passage is the reason the Government is giving for the failure to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It is quite scandalous that the ratification-----

Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I am not. In so far as the Ceann Comhairle has stated this, with regard to his interpretation and the advice he is receiving on Standing Order 26, that Standing Order is not based on the legislation as announced within this Chamber; it is legislation anticipated from public statements requiring legislation inside or outside the House-----

Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I think it is important to say this so that the wrong precedent is not established.

Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Frankly, I have asked several times about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which has been signed but not ratified. It has been communicated to me in writing that the reason it is not ratified is because we are awaiting the passage of the mental capacity Bill. Deputy Kathleen Lynch has asked about the Bill and she is entirely right. She is also...

Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Well said.

Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: In the 25 years I have been in the Dáil, I have spoken on social welfare Bills on a number of occasions. Some of the points I made through the years must be made again. I refer to the context of social welfare legislation in this country and the extraordinary inability to debate issues of rights, a social floor or inequality. In his opening speech the Minister stated: In the current...

Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I thank the Acting Chairman. I welcome the transitions that will make the delivery of services efficient for young apprentices, people seeking jobs and so on. It is fair and honest to say that good service has been given to those who need employment and that most people would choose to work rather than be on social welfare. Let us be clear, however. When Deputies speak in the House to the...

Written Answers — Agri-Environment Options Scheme: Agri-Environment Options Scheme (1 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 68: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to open the agri-environment options scheme for those farmers leaving REPS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45197/10]

Order of Business (2 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Order of Business (2 Dec 2010)

Michael D Higgins: If you get out of Government, you will be told.