Results 9,541-9,560 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The first question is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Defence, but we should try to extend it. The military authorities have a say in this, but they allow community involvement at some of their facilities. For example, in this city and at their playing spaces in the Phoenix Park where they have traditionally had space, they give them over for other community uses. Deputy Stagg...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: This is to give recognition to people and to make it special for them when they take up citizenship in that they will have a formal ceremony. It is being done for two purposes, and that was clear when I attended the main conference. First, it is an honour for them to achieve it and, second, it formalises them in terms of our lifestyle and culture and the responsibilities that come with what...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 6a, motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimate [Vote 40]; No. 6b, motion re referral of Supplementary Estimate [Vote 40] to select committee; and No. 2, Social Welfare Bill 2007 — Second and Subsequent Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. and business shall be interrupted...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: If the Deputy did not get the brief as early as he should I regret that but it is usual at this time of the year that we would bring forward Supplementary Estimates, although not as many as was the case previously but——

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister will address the Select Committee on Health and Children this evening where she will deal with the issue. All we are doing today is moving what is a technical Supplementary Estimate for €1,000. It does not involve additional taxpayers' money. Savings on subheads of €255 million, and particularly the health repayment scheme, and €260 million will offset additional...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Work is continuing to progress on the preparation of the heads of the electricity regulation (EirGrid)(amendment) Bill. It is unlikely to progress it any time soon. The Bill is to convert the ESB into a plc under the Companies Acts and to consolidate existing electricity legislation. Talks are going on also with the unions involved.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The next session brings us up to the new year and I understand a number of these Bills will come out.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I can go through them in detail but they include a number of complex Bills. In the case of a detailed Bill a drafter in the parliamentary draftsman's office works full-time on that Bill. Regarding the employment agency regulation Bill and the employment law compliance Bill, somebody effectively works full-time on those Bills. Other Bills are put back when that happens. A broadcasting Bill...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: That legislation will be introduced next year. No date has been fixed for the referendum.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: No. The Deputy should table a parliamentary question.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: We hope to publish the nursing homes Bill in the next few weeks. The Minister has received the first report from the monitoring group established to oversee adherence to the voluntary codes in alcohol sales. The Department and the Minister are considering the report and a decision on whether the legislation will be reactivated is yet to be made. It will be decided in the new year.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The question is out of order, as is the Deputy.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: We had this yesterday in the House for half an hour. Anyone listening to the debate would be clear on the matter. I did not say in reply to Deputy Durkan's question that I did not know. I said no date had been fixed. The EU reform treaty will be signed tomorrow. The Government will receive a formal report from the Attorney General and I will consult the Opposition parties. This process...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It will be spring time.

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, I have.

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. With the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, there are no current proposals to reconvene the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. The development of a North-South parliamentary forum was discussed at the North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC, in July, where we agreed it is a matter best progressed by the...

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: In regard to the development of the parliamentary forum, as Deputy Gilmore noted it was discussed and included in the communiqué in July. We agreed at the time that it would be best progressed by the two elected institutions. It was decided at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting that officials from the two Administrations would make contact with the Northern Ireland Assembly and...

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I am glad to state what the Minister told the family yesterday, that we have no evidence whatsoever that Paul Quinn was involved in criminal activity.

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated, the only criminals I know in this case are those who murdered Mr. Paul Quinn. We all agree on this point. Deputy Kenny will accept and appreciate that there is considerable anecdotal evidence about his murder and many comments have been made. Our own contacts have made comments to me. I can only base my view on the findings of the Garda investigation, which has not given me...

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Both of my colleagues have set out my position but, as I said in my reply, if it helps I will meet the Quinn family. The bilateral agreement has its merits and it is our view that we should keep arguing that case. It does not solve all the issues, but we have always seen this as an all-island issue. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has argued that we should look at it...