Results 741-760 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Europe and the Developing World: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Yes, that is what I meant.

Europe and the Developing World: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: No, it is not.

Europe and the Developing World: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs. The debate about corruption in Africa is terribly important.

Europe and the Developing World: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: There are studies in the Nordic countries; for example that of Professor Svendsen in Denmark, suggesting that it is helpful to publish and make transparent the transfers within a country. The European Union's influence on corruption is reduced because it has not signed the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Europe and the Developing World: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Why do we not sign the convention?

Europe and the Developing World: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I support the Minister of State on all those issues but why do we and other European countries not sign the convention in order to have some credibility? That is the issue. All the rest is fine but when will we sign?

Order of Business. (11 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to ask about promised legislation.

Order of Business. (11 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: The United Nations Convention against Corruption has been indicated for signature and ratification. I also wish to ask about the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture. The terms of the Good Friday Agreement require human rights legislation North and South to be on the same level. Is the Minister concerned that in the case of the second one we are not in harmony as...

Order of Business. (11 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: On a point of order, this matter has previously been raised on the Order of Business and it has been promised from the Government benches that the United Nations Convention against Corruption would be signed shortly. It has also been suggested that making human rights legislation North and South coterminous with each other would be done in the lifetime of the Government. It is not true to say...

Order of Business. (11 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It is quite outrageous that the Minister can be dismissive of a breach of the Good Friday Agreement.

Order of Business. (11 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It is probably very big as well.

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (11 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 41: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of rent supplement in respect of each of the past five years; the amount paid out in rent supplements; the number of landlords to whom rent supplement was paid; the average annual payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17371/06]

Written Answers — Foclóir Béarla-Gaeilge: Foclóir Béarla-Gaeilge (16 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 100: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a thosóidh Céim a Dó de thionscadal an fhoclóra Béarla-Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [18145/06]

Written Answers — An Ghaeilge: An Ghaeilge (16 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 129: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na cainteanna a bhí aige leis an Roinn Airgeadais faoi mharcanna breise a bhronnadh ar státseirbhísigh i gcomórtais ansin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [18146/06]

Asylum Applications. (17 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Or 15 years.

Written Answers — Trade Regulations: Trade Regulations (17 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 78: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the companies that have been affected by Statutory Instrument 130 of 2006, European Communities, Trade with Iraq, Regulations 2006; if so, the names of those companies and the nature of their trade with Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18201/06]

Written Answers — Company Mergers: Company Mergers (17 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 100: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposed company mergers that his Department is currently aware of under its responsibility for the regulation of mergers; the number of mergers dealt with by his Department in each year from 2002 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18197/06]

Order of Business. (18 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: The announcement and the arrangements for this visit were made without the necessary diplomatic preparation or consultation with other Members of this House. They were also made without any serious consideration as to the purpose of the visit, which is unsatisfactory. When people have addressed this Chamber in the past there has been quite a long preparation so that people understood the...

Order of Business. (18 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I read about it in the press before there was any communication from the Minister or the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. It may well be that the Government wishes to do it in this way but I am perfectly entitled to remind the House that both previous visits were organised differently. I make my suggestion for the purposes of propriety.

Order of Business. (18 May 2006)

Michael D Higgins: That is fine.