Results 1,821-1,840 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Tribunals of Inquiry. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: That is very likely given the way things are going. I can only give the Deputy an answer based on the current position. As I stated in my reply, I have optimistically provided €6.5 million this year to cover the costs of publication and the award of legal fees on the basis that we will get to the new position. Obviously, however, I cannot promise Deputies that we will do so.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The figure refers to total costs; legal fees are not the only costs.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: On the previous occasion that I answered questions on this issue I had not asked my Department to update the costs. The figure of €142.38 million I cited in February was in respect of legal costs. A further €54.48 million related to other costs, giving a total cost of €196.86 million. The figure for legal costs includes some €60.7 million in respect of third party legal costs awarded...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: That issue arises but I can just give the House the agreement that was reached.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The only date that I have for the Moriarty tribunal is 11 January 2006.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have literally no control over it, I have no idea. I do not know if clerical staff are involved but the only record I have for the Moriarty tribunal states that it has two senior counsel, one junior counsel, four research counsel and a solicitor. Those are the up-to-date figures, including additional staff, agreed when the Attorney General and Minister for Finance were dealing with this...

Official Engagements. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 31, inclusive, together. I travelled to Madrid on 28 April last to have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Zapatero. The meeting provided the opportunity to discuss various issues on the EU agenda, including the European constitution, the financial perspectives and UN reform. While in Madrid, I also had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the memorial...

Official Engagements. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have no other meeting scheduled for this year with President Bush. I will meet Mitchell B. Reiss on Northern Ireland issues. There is ongoing contact with him, which we appreciate. He has been very active on issues over several months and particularly in recent weeks. Over the next few days, he will have a series of meetings in London, Belfast and Dublin. Last month, following the St....

Official Engagements. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Prime Minister Mr. Blair did not go to Moscow that weekend because that was when he appointed his Cabinet and other Ministers. I have spoken to him by telephone and he has reiterated his commitment to making progress on the North and to give time and effort to it. He has a series of meetings this week and next week with the Northern Ireland parties. That engagement has been...

Official Engagements. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Regarding Deputy Sargent's question on legislation for the referendum, I had hoped to bring it forward. I have listened to the points made by party leaders in discussions and speeches and I have been trying to ensure we will have legislation which will have the support of the House. That is what I wish for. Regarding the Council of Europe, I do not know precisely how quickly we can ratify the...

Official Engagements. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not think so. That court answers to the Council of Europe, which will probably enshrine in its own constitution the commitments of the charter. It has probably done much of that already. The bigger issue of the court is a different question, with so many new cases coming to it, which is causing difficulties. In reply to Deputy Ó Caoláin, I took part in the discussions referred to. I...

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 2, Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2005 [Seanad] — Second Stage; No. 1, Veterinary Practice Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage (resumed); No. 24, Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill 2004 — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 22, Disability Bill 2004 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 6 p.m., and the...

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister of State is almost ready to bring forward proposals. Obviously there must be agreement in the House on these matters but he has shown me his work on the issue. On the other matter, there will be a programme to build on the recommendations of the report.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Legislation would be required to allow equity investment in Aer Lingus.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill is listed for next year. There are 20 heads in the Bill and they have been approved. I will ask if it can be introduced in the autumn session.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is hoped to have the legislation before the House shortly. It would be good to conclude proceedings on the legislation prior to the summer recess but we can discuss that.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: There is no date at present.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is just the annual report of An Post.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Work on the Bill is ongoing but I do not have a date for its publication.

Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I will. It is expected that it will be published in this session.