Results 901-920 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: At the beginning of the year, 1,145, 083 people were covered by medical cards, which is just short of 29% of the population.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte is correct. The health boards continued last year with their management review of the medical card database, which has been a factor in reducing the number of medical cards. The Tánaiste made that clear in the House recently. This exercise last year removed approximately 104,000 cards from the medical register for various reasons.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Tánaiste is taking steps to ensure people on low incomes can visit their general practitioner and bring their children without being put off by cost. We expect 230,000 more people to benefit this year.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: A total of 30,000 will receive the traditional medical card and 200,000 will get the doctor visit cards.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: A short Bill is needed, which must be passed in the House shortly. The Tánaiste hopes all the cards will be circulated before the end of April.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The 30,000 traditional medical cards will be given in April. They are not part of the legislation, which covers the 200,000 doctor visit cards.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Both will be given before the end of April. This year will see more openings, action and movement across a range of hospitals.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: We have seen enormous expenditure, €300 million into St. Vincent's Hospital and money spent on Tullamore hospital, Roscommon hospital and a range of other hospitals that have opened up.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Health Service Executive is up and running since January. The reform structures have been put in place, the Tánaiste has put in place a significant action programme in the accident and emergency area. Naas hospital is doing very well as the Deputy knows. His colleague, former Minister for Finance, Mr. McCreevy, put that in place.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: He was not interrupting. He just wanted to congratulate the Government on Naas hospital. There are also all of the other developments. In the accident and emergency area this year we have a planned programme to put almost €70 million into improving those accident and emergency areas that are deficient. We have also put significant additional staff into these areas.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Is the question about the Quigley report and the Standards in Public Office Commission report?

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The subject of controversy raised by the Deputy has been examined in detail by two separate bodies. There is nothing to suggest that the Minister, Deputy Cullen, acted inappropriately in the matter in question. The House knows that when we drew up the terms of reference, care was taken to ensure that nothing would be done to pre-empt any investigation the Standards in Public Office Commission...

Leaders' Questions. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Again, the Deputy is raising two points. I do not intend to examine every aspect of it. The Government discussed the matter and we have agreed to incorporate guidelines into the Cabinet handbook in this area. These guidelines will apply, particularly in the PR or communications area, where there is a significant element of direct service to a Minister, or where a Minister suggests a name of a...

Order of Business. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 11, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Finance Act 2004 (Section 91) (Deferred Surrender to Central Fund) Order 2005; No. 11a, motion re by-elections for Kildare North on the Supplementary Order Paper; No. 4, Criminal Justice Bill 2004 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No....

Order of Business. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is due this session.

Order of Business. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Work is proceeding as speedily as possible. The Bill is being given priority within the Department.

Order of Business. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The work permits legislation is separate legislation which is due before the House this session. The immigration and residence Bill is being prepared and I hope it will be available later this year. A discussion document is being prepared at the moment which will allow for public consultation on the issue.

Order of Business. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: This session.

Order of Business. (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I will ask the Whips to look at that. We have received the three reports on which we were waiting. I will ask the Whips if we can have the debate this session.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (15 Feb 2005)

Bertie Ahern: There are no funds and grants available from this Department or its agencies to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour.