Results 541-560 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Order of Business. (1 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Last year I asked whether the Government had decided to sign and ratify the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture. The reply was that it would be considered in 2006. Is the Taoiseach in a position to say whether Ireland will be signing the optional protocol in the current Dáil session or during the rest of 2006?

Order of Business. (1 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Britain has signed but we have not. We are in breach of the Good Friday Agreement by not signing.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: One can now pay to bring one's wheelchair on the aeroplane, if it is allowed at all.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I want to say a few words about the extraordinary speech given by Deputy Fiona O'Malley which must qualify as the most brass-necked of the year. She regards it as somehow old-fashioned not to leap towards the abolition of the groceries order or to take a number of important and innovative steps which have aroused the intellects of the Progressive Democrats. The party she represents is...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (1 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 165: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in reintroducing height restrictions for large vehicles; and when the change will be introduced. [3127/06]

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (1 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 188: To ask the Minister for Transport the action he is taking in conjunction with the MBRS, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána to improve the detection of drug-driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3126/06]

Order of Business. (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to ask about the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Bill. It appears from the list that the heads of the legislation are not yet agreed. When will that legislation be ready? We are awaiting definite policy decisions relating to TG4, digital broadcasting and the issuing of licences. A number of crucial decisions have been taken in broadcasting even though the legislation is not yet even...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It is never implemented.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: That is a nonsense question.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister of State should ask Musgrave its opinion.

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 48: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made in the internal Garda inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied); when the report will be finalised; when the contents will be communicated to the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3563/06]

Written Answers — Garda Recruitment: Garda Recruitment (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 72: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-nationals who applied to join the Garda Síochána in the recent recruitment drive; the number whose applications were successful and the countries of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/06]

Written Answers — Course Compliance: Course Compliance (2 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 205: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 268 of 23 March 2004, at which time her predecessor stated that a further reply would issue, the reason no reply has been received by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; the position regarding this matter; if this course will be referred to the advisory committee; and her views on the issue at stake....

Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Will the Taoiseach clarify the position in regard to two international conventions? I understand the optional protocol of the United Nations Convention Against Torture has been transferred to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for opinion and that it is his conclusion that Ireland will not sign or ratify it. In regard to the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (7 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 124: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the nature and extent of Ireland's representation and participation in the group of national experts on the implementation of the posting of workers directive set up by the group of directors-general for industrial relations of the member states established by the European Commission; the general or specific mandate given...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (7 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 299: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will sign and ratify the 1990 UN International Convention of the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of the Their Families. [3806/06]

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (7 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 300: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons who were processed by the visa office in December 2005; the number of different countries which were represented amongst persons applying for visas; the number of translators of different languages which were available in the office during those working hours. [3846/06]

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (7 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 307: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, with reference to the section of the quality customer service plan of his Department, entitled "improvements in visa services", which outlines the objective of reducing response time, this objective is being met; and if this average response time with regard to visa applications has been reduced; the average response time to visa...

Written Answers — Garda Complaints Procedures: Garda Complaints Procedures (7 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 409: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has been informed of allegations that members of An Garda Síochána were allegedly involved in an unprovoked attack on persons (details supplied). [4009/06]