Results 1,701-1,720 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (18 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 390: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will take such steps as to ensure that where a mature student in receipt of a higher education grant fails to complete a course due to medical reasons, such student will be able to resume their education and access to a grant without penalty; and if she will issue an instruction to those local authorities and vocational...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (18 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 486: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to restore and vindicate the rights of children of parents who are on student visas, to primary education in accordance with Article 42.4 of Bunreacht na hÉireann and Article 2 of Protocol One of the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will undertake to immediately remove the prohibition...

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (18 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 500: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; their prospects for a renewal of their permit; and if such a permit can issue if they remain here. [35109/07]

Leaders' Questions (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: The Taoiseach should have a shot at it.

Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I asked the Taoiseach earlier in the week if it is the Government's intention to ratify the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Families and Members of their Families. I repeated that question to the Tánaiste. I have not heard from either of their offices on the Government's intention. Is it the Government's intention to ratify this convention and, if so, when will...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Correct.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I thank the Minister of State.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: They are a soft target.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I referred to both cases.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: In concluding this debate, I express my thanks to the 17 Deputies who spoke. The Bill is important and is certainly not a knee-jerk reaction. After all, it is just over two years since I wrote to the Taoiseach asking him to do something, in November 2005. Yesterday evening I outlined details of his letter to me in which he suggested that he agreed that ICTU was concerned. A previous...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I repeat that this is completely wrong. The Competition Authority's decision of 2004 and the agreement between Actors Equity, SIPTU and the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland was based fairly and squarely on the application of the Competition Act and domestic Irish competition law. That is what the Bill was trying to change. In particular, the issue at stake is the concept...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: They are in favour of applying competition in areas in which it should never have applied. I had hoped that by beginning to address the issue with actors, musicians and freelance journalists, in addressing section 4 as I did, particularly through section 3(2) of my Bill, I would prevent the bullying and outrageous behaviour of the Competition Authority towards different groups. In a...

Written Answers — Sustainable Travel: Sustainable Travel (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 95: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the part he has taken in preparing a sustainable travel and transport action plan; the extent of his role in same to date; the timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35623/07]

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (19 Dec 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 113: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the critical comments made by managing directors of companies (details supplied) in relation to Ireland's broadband connectivity problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35630/07]

Banking Sector Regulation. (30 Jan 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of incidents and the value of overcharging of customers by banks and financial institutions each year from 2002 to 2007; his views on the ongoing revelations of such overcharging; if he is satisfied with the manner in which and speed with which repayments have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2351/08]

Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Michael D Higgins: The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, which is 141 pages long, was published yesterday. Given that it was acknowledged a moment ago that two weeks are conventionally afforded to Deputies to review new Bills, why is the Government considering the introduction of this legislation next week? I urge the Taoiseach to ensure that the conventional two-week period, at least, is made...

Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Michael D Higgins: I will not argue with the Taoiseach about what constitutes a fortnight. I am much more interested in the principle that complex legislation of this nature simply cannot be dealt with on the run. I am concerned about some of the fundamental principles and assumptions at the heart of the Bill. I do not wish to be controversial when I suggest that the usual timeframe be provided for, at...

Written Answers — Financial Services: Financial Services (30 Jan 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 120: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on recent housing data from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government showing that the number of interest only mortgages approved has trebled from approximately 5% in early 2004 to 16% in the third quarter of 2007; if he is satisfied that the necessary processes are in place in financial institutions...