Results 40,641-40,660 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: I thank Sir Bill Cash for his dissertation, which was very interesting, but like many things, it carried a few contradictions. For example, we are an international trading country with a small population and an open economy. So we are somewhat different from many other European countries. With our bailout, we had to do things quickly because there was huge erosion in terms of confidence...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: He seemed to attribute it to the European Union as being a negative development. It has also been practised by the United States and Japan. It has not traditionally been very welcome in Germany for obvious historical reasons.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: The world is now a vastly different place from what it was when Britain and the other countries joined the European Union - particularly Britain and Ireland. Harking back to that era will raise some difficulties that have not yet been foreseen. Sir Bill Cash mentioned the financial services in the City of London. A number of economists and international experts in that regard have appeared...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: It also depends on to whom we are talking now, of course, as you know.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: I put it to you-----
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: Yes, we shall. Sir Bill Cash mentioned on more than one occasion the protection of the national parliament and the democratic system. Surely the European Union represented a coming together of national parliaments, a sharing of sovereignty, a sharing of democracy. That has been proven by the European Union to date in that it has succeeded in achieving the greatest single period in...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: Having a union tends to prevent that. In the United States there was no union in the beginning, but there was a civil war that was fought on the basis of a union or otherwise - there were other issues as well. However, it produced a union that has grown and stuck together. Unlike the European Union, the United States has a single currency, from which Europe shied away, much to its...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: It is a concession.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: We have done that.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: It has reduced in value by approximately 20% in the past-----
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: Cohesion.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: Could I-----
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: No, we are not. However, I think we should ponder for a moment, aproposof the concept of the European Union, Oscar Wilde's comment that duty is what we expect of others but not always of ourselves.
- Other Questions: Easter Rising Commemorations (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: 6. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the preparations for the 1916 commemoration continue in line with targets and expectations; the extent to which all those associated with 1916 are duly recognised in a sensitive, meaningful, and respectful way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10178/15]
- Other Questions: Easter Rising Commemorations (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: This question seeks to obtain an update on the preparations. While it is somewhat similar to the last question, its emphasis is on the need to ensure a solemn and sensitive commemoration in keeping with the ideals and aspirations of those who were involved in the 1916 uprising, while recognising the need for inclusiveness, in the context that we have inherited what they envisaged.
- Other Questions: Easter Rising Commemorations (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. I also mention the need to recognise the role played by Cumann na mBan and by some people who were pacifists, such as Francis Sheehy-Skeffington, as well as other people who were involved who were not necessarily in agreement but who became part of what it was at the time, which we now have inherited. The point about inclusiveness to which...
- Other Questions: Easter Rising Commemorations (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister. My last point is on the need for a solemn occasion without triumphalism. At this time in our history, it is appropriate to bring together all the various strands of thought that have prevailed in Ireland for hundreds of years. I believe it will be an ideal time to do it, and I thank the Minister for her reply.
- Order of Business (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: Legislation is promised in respect of updating the system of granting criminal legal aid. Have the heads of the criminal justice (legal aid) Bill be cleared and, if so, when is the Bill likely to come before the House?
- Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Film Industry Development (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: 11. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects the film industry to grow, with particular reference to the use of this country as a film location, capturing our unique scenery, with consequential economic benefit, particularly for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10179/15]
- Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Jobseeker's Allowance Payments (11 Mar 2015)
Bernard Durkan: 45. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, and when, arrears of job seekers allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10659/15]