Results 5,261-5,280 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (24 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: My Department does not fund any projects under the RAPID programme.

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 22, inclusive, together. The June European Council will consider a wide range of issues. In particular, it will examine how Europe listens and works for its citizens and how the future of Europe debate and the period of reflection on the European constitution are to be carried forward. I expect to receive the finalised agenda following discussions on the...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte asked a number of questions. On the constitution, following the French and Dutch referendums, the June 2005 European Council decided to initiate a period of reflection. It will clearly be a significant item on the agenda. While the matter has not been circulated yet, it must come back to the Council this June. The intention was for member states to avail of the opportunity to...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It will not take effect until 1 January 2014 but all of those issues must be faced. It will be a fundamental review; there is no doubt about that, as I have said consistently to agriculture groups here for some years. It is important that people do not think there is some way to avoid it. The agriculture lobby is now a small group and it will be even smaller when President Chirac steps down...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: On the first issue, I am not aware of the legal costs around it, but it was the right thing to do. The reason we took the case is obvious. Both the United Kingdom and Ireland are parties to the convention and, as correctly urged, we were proactive in this matter. If we are party to a convention we should abide by the convention and our view was that the British were not doing that. It is not...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Much progress has been made since the beginning of this year on the services directive. Most of the issues we were concerned about have been addressed. We continue to support at the meetings the services directive with safeguards to ensure there will not be a race to the bottom. That was our central point throughout. The directive, as amended by the Commission, is now being considered by the...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Genetically modified food is not on the agenda; it is an issue for the EU Agricultural Council. We support the EU agreed approach on agricultural issues, to be discussed at the World Trade Organisation talks which will seek balanced but ambitious measures across the core areas of the Doha development agenda. The main focus has been on obtaining tariff reductions on agricultural and industrial...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The President was asking for the Deputy. On the European constitution, the issue is that 15 countries — the figure will soon be 16 or 17 — have ratified the constitution. France and the Netherlands have strongly indicated their positions. The Netherlands have said they will not return to the matter, while France said it would in certain circumstances, but it did not outline those...

Official Engagements. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I had two short discussions with President Chávez. I did not include them in my reply as comprehensive meetings. He is anxious to see the European Union working with him on some of the central issues he wants progressed. He would hold the view that Europe has not done that to a sufficient degree. It is an issue on which he campaigned strongly before and since the LAC meeting. On issues of...

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Kenny knows that any new legislation will not deal with the seven cases retrospectively. We cannot have retrospective legislation, which is my first point. As the House is aware, the Supreme Court struck down section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. I said last Wednesday that I would check to see how many people are involved. Seven people are currently imprisoned as a...

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Our criminal code still prohibits sexual offences against young persons, the crime of rape remains part of our law and the Garda and Director of Public Prosecutions are duty bound to uphold and enforce these laws. Regarding the laws on sexual assault, there is a 14-year penalty for sexual assault on a minor, the penalty for forced and aggravated sexual assault is life and the charge of rape...

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: No. People know it is not true that we have a debate with the Supreme Court or Judiciary before they make their judgments, nor is there an early warning system for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Attorney General or me.

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: No, the Supreme Court judgment is not obvious.

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I am trying to answer Deputy Kenny's question seriously. In fairness, he raised the matter constructively last week.

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I will address that point if I get a minute. Will Deputies allow me to answer Deputy Kenny's question? We must deal with the issue and we will introduce legislation in this area promptly. We will try to have the legislation by the weekend, if we can. Someone outside the House asked me about this matter today. If we can do that, if the Cabinet sub-committees work through the weekend and if we...

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: All Deputies will agree with me that the first priority is the protection of children. The Supreme Court judgment is too serious for gamesmanship or point scoring so I will not get into that.

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I have to say again to Deputy Kenny that no legislation will plug the cases of Messrs. A, B, C, D, E, F or G. There is no case for seven people. The Supreme Court has given its judgment on that.

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I want to be clear about that point. The case we are talking about, Mr. A, is being appealed to the Supreme Court. Anyone who believes he can go out next weekend and do anything because there is no law is mistaken — offences are stipulated so that the law can protect young people. Sexual assault carries a 14 year penalty, a sexual incident with a minor where force is used carries a penalty...

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It has been said in the House and outside it. It does not happen that way. I had no idea and neither had my colleague.

Leaders' Questions. (30 May 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Everything is possible.