Results 10,341-10,360 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Consistency in this regard might at least last for 24 hours. It was recommended that the provisions should not be commenced at this time——

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: ——and this recommendation has been accepted by the Government.

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It must be emphasised that the matter is being kept under review to take into account changes in the property market.

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Members should examine what is an independent report carried out on the basis of the entire industry and the situation as a whole.

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It is not by any means a survey of developers.

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I will make a number of points. As I noted previously, it is incorrect that nothing has been done on this matter. The survey points out the full detail in this regard and there is no need for me to go into it. However, the Finance Act introduced these provisions and the Government stated it would consider the matter. My point to Deputy Gilmore is that since 1999, the Government has been...

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I refer to what has happened in the market, in respect of stamp duty and the actions of the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance regarding mortgage relief. We are giving them a break. While it is possible to introduce this measure, there would be a corresponding and immediate large increase in the price of a house. What is the point in achieving that?

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: As for the figures used in the various assumptions that are being put forward, a point that has been lost is that they are based on the premise that all developers have put in place arrangements so that no stamp duty liability could have arisen in respect of any conveyancing. This pertains to the projected figures that I have read in articles recently. However, this does not represent...

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Stamp duty statistics are taken from instruments presented to the Revenue Commissioners from stamping. This is where it applies and if there is no obligation to present documents for stamping, there is no way to estimate accurately the amount of duty that could have been collected, had the provisions been changed.

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Goodbody report points out there are no official data sources on the value of development land sales. Therefore, it gives an indicative estimate of the total value of development land in 2006 of between €7 billion and €8 billion. It goes on to point out how one can calculate the figures in a realistic manner, in so far as is possible. It is nothing like the projected figures. As I...

Leaders' Questions (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: ——be negative for the market, employment and first-time buyers. An independent analysis has vindicated that position.

Official Engagements. (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 13, inclusive, together. I travelled to three European capitals between 26 and 28 February. On 26 February, I travelled to Ljubljana for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Janša. Slovenia currently holds the European Presidency. During our discussions, we covered a wide range of issues including bilateral relations between our two countries,...

Official Engagements. (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I raised many of the issues to which Deputy Ó Caoláin referred, although not all of them. The Deputy asked a large number of questions. Regarding the first general group and the review, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has continually pressed and prepared for the review of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which is due in two years time. Our position has been strongly opposed to...

Official Engagements. (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: On the last question, Deputy Ó Caoláin would acknowledge that I fought very hard to make sure the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which is the main benchmark for probably the next 20 or 30 years, was part of the constitution treaty and by extension is now part of the arrangements for the reform treaty. This gives the protections for the future that are key to everybody's rights, workers...

Official Engagements. (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I know the Deputy does not believe that. The reality is that the continued progress on growth and jobs in the European Union is the issue, which is very welcome. That is what the Lisbon strategy has been about, particularly at a time when much of the globe is experiencing financial uncertainty. The key objective of the new cycle that we agreed at the Council meeting in March is to build on...

Official Engagements. (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I thank the Deputy for her remarks about the employment laws and the issues with which I have been involved over the years. I appreciate her remarks. She asked me about four issues. Tibet was not discussed at the meeting of the Heads of State, it was discussed by the Foreign Ministers at the European Council. It was discussed also last weekend at a very lengthy and important informal...

Official Engagements. (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Regarding UN reform, they should try to implement the work left over by Kofi Annan and the work done on a regional basis around the world before starting on any new initiative. Much effort has been put into this since 2000 up to the appointment of the new Secretary General. It is crucial these are implemented over the next few years. On the Chinese situation and the protests over the...

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I thank the House for providing an occasion for expressions of sympathy to one of the House's distinguished and liked Members for many years, Mr. Gene Fitzgerald. I convey my sincere condolences, and those of my Fianna Fáil colleagues, to his widow, Noreen, his children, Áine, Aileen, Aindrias, Niamh and Eimear, his sister, Mamie, his brother, Dan, and his grandchildren on their loss at...

Order of Business (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 19, statements on European Council, Brussels, and No. 18, Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the proceedings on No. 19 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 80 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply. The...

Order of Business (9 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Dublin Transport Authority Bill will be published in a few weeks.