Results 1,501-1,520 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: A unique partnership is proposed in this Bill. The idea comes from the United States, where it has worked successfully in a number of cities. It has also been used in Canada and the UK and now it is being introduced here. In principle, I favour the proposition that money other than the normal expenditure of a local authority, with the consent of commercial ratepayers, may be used in...

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: In that case, the issue is how local authorities and elected members look at what the council is doing financially — how it exercises its power. I have found in the past that they are very reluctant to exercise their power. I have always argued that there ought to be a finance committee that meets quarterly at least with the finance officers of a local authority to ensure that the budget...

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: On a point of order, what are the arrangements for the conclusion of the debate?

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Can the Minister extend that time?

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is a shame.

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Here is a golden opportunity to amend the Bill and we are all in favour of it in principle.

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: The opportunity, however, is being denied us and the Minister. It is very arrogant for the Minister to treat the House in such a cavalier manner. It is unacceptable and undemocratic and does the Minister's cause no good.

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister is being arrogant.

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is Fianna Fáil arrogance at its worst and the Minister is the worst of them all.

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: He is the most arrogant Minister; he has a Bill he will not allow us to debate when we agree with it in principle.

Written Answers — National Spatial Strategy: National Spatial Strategy (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 99: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on the National Spatial Strategy; the results of the gateways priorities study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42558/06]

Written Answers — National Spatial Strategy: National Spatial Strategy (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 123: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the framework for joint action in implementing the cross border aspects of the National Spatial Strategy and its equivalent in Northern Ireland, the Regional Development Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42559/06]

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 238: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the persons who were appointed as a review group in relation to the examination of the Leas Cross Report from the date it was first received from Professor O'Neill to its ultimate publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42236/06]

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 239: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the progress to date in implementing the local recommendation of Professor O'Neill in the Leas Cross Review (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42237/06]

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out a investigation into the operation of nursing homes (details supplied) which were identified to this Deputy in a letter from the former South Western Area Health Board of 31 May 2001 as homes where significant breaches of the regulations were noted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42238/06]

Written Answers — Departmental Inquiries: Departmental Inquiries (12 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 242: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the significant adverse nursing home inspection reports received by Bedford House and Leas Cross Nursing Homes, she will set up an inquiry into all aspects of the operation of both homes from their first registration, including the decision of the health board to move patients from St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane to Leas...

Written Answers — Third Level Fees: Third Level Fees (13 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 300: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance that will be offered to a person (details supplied) who wishes to commence a PhD in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43081/06]

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is an important debate but there is not sufficient time to fully tease out the arguments. What this country needs is leadership in terms of climate change but we are not getting that from the Government. We need leadership, a clear vision, a plan of action and, most importantly, a change in our own behaviour. The reality is that unless all of us make fundamental changes in our homes,...

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, because the country would not be using the best available technology and I understand that issue. This is not a personal issue for me, it concerns the other 109 industries, irrespective of where they are located. Buying carbon credits must be a last option. I support the principle of the Bill, but I am extremely critical of the progress in this area made to date. I will be happy to...

Gangland Crime. (14 Dec 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Tánaiste has a political duty to address crime.