Results 8,401-8,420 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Cross-Departmental Teams. (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The employment level has not dropped this year because there was very strong demand in the categories other than the non-residential sector — I believe there are five categories in total. That is why the figures have held up so well this year, even though the level of construction reduced from 93,000 units to 77,000, and if one considers the second half of the year, it is even lower than...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: There are two questions, first on the question of the polar opposites, I again refer Deputy Kenny to the complete transcript of 20 September 2007. Judge Flaherty used the phrase, "polar opposites" but I encourage Deputy Kenny to read the entire transcript and see the context of the exchange rather than zoom in on one soundbite. Judge Flaherty said the reason I gave the tribunal in public...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Kenny knows there is no written agreement. He knows the view of the Green Party, expressed here last week, that they would await the findings of the full tribunal. He also knows that the allegation I have been asked to answer is that I received money from Owen O'Callaghan in relation to certain issues put forward in different circumstances to the tribunal. The tribunal is dealing...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I am totally supportive of declaring issues. I supported the Standards in Public Office Commission.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I do not want to discuss what Mr. Haughey or anyone else did.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will not discuss the business of people who are in the grave and others who are not in the grave. It has never been my form to do that. What I could say has been well analysed but I will not say it. I got money from close friends. They were not business people. They were not looking for anything from me. I paid them back with the relevant interest. That is the point.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Additional expenditure for the HSE this year amounts to €1.2 billion. Its allocation for this year is €15 billion, 25% higher than it was two years ago. I am sure the Deputy will accept that all my colleagues who administer Departments and agencies under their aegis must comply with the expenditure position. It is in addition to a €1.2 billion increase in funding that at the end of...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy has asked a number of questions. On the advertisement by the Department of Health and Children for a nursing officer, the post is for a Civil Service nursing officer rather than an adviser. The current employee is leaving the position.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Let us be clear on this point. The HSE is in receipt of €15 billion in Exchequer funding. Its funding has increased by more than 10% per annum in recent years. The allocation is based on the HSE's assessment of need, as is the case with every other agency. I am not sure if the Deputy is advocating that any sector, health, education or otherwise, should disregard its agreed annual...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Some 9% of inpatients and 13% of outpatients said their experience was poor. It will be a challenge to get it perfect. That is why we are providing €15 billion and 120,000 people to improve it. That is what the Government is committed to. The HSE, it is hoped, will be able to get back within its figures in the remainder of the year and move on with the large increase it will again...

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party I extend my sympathy to Deputy Eamon Gilmore, Deputy Seán Sherlock and the Labour Party on the death of Joe Sherlock. A proud Cork man, Joe was a long-serving Member of the House. He was born in Kildorrery in north Cork seven decades ago. From a young age he showed great commitment to the people of north Cork and to improving the lives of those in the...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 4, Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2007 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; No. 1, Control of Exports Bill 2007 [Seanad] — Second Stage. Private Members' business shall be No. 16, motion re health services.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy has raised a number of points. The Government is anxious to set up the committees and to get them going. Not many changes have been proposed. I understand that two or three changes have been suggested, on which I hope agreement can be reached, and the Government Whip was endeavouring to do so today. Most of the other committees will remain intact. The representation of parties...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As Deputy Kenny knows, chairmen of committees are vital in trying to progress the agenda. While the representation of the House will be reflected in the committees, perhaps we can agree on what committees will be established. The Government has already stated it is prepared to extend some positions to Opposition Members. Were such matters wrapped up, it would be ready to move with the...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill in question was published at the end of 2005 and an Order for Second Stage is to be made. Thereafter the debate will take place. On committees, the Government recommends only some minor changes. I refer to a committee on Northern Ireland to which the Government has been committed for some years. In addition, it has proposed a committee in which it is intended to deal with...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The heads of the national monuments Bill have been approved. The Minister now has plans for a review of archaeological practice and policy, which will begin in the autumn. The heads of the social housing, miscellaneous provisions, Bill, have been approved by the Government and the legislation is expected early in the new year.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated earlier on Question Time, the Committee of Public Accounts had raised a number of issues and the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance has replied to those issues. I am sure they can be taken up within the Committee of Public Accounts when it is up and running again. Preparation has commenced on developing a framework for the Pharmacy (No. 2) Bill on clarification of policy...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: If Members want to express their views on the terms of reference of committees, I do not have any difficulty with that but I will not change my mind on a view that has been held here for years.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: That matter is being reviewed in the Department of Health and Children, which will make its statement on this. We promised that we would do so and that review is now being undertaken.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The heads of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill are completed and I understand the legislation is almost ready. We should have it this session.