Results 1,741-1,760 of 2,965 for speaker:Robert Dowds

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: A few years ago I was mayor of South Dublin County Council and at the time we were encouraged by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to establish links with two towns in the south of Ethiopia to help them to install sewerage and drainage systems. We regarded it as a very positive programme and it was of mutual benefit to both the towns and the county council. It had the advantage of...

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: I refer to the Department's accounts and the outturn under subhead A of €50.6 million in 2012, compared to an estimate of €60.5 million, for the promotion of Ireland's economic and trade interests in Europe and internationally. Why is there such a discrepancy between the estimate and the amount expended?

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: Was there an underspend on the EU Presidency?

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: I must be forgiven for my ignorance in this area, but when a country holds the Presidency of the EU, does it have to put up all the costs of hosting it or are there contributions from the larger member states?

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: Can Mr. Cooney say something about the work between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the promotion of foreign trade? When the Secretary General was here in April 2012, I was not a member of the committee. He mentioned at that meeting an intention to examine co-operation across a range of agencies, including the IDA and...

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: If there was a country we were particularly anxious to develop links with, how would that operate on the ground? Mr. Cooney might give an example.

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: The Department managed to issue more passports in 2011 than 2012, which is positive. I will understand if Mr. Cooney is not in a position to comment on an investigation into passport fraud. What can he say about that?

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: Were they involved in the creation of passports-----

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 27 - International Co-operation
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade
Chapter 13 - Official Development Assistance (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: I have a general question, although I appreciate Mr. Cooney may not be able to answer it fully. What checks and balances are in place to ensure there is no illegality in the issuance of passports? Clearly, an Irish passport as an EU passport is a valuable commodity; therefore, it is important that there be checks. I thank the officials.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: An Fochoiste um an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus Rudaí Gaolmhara: Éirí an Choimisinéara Teanga as a Phost: Díospóireacht leis an Aire Stáit (6 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: Maidir le tuismitheoirí daltaí atá ag freastal ar scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge, an bhfuil aon phlean ann iad a mhealladh chun níos mó Gaeilge a úsáid sa bhaile lena bpáistí?

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Offshore Exploration (11 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 302. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of offshore drilling licences at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11688/14]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Offshore Exploration (11 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 303. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount it costs on average for an oil-gas exploratory drill. [11689/14]

Government's Priorities for the Year Ahead: Statements (Resumed) (12 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: I dtús báire, ba mhaith liom an Rialtas a mholadh as an sár-obair atá á dhéanamh aige don tír. In particular, I acknowledge the great achievements of the Government in the promissory note deal and in emerging from the bailout. I acknowledge the endurance of the people of this country. I acknowledge the Minister of State's work in the area of mental...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Trade Missions (13 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 40. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a full account of the first joint trade mission by Ireland and Britain to the Singapore Air Show; his plans for further joint trade missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7990/14]

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Contracts (25 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 413. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which building projects for the State or school building projects can have a provision for a percentage of local labour to be appointed. [12857/14]

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Children in Care (25 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 965. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the working time directive, Directive No. 2003/88/EC, is being adhered to in respect of staff in residential care facilities who stay overnight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13643/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Services (25 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 989. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to introduce free general practitioner care for children under six years of age. [12858/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Primary Care Services Provision (25 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 1036. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to renovate and expand the local health centre at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [13254/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Residential Institutions Issues (25 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: 1113. To ask the Minister for Health if the working time directive, 2003/88/EC, is being adhered to in respect of staff in residential care facilities who stay in these facilities overnight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13642/14]

Matters relating to An Garda Síochána: Statements (26 Mar 2014)

Robert Dowds: It has been our policy for years.