Results 1,721-1,740 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions (Resumed). (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Some 20% was due to modifications in scope where architectural changes were made to projects and 24% was a consequence of project-specific increases such as those relating to the tunnel, the south-eastern motorway and the Glen of the Downs.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed). (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: These were changes the local authorities and the NRA made in the design of projects.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed). (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The NRA has introduced new cost-effective methods and procurement practices which ensure the new design-build projects are coming in on time and under cost. This was not the case before.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 18, Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]— Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 19, Electoral Amendment Bill 2005 — Second Stage (resumed). Private Members' business shall be No. 45, motion re the report of the Health and Safety Authority on its inspection programme in accident and emergency units.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: On the first issue, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has announced there will be a consultation period on the heads of this Bill. That consultation is now under way. I do not have a date for the publication of the legislation. We must listen to the views of all concerned parties. I do not know if the issue of prison escorts requires legislation or whether the Minister can do...

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: May I answer this question? I am at a disadvantage. If Deputy Rabbitte had raised this as his Leader's question I would have been able to answer.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: When I answer in the House, I am not in camera but on camera and my obligation is to give an answer to the House. Replying to a distressed family, the O'Hara family, by e-mail is not sneaky. I did not raise the issue. However, the point I made, based on the information I had — for which I make no apology — was that when the staff member acted, they did so on the basis of certain...

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——and was moving issues on.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The second issue is that the e-mail which the family sent to me, to which I replied, indicated a desire not to have this issue raised in public.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: What the family is interested in is that these matters are dealt with. Incidentally, the Deputy suggests this is a matter of urgent importance but it took place eight or nine weeks ago. However, that is neither here nor there.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I retract nothing.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: My obligation to this House is to answer a question when it is put to me. I will not withdraw that.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not accept that——

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I will not retract——

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The National Roads Infrastructure Bill is being prepared. It will take time to draft but should be ready some time this year.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Two issues arise. The details of the decision made today will be published tomorrow. Legislation will be required to bring in the scheme to process all the applications. That will take some time to prepare. I do not think it will be before the House this session but it will be ready by the summer.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have just answered that but I will do so again. Many of the sections could be implemented without legislation but given all the aspects and the many complex areas, we believe it is better to bring forward legislation. The Bill covering all aspects will be brought forward, although it will not be in this session. I hope it will be published in the summer or, if not, early in the autumn.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: A Bill is being prepared.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The draft heads are being considered before they are resubmitted but the Bill will be brought forward.

Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The draft heads of the Strategic National Infrastructure Bill are being considered before resubmission to Government. The Minister must decide what he resubmits. He is reconsidering the heads. The National Roads Infrastructure Bill, which will modernise the legislation on roads, including reform of the National Roads Authority, is now called the Roads (Miscellaneous) Bill and it is being prepared.