Results 461-480 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: At what stage is the national monuments consolidation legislation? Have the heads of the Bill been agreed and when will it be introduced? Have consultations with the Attorney General's office been concluded?

Military Police Investigations. (7 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 59: To ask the Minister for Defence the efforts being made by his Department to bring to justice the prime suspect for the brutal murder of two Irish soldiers in Lebanon in April 1980; if he has held discussions with US authorities regarding the extradition of the main suspect, who is a naturalised US citizen; his views on whether Ireland may be able to pursue a prosecution under the...

Written Answers — Animal Welfare: Animal Welfare (8 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 53: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the further action she intends to take to ensure that appropriate conditions of animal welfare apply to all farm animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38383/05]

Leaders' Questions. (13 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Now the Taoiseach is talking.

Chief Executive of Centre for Public Inquiry: Statement by Minister. (13 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister knows who said that in the 1950s.

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (13 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 108: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of special savings investment scheme accounts opened at the latest date for which figures are available; the average amount of savings per investor per month; if, on the basis of such figures, his Department can give a definite figure for likely cost to the Exchequer of the specials savings investment scheme; when the first payments...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (13 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 115: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts at the latest date for which details are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the amount paid to date in 2005; the number of cases outstanding; if additional action has been taken by the...

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: That is a bit soft.

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 36: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view on whether the concept of extraordinary rendition is an acceptable and lawful tool of implementation for the international campaign against terrorism. [39340/05]

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: The aeroplane in question is a Gulfstream V, registered N8068V, and also registered under two separate enumerations, N379P and N44982, of which the Minister is aware. This 'plane landed at Shannon Airport several times. It has been proved to be involved in, what has been admitted by the US Secretary of State, Ms Rice, as an abduction by mistake, extraordinary rendition if one likes, of Khaled...

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the Minister's statement on the Government's position on rendition. The UN Convention Against Torture defines it as severe physical or mental pain or suffering and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. However, after the attacks of September 2001 the Justice Department in the United States narrowed the definition of torture to the infliction of pain comparable to "organ failure,...

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Without wishing to confuse the issue, Senator McCain, who is involved in helping undocumented Irish people in the United States, suffered torture and is anxious to ensure it is never practised at home or abroad on behalf of the United States. I put it to the Minister that the aeroplane which abducted Khalid al-Masri flew from Kabul to Shannon Airport on 17 December 2003 and from Shannon to...

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: It is also a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: What would be the position if the DPP were to be found to be obstructing an investigation?

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: They are called pressure flights.

State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Suspended.

Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 39: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the basis used for his expression of concern to the US Embassy at the use of white phosphorus in Iraq; the adequacy of the response which he received on foot of this communication; the position on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39341/05]

Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: My question did not confine itself to the convention banning the use of chemical weapons. White phosphorous is an incendiary weapon. As the Minister pointed out, under Article 2 of Protocol III of the 1980 UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons it is specifically banned in areas where there are civilians. The basis for my tabling this question was the suggestion in the first instance...

Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Does the Minister believe them?