Results 1,081-1,100 of 4,915 for speaker:Jim O'Keeffe

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (27 Oct 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: Question 302: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the service grant initiative including the criteria for qualification; the actual uptake of the initiative in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31118/05]

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: Just three answers are required.

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: That will cause more concern.

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: He asked three questions and did not get a reply to any of them.

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: It is a State secret.

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: Do not forget about the consultants.

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: It is time for the Government to go underground.

Leaders' Questions. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: The Government had its chance.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: It is a coincidence, no doubt.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: That will take some time.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: The Deputy has gone back to basics.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I speak on behalf of Fine Gael, the united Ireland party. I notice this raises mirth on the part of some of the Johnny come lately patriot representatives of Sinn Féin and the IRA.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: Speaking on behalf of the united Ireland party——

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: ——when I speak about uniting the country I do not refer to a Government in Dublin, rather a healing of the divisions between the people on this island. Now that the murderous campaigns of the IRA and other paramilitaries have ended, we have a real opportunity to advance towards this objective and of which we can avail in the fullness of time. What must be clear is that the opportunity...

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: Fine Gael has always had a bipartisan approach to matters relating to Northern Ireland. Essentially, this has involved not making political capital out of such matters and, while in Opposition, broadly supporting the thrust of Government policy in dealing with the issue without giving a blank cheque. Fianna Fáil has mainly followed the same approach. I recollect the bizarre exception...

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: That is why I consider it utterly ridiculous that the Taoiseach should write to party leaders recommending such a course of action in the situation that exists at this stage. In his letter he envisages that a committee of this House would meet at least every six months, with the first meeting to be held in early 2006. Is there the slightest opportunity that we would have cross-party...

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: That is a matter for him to explain to this House and to the Irish people. What must we do about Northern Ireland? We must ensure this House unanimously supports an end to criminality in this country and on this island. It would be helpful if that support were there.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: This House should also unanimously support the police on this island——

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: ——including the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. It would be helpful to the development of the peace process on this island if that unanimous support were forthcoming. I do not see it as yet. I would like to see that followed by the re-establishment of the institutions in Northern Ireland, as those provided for by the Good Friday Agreement are part of the peace process. I am running out of time.

Irish Unification: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Jim O'Keeffe: I am running out of time on this motion.