Results 5,781-5,800 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Army Barracks (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I have not been asked that question officially and it is not on the Order Paper. I have not been briefed on it but I will ensure the Deputy gets a reply as quickly as possible because it is an important question and it should be fully and promptly responded to.

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: In 2006, a large military parade in Dublin marked the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Since then, a simple dignified military ceremony has taken place in front of the GPO each Easter Sunday. The ceremony starts at noon and lasts approximately 25 minutes. The President lays a wreath and the Taoiseach and the Minister for Defence also have officiating roles. The event involves...

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The question I was asked is the one I am answering, namely, what happens annually. I do not wish to be rude but the Deputy might listen again to the key point in my response. I reiterate that there is an all-party group dealing with this issue. It is not only one side of the House, but all sides that will put their perspectives on the commemoration. The Defence Forces will have a critical...

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: We are at cross purposes here. Question No. 11 asked about the role of the Defence Forces in the annual 1916 commemoration which I addressed; and the budget for the commemoration, which we discussed.

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is envisioned that the framework for commemorations of the decade of centenaries relating to the period 2012 to 2022 will be developed by officials and approved by Government. Particular commemorative initiatives and arrangements for them will be brought to the all-party group. That is the key point I wish to make. There has been a significant level of engagement with various interested...

Commemorative Events (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: My point is, that is not what it is, lest there be any doubt about it on either side of the House. I am glad to hear the Deputy state that. There is no room in this country for militarism. What we want is unity, North and South. We have cohesion and contact, North and South, in a very progressive way. Long may it continue the way it is going.

Broadcasting Legislation (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Charles Flanagan for his comments. His clear message is that what makes sense should happen. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body, which has as one of its functions the preparation of broadcasting codes or rules. Accordingly, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has no function in this matter and his Department has...

Broadcasting Legislation (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I agree with the thrust of what Deputy Charles Flanagan says and that people have strong views on this. The advisory group, the health specialists and the nutritional experts came to a view but, as I said earlier, it is a matter for the Oireachtas to make up its mind on these regulations. The Oireachtas has powers to do so and the Minister has no statutory role in this respect. However, I...

Post Office Network (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Deputies for their comments and assure them that the Government is committed to a strong and viable An Post and supports its maintenance of the maximum number of economically viable post offices. I take particular note of what the Deputies said regarding the length of time the post office has been open, the services it provided historically and currently in the community and the...

Post Office Network (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would be very happy to take the views of the Deputies and convey them to the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte. I know he will take account of them and ensure they are communicated directly to An Post. Would it make sense to arrange a meeting with it to discuss the business propositions made by the Deputies? If there is an alternative it ought to be considered. If it has not been aware of what...

Post Office Network (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: There may be information which has not been given, apart from sensitive commercial information, such as the number of transactions and activities which should be made available.

Post Office Network (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: It should be accountable to the community. I will ensure the views of the Deputies are expressed to the Minister and communicated to An Post.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: People here seem to suffer from a rather significant absence of memory and seem to forget that Fianna Fáil was in power for 16 of the past 20 years.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: Whatever they might think, the public will never forget the way it was led into the current situation. An unsustainable housing and property boom was led by developers, their friends in Fianna Fáil-----

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I do not interrupt other speakers. Perhaps it is too much to expect that they might have manners now. The people will not forget why they are in the current situation and why people borrowed way in excess of what they could afford for properties that are now valueless.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would like to speak, if I can.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: People are in a very difficult position financially. They have mortgages they cannot pay and have lost jobs. The reason for that is the mismanagement of the country for many years.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: We accept responsibility for what we have to do. One cannot wipe away 16 years of mismanagement.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I do not have a problem sticking to my script but if the Deputy stuck to the facts it would be somewhat helpful. Perhaps it is time he did another show with the Rubber Bandits. He was most successful when he wore the mask and he should put it on again.

Banking Sector Regulation: Motion (Resumed) (14 Mar 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The issue of mortgage arrears is of the utmost importance to the Government. The establishment of a Government committee to co-ordinate and oversee the implementation of a whole of Government response to the problem is evidence of this. However, there is no single or quick solution to deal with the mortgage problem. Each case is different and the circumstances of each household will be...