Results 4,761-4,780 of 13,375 for speaker:Pat Rabbitte

Order of Business (25 Apr 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: ——who went around the country pledging new schools like giving out Smarties. She said she did not have the information.

Order of Business (25 Apr 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: I wish to raise a point of order. Is it not the case that the Standing Orders of the House provide for Deputies to ask questions on the Order of Business?

Written Answers — Trade Missions: Trade Missions (26 Apr 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: Question 31: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on plans for a trade mission to Egypt and Jordan in 2007; if it is intended that there be a Ministerial delegation as part of this trade mission; the estimated cost of the trade mission; his goals and targets for the trade mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15465/07]

Written Answers — Environmental Support Schemes: Environmental Support Schemes (26 Apr 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: Question 55: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the dedicated supports available to companies from agencies under the remit of his Department aimed at increasing awareness of, and promoting, eco efficiency in their operations; the number of companies to date who have taken advantage of these supports; the cost to the State of these supports; and if he will make a...

Election of Ceann Comhairle. (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: I would like to put forward the name of Deputy Ruairí Quinn for the position of Ceann Comhairle. From memory I do not recall a contest for this position since 1989. I think it is important there be a contest. The position of Ceann Comhairle is a very important role that is recognised in the Constitution. The task of the Ceann Comhairle is not merely to manage the efficient functioning of...

Election of Ceann Comhairle. (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: He has been a vigorous opponent of the parties on this side of the House. To transfer somebody such as that to the Chair, simply to make way——

Election of Ceann Comhairle. (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: ——is not the way to treat the House. We should revert to the practice of a distinguished Member of the Opposition holding the position of Ceann Comhairle. None is more distinguished than my colleague, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. I have pleasure in proposing him for the position.

Nomination of Taoiseach. (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: As someone who does not intend to have to take up the Ceann Comhairle's invitation to visit him in his office, I take this public opportunity of wishing him every success in the Chair. I am encouraged by his remarks and appreciate that his skills are probably no longer required in Kerry South, given the extent of the booty on its way there——

Nomination of Taoiseach. (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: ——in the back of Deputy Healy-Rae's car. When the Ceann Comhairle stated that there will be a familiarisation programme for the new Members, I believed he stated that there will be a feminisation programme. We might all examine its introduction for the next Parliament. It is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to support the nomination of Deputy Kenny for the position of Taoiseach....

Nomination of Taoiseach. (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: I would like to add my voice and the voice of my party to the congratulations to Deputy Bertie Ahern on being re-elected as Taoiseach and to extend our good wishes to him for the lifetime of this Dáil. I do so without cavils or caveats of any kind. To be re-elected for a third consecutive term is a truly remarkable achievement. I acknowledge that achievement and congratulate the Taoiseach...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: The election of a new Government is one of the great parliamentary occasions, and one of the great set pieces in Dáil Éireann. It is the first opportunity for the newly elected Members to present themselves in Parliament and it allows us to make some initial remarks on the formation of the new Government. Best wishes to those who have the privilege of being selected to serve in the...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: It is an extraordinary dolly mixture. Like Deputy Mary Harney earlier today, my heart goes out to former Deputy McDowell, wherever he is resting. When he sees this Government, I hope somebody will hold a wet towel to the noble forehead because heading into difficult economic times with this combination is a dispiriting prospect for many people. When Deputy Finian McGrath was running around...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: We should leave heads out of this. The Taoiseach stated recently that we are heading into more difficult economic times and he has left us with a Government that, it seems, has nothing in common but a determination to be in power, a Government with two diametrically opposed parties with acting leaders and the third with a leader on the way out. That is not the way to head into difficult...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: ——that is, whatever happens we must get into power.

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: Political power is taken by those in a position of political strength and the Greens are not in that position. They are, as they admit, not needed by this Government and therefore they were not in a position to demand policy goals and did not in the event succeed in achieving any policy goals. Of course, there are reviews, commissions, analyses and some minor worthy achievements, but this...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: A further income stream from the private insurance companies to cover private patients in public hospitals amounting to €143 million will now be deprived from the public health service. The next day none of the three Ministers, not even the Minister, Deputy Brennan — whom, by the way, I congratulate as undoubtedly the great survivor and who I am delighted to see reappointed——

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: ——not even Deputy Hanafin, had any idea of what was involved in funding the private hospital building programme. Deputy Gormley is now on the record as stating this is not a Progressive Democrat frolic, this is Fianna Fáil policy. If that is the case, it shows the distance that Fianna Fáil has moved in recent times. Deputy Gormley promised in black and white: The Green Party is...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: Deputy Sargent stated that, like 91% of his supporters, he did not want to see Fianna Fail back in power. He has now taken a very selfless decision to resign the leadership of his party. I respect that but there was another way to honour his commitment to the people of Ireland, by not putting Fianna Fáil back in Government. He has put Fianna Fáil back in Government and the Greens are...

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: We were not going into government with them.

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Pat Rabbitte: Get that Deputy some crayons.