Results 6,341-6,360 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Ceann Comhairle. Deputy Jerry Buttimer is looking for my speaking slot. I have a few questions for the Taoiseach on Queen Elizabeth's visit to the country. Why has there been no debate on this very important matter? There are many views in the House on the royal visit.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: There should be an opportunity for Members to have an informed debate on the matter.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: I agree, Deputy Rabbitte, that there are Members in the Technical Group who have royalist connections.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: However, it is a very broad group. We have many democrats and republicans.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: On a serious note, why is there no real debate in this House on the visit of Queen Elizabeth? There are many different views on the matter. On the second question-----

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: A Cheann Comhairle, can I ask the question?

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Will you ask Deputy Howlin to stop acting up? Does the Minister still believe in free speech?

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: He obviously still does not believe in free speech.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: With all the talk about building and developing relations between Ireland and England, does the Taoiseach agree that it was people on the ground who supported the peace process from its start with the Hume-Adams talks and that, in fact, it was the political elite and some media commentators in this country who initially attacked and did not support the Hume-Adams initiative? Also, has the...

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: He was also in town last night. They are here to oppose the arms industry and the fact that the British Government has recently sealed a deal with Saudi Arabia.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Has the Taoiseach heard of these people and what is his position on those international issues? I have a further question-----

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: The reason I am over time is the heckling.

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Historically, it was politicians, governments and monarchs that started wars and conflicts, not ordinary people. Does the Taoiseach accept that there are elected Members of this House, and many more elected representatives in Scotland, England and Wales, who do not support monarchies or outdated institutions with inherited powers? Does he agree that such institutions are relics of feudal...

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Taoiseach for his response but I am a little concerned about his dismissive reaction. I am open to the idea of having a debate on the visit of President Barack Obama because many of us have differences of opinion on policy issues. Those two issues should be debated in this House as well as in the broader society. I have a further question about two matters that arose today....

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: We are all for making peace with one's enemies-----

Leaders' Questions (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: -----but we must also ensure the victims' voices are heard. It is appropriate that I raise those concerns.

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Question 75: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet the family of a person (details supplied) who is an Irish citizen and has been arbitrarily detained in Sri Lanka since September 2009. [12030/11]

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Question 77: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite an application in respect of a person (details supplied). [12057/11]

Written Answers — EU Surveys: EU Surveys (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Question 84: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason Ireland no longer participates in collecting data to input in the European Economic sentiment indicator process (details supplied); if he considers it imperative that Ireland participates in this important data collection process be resumed without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11912/11]

Written Answers — Special Educational Needs: Special Educational Needs (18 May 2011)

Finian McGrath: Question 99: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding special needs assistants resource hours cuts (details supplied). [11914/11]