Results 981-1,000 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Written Answers — Ukrainian Presidential Election: Ukrainian Presidential Election (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 242: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans initiatives to support the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3126/05]

Written Answers — Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian Assistance (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 244: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he intends to initiate steps to alleviate starvation and war in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3128/05]

Written Answers — EU Enlargement: EU Enlargement (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 246: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his preferred options for the future enlargement of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3148/05]

Written Answers — Natural Disasters: Natural Disasters (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 175: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to propose any initiatives at EU level with a view to creating a contingency force or body with the capability of a rapid response to issues such as the natural disaster in south east Asia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1530/05]

Written Answers — Common Foreign and Security Policy: Common Foreign and Security Policy (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 241: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his intentions in regard to the participation in EU battlegroups and emergency relief initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3125/05]

Written Answers — Common Foreign and Security Policy: Common Foreign and Security Policy (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 243: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he expects to support or contribute to an EU rapid reaction or relief force or group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3127/05]

Written Answers — Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian Assistance (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 245: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views as to how best to co-ordinate and deliver famine or disaster relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/05]

Written Answers — Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian Assistance (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 247: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, at EU or UN level, he has voiced opinions on the best way in which the logistics of disaster relief can be delivered expeditiously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3149/05]

Written Answers — Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian Assistance (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 249: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views as to how best to combat starvation and war in Africa, through the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3151/05]

Written Answers — Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian Assistance (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 251: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the ten most serious starvation or war-torn trouble spots; and his views as to how best to assist. [3186/05]

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 248: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to enhance the work of the international community with the programme to combat AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3150/05]

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (2 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 338: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if and when a higher education grant will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who attends the Institute of Technology, Tallaght; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3139/05]

Order of Business. (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: To enable the Government to elucidate on the position at the ESB, is it possible to indicate when the ESB Bill will come before the House? Furthermore, can it be done so as a matter of urgency in order that the House might have an opportunity to discuss the issues which are likely to affect the ESB in future?

Order of Business. (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: It will be a very busy session.

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: There is a need for a water services Bill but not that which is before the House because it restricts itself to the management of water. The broader issue of the provision of adequate water supplies to meet domestic and industrial needs is one I have raised in numerous parliamentary questions in recent years. Ireland has been lucky, or unlucky as the case may be, to have had heavy annual...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: It is a pity the party opposite did not take the same view and there would not have been a change in the first place.

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: There is a relevance, but I do not wish to pour cold water on it just yet. The issue relates to who will run the services in the future, because obviously it will not be the local authorities. A structure will be introduced, which is allowed for under the Bill. However, it could be the local authorities. Up to three or four years ago, local group water schemes were set up by local community...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I will not be able to drain the Shannon in that length of time, a Cheann Comhairle. However, I assure you there is ample scope within the Bill to approach the Shannon and that area.

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: I am depending on the Minister, who has ample experience of local government, to ensure that this legislation is not just a doubtful accolade of the production system in the Department. Its aim should be to improve the delivery and supply of water services, but it does not address these major issues. It provides a framework for someone to pay for this commodity in the future. The Minister...

Postal Dispute. (3 Feb 2005)

Bernard Durkan: An ongoing debate is taking place within the House and throughout the country on the future of An Post and its staff. An Post has a considerable linkage system in place throughout the country which consists of a delivery service that is in touch with all aspects of society. It has post offices and sub-post offices located strategically and in such a way as to enable An Post to use its...