Results 4,701-4,720 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: While the Deputy was not present, his colleagues were. I was highly impressed that one of the smallest parties in the House had the majority of its members at the top table. It was a strategic move to the right by the Green Party to have that power with the top bankers.

Leaders' Questions. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: In reply to Deputy Rabbitte, I was making the point to an industry that employs 55,000 people. I was speaking to international bankers whom we have been trying to encourage to operate and create competition in the Irish economy. We would like to see more funds management and insurance involvement by the banking industry. One of the great selling points of the Irish economy is that more than...

Leaders' Questions. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte knows I do not write the headlines. I was addressing the IFSC banks creating that competition, rather than Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland only. The broad international bank sector is bringing quality employment here. I have no argument with the agency's assertion that our main commercial banks should, along with making profits internationally and at home, give value for...

Leaders' Questions. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I referred to these issues in response to the social partnership questions earlier. The Minister for Transport has been engaging in lengthy discussions with the trade unions and will continue to talk to them to address these concerns. Last May, we decided to allow the sale of a majority shareholding in Aer Lingus in order to receive an equity injection into the company while retaining a...

Leaders' Questions. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I remind Deputy Ó Caoláin that before the decision was taken last year the Cabinet had spent approximately two years in advance discussing the various options and going through the detail. That has continued during the past 12 months. The Minister has also advised Government of the outcome of the consultations with the trade unions. Understandably trade unions have a number of concerns they...

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 9, Revised Estimate for Public Services 2006 — Vote 41, back from committee; No. 10, motion re withdrawal of Whistleblowers Protection Bill 1999; and No. 12, Road Safety Authority Bill 2004 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 9 shall be decided without debate and any division demanded...

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It is the provision of the Estimate for the office of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, who is now taking the combined duties relating to children.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: As I have not discussed the matter with the Minister, I do not have a date on the publication of the report but I will raise the issue with him as soon as he returns. I have no information on regulations in the sector the Deputy mentioned. I will check with the Tánaiste's office. On the carbon fund Bill to provide for the purchase of carbon credits by the State and to meet our greenhouse gas...

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: No legislation is promised but Operation Anvil has a dedicated unit and operates nationwide. I have not heard anything new regarding the Barr report but I will check the position and inform the Deputy's office.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: In reply to Deputy Sargent, the question of holding a debate can be discussed among the Whips. The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be before the House this week and a comprehensive Green Paper will be published later this year.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It will be taken this session.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It will be taken this session.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister has made clear that the arrangement he made a year ago has not been fully complied with and he is moving towards taking a different approach to the issue.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: That is a matter for the Whips.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I understand amendments are being drafted in the Department and it hopes to come back with them later in the year. I have already raised the matter with the Department.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: No date has been set for taking the Bill in question.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill is not listed on the legislative programme.

Order of Business. (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It is listed for this session. The heads of the Bill have been approved and the legislation was sent for drafting some time ago. We are waiting for it but it is still listed for before the summer.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: No member of staff from my Department was suspended on paid leave between 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (4 Apr 2006)

Bertie Ahern: My Department exceeds the 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities. Seven persons have voluntarily, self disclosed that they have disabilities. This represents 3.72% of total staff. The principle of equality underpins my Department's human resource policy in accordance with equality legislation and the Government's policies on diversity, dignity at work and gender equality. In...