Results 8,521-8,540 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Fine Gael had time to speak. They should give the Labour Party a chance.

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: A board supports management decisions. It does not overturn them. The board of Aer Lingus agrees there were difficulties with the commercial realities of the decision. I have said many times that the loss of the Shannon-Heathrow service is disappointing and that the counties in the wider mid-west region, and along the western seaboard in particular, have difficulties with the decision....

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: We will continue to do all we can to find a way. I am sorry Deputy Gilmore takes the view that because an agreement is not signed and delivered we do not have something on the table today.

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Gilmore asked the question. If the Opposition continues in this way I will simply tell my greater numbers to interrupt Opposition Leaders every time they speak. I tell them to do the opposite.

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Does Deputy Gilmore want an answer?

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will ask my colleagues not to interrupt. However, if Opposition Deputies do not want to listen——

Leaders' Questions (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will conclude. The Opposition do not want to listen to my answers because Deputy Gilmore's party would like the Government to give up and do nothing to help Shannon. On this side of the House we have always helped Shannon. We have always helped the mid-west and we will continue to do so.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Question Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. The information sought by the Deputies concerning appointments made by me to State boards and agencies under the aegis of my Department since June 2002 is set out in the following schedule. The relevant bodies are the National Statistics Board, the Law Reform Commission, the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, the...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Mr. Burke, as a member and chairman of the board for many years, has carried out a hugely successful reform of the port company and is recognised as having done so across all political persuasions. His appointment is made on the basis of the knowledge, expertise and experience he brings to the job. These are the qualities a person should bring to a board. There are many Fine Gael and...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Changes will have to be made in respect of membership of the NESF to reflect current Oireachtas representation. As I understand it, that is happening or is about to happen. It was agreed earlier this year that the existing 15 Oireachtas nominees to NESF would be reappointed pending the general election following which the position would be revisited. I understand the Whip's office will...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The formula used is based on party representation in the House. Fifteen Members of the House are appointed to the board and it is a straight mathematical division. I have not worked out the new formula though I have included the old one in the reply. I will examine with the Whip's office what this means for Sinn Féin.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will consider that. To the best of my knowledge, the Technical Group was represented on the previous board, as were the Progressive Democrats and the Independents. I will look at the formula.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy is, of course, misrepresenting my view. I have stated many times that it is no longer easy to get people to serve on State boards, given the commitment required of them, much of the time free gratis and often for very small amounts. Appointments are based on a person's experience, expertise, willingness to serve and commitment to the organisation in which they are involved. Most...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: What normally happens — this has been the case for many years — is that the relevant Department makes a nomination and that is agreed by Government. Legislation in respect of semi-State companies provides that a Minister may make a nomination which is then agreed by Government, and that is what happens. Consideration will be given to a suitable nomination by any member of Government.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: No.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: There is no agreement in respect of allocations, ratios and so on. The Deputy is implying that the bigger party gets X and the smaller party gets Y, but there is no such arrangement.

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I do not wish to be unhelpful to Deputy Shatter but I am answering questions in respect of boards which come under the aegis of my Department. The Government makes appointments to State boards as provided for in legislation. There is consultation with Government in respect of nominations by Ministers, but ultimately the decision is made by the Minister. Much depends on what is provided for...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I do not think there is such a proposal, but the Deputy would need to table a question to each Minister in respect of vacancies on State boards that come under the remit of their Departments. I have outlined in my reply the position in respect of my Department. I have made the point several times that significant issues arise in respect of membership of State boards in terms of time, legal...

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Is the Deputy referring to my Department?

Appointments to State Boards. (10 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I have no idea.