Results 5,261-5,280 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Last week in the Dáil the Taoiseach told us that it was his intention always to be honest and straight with the Irish electorate. I would not question the Taoiseach's honesty but how straight is he being with us in this House and with the electorate? Last week he had ample opportunity to indicate to us his intentions regarding a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty. Today he has again...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Irish people does not want to ratify the treaty.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We have adapted our position.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: This is not about one's view of the world. Does the Taoiseach not accept it is about one's view of the democratically expressed will of the Irish people? With all due respect to the response he has given, which was a typical filibuster on his part, he never answered a single question I put to him.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: He did not either confirm——

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I am asking the question again. I ask him to confirm or deny the reports in last Sunday's newspapers about whether he intends to have a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Taoiseach accept it is not about Sinn Féin's previous disposition about the European Union, as he likes to put it in his reply as if that were in some way substantive? It was as empty a response as could be. Does he not have a responsibility to answer this Deputy fairly and the Irish people responsibly, and state clearly what his intentions are? He has failed time after time to...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: That is why I am asking the Taoiseach. Is he going to reply?

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I will conclude on the issue of the Lisbon treaty by noting the Taoiseach's remark that he has reached no decision in regard to how he intends to proceed, whether by constitutional referendum or otherwise. Leaving aside Government decisions, he has not yet told us his intentions. On a separate constitutional matter and not to let the opportunity pass, has the Taoiseach given consideration...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Taoiseach sticks to the mantra.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We will play a co-operative role.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We will ignore that.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Let us hear the Taoiseach on the less humorous issue of homelessness.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Taoiseach note my disappointment that he does not view a constitutional amendment on an entitlement to housing as a priority or something he is prepared to consider? Will he accept also that the enshrining of a particular right in the Constitution is not the assertion of a principle, that the Constitution creates an imperative, that there is a huge and critical difference here and...

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Last week, in response to a question from me regarding the proposed amendments to the Competition Act, the Taoiseach indicated — it was unclear in the Chamber, but I have checked the record of the House — for the first time in the House, that they would be specific to the Irish Medical Organisation.

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I just want to finish the point. I had previously asked the Tánaiste but that information had never been given before. Why is it not intended to amend the Competition Act to address the difficulties already well highlighted as regards the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, the Irish Dental Association and other interests and not just the IMO.

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will he clarify his point that it will only be specific to the IMO? If that is not the case, I would welcome clarification.

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Taoiseach cites drug needs and whatever in terms of direct engagement with the IMO, but surely this was at the very core of the whole issue with the IPU over the past 18 months and more.

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Surely this is the opportunity that must be grasped if we are to address how the Competition Act impacts negatively not only on the rights of the organisations I have mentioned, the IMO, IDA and IPU, but also in relation to actors and others within the arts sector——

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Taoiseach not confirm to the House that he will grab this holistically, in the round, and deal with all the questions and sectors?