Results 1,421-1,440 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I wish the Ceann Comhairle well in his new office but this is not the way this matter should be handled. It should be withdrawn and the Minister should consider with the Whips how it can be properly examined and considered. It deserves this. To say this is not anti-American; it is pro-democracy.

Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the Tánaiste's reforming zeal in respect of our processes. Given that the committees will not be reformed until the autumn, there is an opportunity to examine their terms of reference to make them more meaningful. Until 1993 there was deep opposition to the committee I have served from the beginning, the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, and its scope remains limited. It is...

Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: They are not.

Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: That attitude will get the Tánaiste far.

International Agreements: Motion. (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Tá áthas orm go bhfuil seans agam cúpla focal a rá ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo. I begin by making a point about the process in which we are involved. When I raised this issue this morning, I mentioned the unsatisfactory nature of the manner in which it is coming before us. I do not mean to impugn the Minister or any civil servant, but it is illustrative of something far more serious...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 20: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of journeys made on Government aircraft by Ministers or staff of his Department or its agencies to date in 2007; the origin and destination of each journey; the cost of each journey to the State; the reason a Government aircraft was used rather than scheduled air travel or surface travel; and if he will make a...

Written Answers — Industrial Disputes: Industrial Disputes (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 46: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the number of person hours lost to his Department and its agencies to date in 2007 due to industrial action; if pending strike notices are in place against his Department or any of its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18599/07]

Written Answers — World Trade Negotiations: World Trade Negotiations (4 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 113: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position and ongoing difficulties regarding the World Trade Organisation talks, particularly in view of the walkout from talks in Germany in June 2007 of Brazil and India; his views on the action that might be taken in order to make progress on these talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18674/07]

Order of Business (5 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: On Tuesday the Taoiseach suggested that amendments to the Competition Authority Act 2002 would be needed in order to retain the right of workers in self-assessment to be in a trade union, to be represented and to collective bargaining for those who had negotiating licences. He gave the impression this had been solved. In view of his meeting with the social partners, is he still of that...

Order of Business (5 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I am aware of that legislation but refer to legislation on foot of a High Court undertaking sought by the Competition Authority from SIPTU that equity members, who work for several different employers and are on self-assessment, would not be represented by their union, SIPTU. The union officer would be sent to jail if he or she represented, for example, the actors involved in making...

Written Answers — Film Industry Development: Film Industry Development (5 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 33: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts he will make to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive location for film makers; his views on the fact that several years have passed since a big budget blockbuster film has been made here; the efforts he will make to ensure that Ireland does not lose out to other low cost locations; and if he will make a statement...

Written Answers — Schools Recognition: Schools Recognition (5 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 181: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the need of a school (details supplied) in County Galway to get permanent recognition; her views on whether this school, providing an excellent and important service, is deserving of and needs such permanent recognition; if such will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19429/07]

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (5 Jul 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 209: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway for an extension of their student visa; if the person's value to their local community and their attendance record at their language classes has been considered in this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19608/07]

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 492: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the reason the driving test centre in Galway city's west-side closes for the month of August. [20240/07]

Written Answers — Railway Stations: Railway Stations (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 488: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the reason for the exclusion of upgrading and refurbishment of transport facilities at Ceannt Station in Galway from capital provision in Transport 21, which deals with the transport element of the National Development Plan. [20236/07]

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 489: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the way the establishment of public transport needs in accordance with their statutory requirements has been fulfilled by CIÉ in relation to such property as it holds. [20237/07]

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 490: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the status of a communication (details supplied) to the board of CIÉ in relation to the assessment of such property as might be constituted as surplus to needs for public transport; the mechanisms for the assessment of same; and the implications for the future of public transport of the disposal of property owned by CIÉ in the...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 491: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the details of all orders which have been made by Government since 1986 under Section 9 of the Transport (Reorganisation of Córas Iompar Éireann) Act, 1986. [20239/07]

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 515: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of international instruments, such as agreements, conventions, protocols and implementation procedures, initiated at either UN, Council of Europe or elsewhere that are awaiting ratification and implementation by the Government; the date of signature or adoption by the international institution involved; the lead Department with...

Written Answers — Nuclear Disarmament Initiative: Nuclear Disarmament Initiative (26 Sep 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 520: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the sanctions which are being imposed upon Iran, outside of those sanctions which are under a United Nations framework, by members of the European Union. [20414/07]