Results 13,401-13,420 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It is impossible. The next issue is one we discussed several times and the Minister has a certain history in this area given the current situation between the HSE and pharmacists. Does the Minister believe it is opportune to take some initiative and remove the Pharmacy (No. 2) Bill from the House or enter, or cause to be entered, into negotiations between pharmacists and the HSE?

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister wants to answer on it again.

Order of Business (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Like others, I am glad to have the opportunity to make a contribution on the Bill. It is interesting and timely that we should discuss the subject. It has engaged us all over the years in various instances. Chemicals, preservation and all that goes with it now form so much part of our society and even our diet. If we read the ingredients on a food product, we are liable to find it...

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: We all do. Ironically, other countries still use the product, often on our food products that we import. There is a certain contradiction in that that leaves me askance. If it was bad for us here, surely it is still bad. There is an ongoing international argument whereby in the countries in which it is still permissible to use it, it is seen as the lesser of evils, that it does more good...

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: To those who speak about organic growing and so on, I know all there is to be known about it and I know how difficult it is. I am in favour of organic growing but if anybody thinks we will be able to supply the food requirements of the world organically we have another hard lesson coming to us, because it does not work that way.

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: We need to look carefully at what we are doing and, by all means, let us do it if it is good for us and if its possible but let us not cod ourselves and shelter under an umbrella that has holes. Do not let us soldier on in the belief that what we are doing is correct because it does not apply to the rest of the world. They export their goods and their food into this jurisdiction and it is...

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: I can well understand how the Chair would be amazed. I too was amazed. Despite asking all those questions about that subject I ended, at the heel of the hunt, where I started — raising more questions about it. I am glad to say that recently some positive movement has taken place. I am glad to hear we have been forewarned. We have got the St. John of it already through the bigger plan...

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Although the debate on this process has been done and dusted for about 20 years, I am not aware of the evidence base for setting aside concerns about irradiation. One can buy unrefrigerated fruit and vegetables in the shops and supermarkets that are one or two months old, the reason being that they have been subject to irradiation. What conclusive evidence is available to show irradiation...

Chemicals Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: The Environmental Protection Agency is a useful body engaged in an important area. Deputies regularly correspond with it to point out that local landfills are not operating in accordance with their licence, a problem Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick and other Members will readily recognise. We also write to An Bord Pleanála because it shares responsibility in this area and local authorities...

International Crises. (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 43: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the need to encourage the democratic process and economic recovery through the aegis of the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16932/08]

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in the matter of the ongoing situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17065/08]

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 54: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date through the aegis of the EU or UN in the matter of the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli issue with particular reference to the urgent need for humanitarian intervention at Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16933/08]

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 111: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and UN have attempted to exert a positive influence on the situation in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17074/08]

Written Answers — Hospitals Building Programme: Hospitals Building Programme (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the information sought in relation to capital projects will be available (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17020/08]

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 79: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17024/08]

Written Answers — EU Policies: EU Policies (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 101: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU is establishing and improving contacts with the Ukraine, Russia and other former USSR countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17064/08]

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 103: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues are engaging with the Iranian authorities with a view to establishing better and more peaceful relations between Iran, the US and the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17066/08]

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 104: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17067/08]

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (1 May 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 105: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues are engaged in positive dialogue with African countries with a view to the elimination of human rights or other abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17068/08]