Results 9,741-9,760 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: As for broadband, while I do not know who incorrectly informed Deputy Kenny, technology companies such as Google, Apple and Dell all continue to expand and invest——

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: ——and are moving to higher rate of advancement in Ireland with huge investment. Moreover, none is even thinking of pulling away from us because of broadband. They continue to develop their capacity within Ireland, of which we should be proud, as well as of our young qualified engineers who go through our excellent education system. In addition, they all use this country as their...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I am talking about the Republic of Ireland.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: While the House can discuss County Cavan another day, I am discussing the Republic of Ireland and Members should keep to that.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: These companies are increasing their investments and operate their European plants using the high quality people who work here. This is happening everywhere. Deputy Kenny may take a certain satisfaction from the international economic downturn.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: However, as a serious political leader of a party, he should not take such a view.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: If he had anything useful to say he would be supporting the Government's policies to increase the capital programme.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Kenny asked the Government to put more money into schools. The capital programme has been increased to 6% of gross domestic product. Nowhere else in Europe is doing so.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: We have gone way beyond the figure in Europe so we can put stimulus into the economy. We will spend €600 million this year on the capital programme. Last year, 1,400 schools received investments under various school investment programmes.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: When I took over as Taoiseach, 14 projects per year were being undertaken while the figure is 1,400 at present.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Such investment may not take place to the same extent this year. As far as FÁS is concerned, I remind Deputy Kenny that CERT looks after the catering trade. The Government is ensuring the continuing provision of training in all those sectors in which it believes employment opportunities exist, including the tourism sector. The Government would like to see more employers give first chances...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: However, they can give preference to our workers. As for construction, an enormous amount of development is taking place in major capital projects in the non-residential sector. We must ensure that this can be sustained. As I noted at the outset, productivity becomes essential when international markets experience a downturn. We must ensure that in 2008 and 2009, as we have done many times...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I certainly will discuss with the Minister the positive suggestions made by Deputy Gilmore. As he is aware, I raised one of them previously and the previous Garda Commissioner did not consider the mandatory basis to be a priority. However, I will raise both proposals again. I will comment on the figures. Yesterday, the Minister advised me the Garda works closely with international law...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated, we will certainly look at the legislation. The Criminal Justice Act 2007, which was enacted in 2006 and came into effect last year, dealt with all the legislative measures the Garda wanted to deal with these issues. Technology keeps advancing and I will not argue with that. If there are enhancements that can be made to the technology system, they will be considered, although I...

Order of Business (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, and No. 2, the Finance Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 10 shall be...

Order of Business (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Senator John McCain is also a good friend of mine.

Order of Business (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, he is from Kilkenny.

Order of Business (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister is anxious to press ahead with the long-stay residential Bill. However, there are some legal difficulties that must be clarified and consultations must take place with interested groups. I understand that is happening.

Order of Business (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Yes. The Minister is anxious to deal with it. There is a strong consensus among the interested parties that the proposed legislation will be beneficial to them. They want it enacted quickly. We will try to deal with both sides of the debate as quickly as possible. The sale of alcohol Bill will not be published before the summer. The legislation includes more than 200 heads and I...

Order of Business (5 Feb 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, the Minister has set up an advisory group under the chairmanship of Dr. Gordon Holmes to consider the huge expansion of the sale of alcohol in garages and retail outlets, including supermarkets. I am not sure if that examination has already started but the group is due to begin its work. I acknowledge the sensitivities of the families of the late Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and the...