Results 1,861-1,880 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Cluster Munitions Bill 2008: Second Stage (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: First, I join with others in welcoming the opportunity to discuss this issue. Before I go further I pay tribute to Pax Christi, which has been informing Deputies and Senators about the issue, and particularly Tony D'Costa, who has worked not just on this issue but previously on the landmines matter. That work should be supported. The two issues which arise are important. There is an issue...

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: The background to this matter concerns whether there is a level below which guarantees concerning health will be made to Irish citizens. Professor Drumm seems to be operating a system which is based entirely on a business model. He says he must function within an allocation and, in order to meet it, will let staff go if necessary. What happened in Galway is a dramatic anticipation of that....

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: That is just a load of old rubbish.

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister of State should set it to music.

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: They have been cut.

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: This is just self-justifying rubbish.

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: I think this is an internal memo.

Hospital Services. (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: I thank the Minister of State.

Written Answers — Aquaculture Industry: Aquaculture Industry (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 76: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will press the European Commission for an EU strategy to support a sustainable fish and shellfish farming sector to redress the balance of seafood imports in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13069/08]

Written Answers — Bovine Disease Controls: Bovine Disease Controls (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 100: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the latest information available to her Department on the outbreak of bluetongue in Northern Ireland; the steps she is taking to ensure that the disease does not spread to this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13070/08]

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (8 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 248: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the present deeply worrying crisis in Tibet; the Government's position on the matter; the action and assistance Ireland proposes to provide in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12922/08]

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (9 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 167: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Galway has recently been denied a higher education grant; and the reason for this decision, in view of the fact that the guidelines set out by her Department indicate their entitlement to this grant. [13457/08]

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (9 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 225: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied). [13499/08]

Order of Business (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: The woman has a statutory right to a minimum level of service.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: In May, an international conference will take place in Croke Park on the banning of cluster munitions, an issue we discussed last week in a Private Members' motion on the Fine Gael Party private Bill. Legislation is promised on the issue in the Government programme, but if we are to influence the conference, as we did in the case of the landmines legislation in 1996, it would be useful if...

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: I appreciate the Tánaiste's effort to be constructive. It is in the interest of all of us to achieve the best possible outcome. The strategy I suggest is one that was adopted successfully in 1996 in the case of the landmines. I appreciate the Tánaiste is willing to consider it as a strategy for the Government. It would have the support of all.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: It is the foundations that are important.

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 38: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress with regard to the establishment of the Garda organised crime unit; the personnel and resources that will be made available to the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14050/08]

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 94: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the interest groups with which he has consulted with regard to the implementation of Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on the retention of data; when he expects these consultations to conclude; when he expects that his proposals will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (17 Apr 2008)

Michael D Higgins: Question 506: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible for a non-EU national to marry an Irish national here while in the country on a holiday visa of three months duration; and if not, if he will offer the relevant advice as the best course of action to persons (details supplied). [14894/08]