Results 18,841-18,860 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Of course they did not raise it with Deputy Martin. That is precisely the reason to have a constitutional convention; to make recommendations to put issues to the people. The Government can agree to have a referendum on a certain issue and we will give a response within four months. As to why one needs a Presidency, I support the concept of the Office of the Presidency. President Higgins...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Tá an páirtí taobh amuigh den Bhlascaod Mhór.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I reiterate there will be 100 members, including a chairperson who, as I pointed out to Deputy Martin, must be a person of experience and ability and have a high degree of public acceptability. There will be 66 ordinary citizens and the remaining 33 will be drawn from Members of the Oireachtas and will include one parliamentarian from each of political parties in Northern Ireland, to which...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I agree with the Deputy that the real republic is not static. That is why the issues mentioned in the earlier part of the reply, concerning Questions Nos. 3 and 5, and looking forward also to Question No. 8, refer to the start of a process by which the constitutional convention can decide there are much more compelling matters from its perspective that need to be reflected upon and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I am not sure about the context of the Deputy's comment on John the Baptist. From my recollection of the Bible, John came first; then the Lord arrived and John baptised him.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Therefore, the Deputy is referring to himself as John the Baptist.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I see.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Gerry Adams should not project too far ahead in this matter.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: In any event-----

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I thank the Deputy. The delay in the convention commencing operations is due to the appointment of a suitable chairperson. People have submitted names and the relevant individuals are being considered. Someone who has experience, will be acceptable to the public and understands what is involved is required to fill the position. That is the only reason for the delay. As stated, the...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I do not know whether the Deputy ever played a team game. If he did, he does not understand the dynamics of team effort. He is the so-called proponent of the People for Profit brigade. He referred to the Constitution which gives people the right to engage in legitimate protest. Last week, however, his people prevented the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Therefore, the Deputy denies all involvement with the incident.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Does the Deputy deny all involvement with it?

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Yes. Such behaviour previously occurred in Galway. The Deputy speaks about political reform and other issues.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: We can conduct our business in a very understanding way.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: We might have strong differences of opinion, but people should not attack the State. It is perfectly legitimate to engage in protests, but it is not legitimate to stop people going about either their constitutional or ordinary business.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett should bear in mind what I have stated when he next discusses this matter with his serial marchers. Citizens will outnumber politicians at the convention by a majority of two to one. Some 66 members of the public have already been selected - by a proper, efficient method - to discuss the range of issues involved. I accept that there will be other matters which...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Boyd Barrett seems to imply he should have a list of members of the People Before Profit organisation and that he should select them for the convention.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: The electoral register has been out of line for quite a number of years but it is the official register of all those who are entitled and registered to vote. People pass away or others have emigrated. Ordinary people will comprise the 66 citizens who are selected from the electoral register by age, gender, social class and region. If I understand the Deputy correctly, he has condemned in...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: -----that this is about making recommendations by means of a process so that the Government can respond and put questions to the people on changes to our Constitution. The constitutional convention has that remit in a number of areas which I have outlined and in additional areas which are at the discretion of the chairman and members of the convention. Political reform is also a matter for...