Results 9,581-9,600 of 50,297 for speaker:Micheál Martin
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: I tabled four out of the six questions that we are taking and I will take them in some degree of sequence. I am endeavouring to get clarity from the Taoiseach as to the issues on which he is willing to answer questions. I have written to the Ceann Comhairle on the matter and it will be raised at the CPP. I specifically want to address the matter of questions being transferred from the...
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: It is not about researchers or people phrasing questions right; that is not the issue at all. I have spent time in opposition and I have spent time in government. It is about strategy and an approach to questions. I am not talking about compliance with Standing Orders, which is a separate issue; I am talking about transfers. Let us focus exclusively on the questions that are being...
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach just spoke about the European Union. I tabled a question last week asking the Taoiseach the role he will personally play in preparing for Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 2013 and if this role will increase following the transfer of responsibility for European Union co-ordination to his Department.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: The point is the Taoiseach's role in terms of the European Union Presidency.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: I know to whom it was transferred, but it is the Taoiseach's role.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach is the leader of the country, who always has a significant role in the EU Presidency.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: However, the Taoiseach's reply to me referred to established precedence.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: Let us not get semantic about this and act the smart alec here.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: Former taoisigh always answered questions on upcoming European Union Presidencies. I will give a further example if I may. I also tabled a question asking if the Taoiseach was aware of the reservations conveyed to the Minister for Justice and Equality by Mr. Justice Smithwick about the implications of the Government's intentions to amend the terms of reference of the Smithwick tribunal when...
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: I also asked whether the Taoiseach had any further contacts with Heads of Government concerning the interest rate and Ireland's financial support package. Incredibly the Taoiseach transferred it to the Minister for Finance. Given that the Minister for Finance is not entitled to contact Heads of Government and normally does not do so, transferring that question to him was simply incredible....
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach acknowledged here this morning that he has increased his Department's control of and involvement in European Union affairs, but he is now refusing to answer questions accepted by his predecessors of all parties when they occupied the Office of the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach's staff are engaged in a direct attempt to get all controversial questions transferred to other...
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: That is the question I asked.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: I asked what role the Taoiseach will personally play in preparing for Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2013. Take me through it, please, sentence by sentence. What is wrong with that question?
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach is filibustering.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: May I comment?
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: It is important. Let us not filibuster.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach is trying to filibuster his way out of it.
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: He stated that I phrased my question incorrectly and that I should have asked about his involvement. I have repeated the question, which the Taoiseach has transferred. He has discussed the issue with President Buzek of the European Parliament and everyone else-----
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: -----but he refuses to discuss it in the House. He transferred it-----
- Departmental Functions (20 Jul 2011)
Micheál Martin: I will ask the question again.