Results 2,041-2,060 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As Deputy Kenny knows, chairmen of committees are vital in trying to progress the agenda. While the representation of the House will be reflected in the committees, perhaps we can agree on what committees will be established. The Government has already stated it is prepared to extend some positions to Opposition Members. Were such matters wrapped up, it would be ready to move with the...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill in question was published at the end of 2005 and an Order for Second Stage is to be made. Thereafter the debate will take place. On committees, the Government recommends only some minor changes. I refer to a committee on Northern Ireland to which the Government has been committed for some years. In addition, it has proposed a committee in which it is intended to deal with...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The heads of the national monuments Bill have been approved. The Minister now has plans for a review of archaeological practice and policy, which will begin in the autumn. The heads of the social housing, miscellaneous provisions, Bill, have been approved by the Government and the legislation is expected early in the new year.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated earlier on Question Time, the Committee of Public Accounts had raised a number of issues and the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance has replied to those issues. I am sure they can be taken up within the Committee of Public Accounts when it is up and running again. Preparation has commenced on developing a framework for the Pharmacy (No. 2) Bill on clarification of policy...

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: If Members want to express their views on the terms of reference of committees, I do not have any difficulty with that but I will not change my mind on a view that has been held here for years.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: That matter is being reviewed in the Department of Health and Children, which will make its statement on this. We promised that we would do so and that review is now being undertaken.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The heads of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill are completed and I understand the legislation is almost ready. We should have it this session.

Order of Business (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It will come forward in 2008.

Cross-Departmental Teams. (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: While the cross-departmental team is dealing with the matter, I have read the report and the Department of Finance's summary of and recommendations on the report or, at least, its commentary on the report's recommendations. I have noted the issue regarding the schools which the House has debated a number of times. In many cases, a public private partnership can do an excellent job...

Cross-Departmental Teams. (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is being dealt with, not by the cross-departmental team but by the Departments of Finance and Education and Science which have comprehensively answered the various recommendations that have been put in the 2007 interim report. The Departments have given their views. Obviously, that report is circulated to cross-departmental teams but it was dealt with by the Department of Education and...

Cross-Departmental Teams. (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated, it looks as if the figure for this year will be approximately 77,000 units, which would be very high. The Department's assessment is that the figure for next year will be in the order of 55,000 units plus. Activity in other areas of construction — house refurbishment, retail and office developments — is high and will take up much of it. That tends to be the view. It is not...

Cross-Departmental Teams. (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The employment level has not dropped this year because there was very strong demand in the categories other than the non-residential sector — I believe there are five categories in total. That is why the figures have held up so well this year, even though the level of construction reduced from 93,000 units to 77,000, and if one considers the second half of the year, it is even lower than...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: There are two questions, first on the question of the polar opposites, I again refer Deputy Kenny to the complete transcript of 20 September 2007. Judge Flaherty used the phrase, "polar opposites" but I encourage Deputy Kenny to read the entire transcript and see the context of the exchange rather than zoom in on one soundbite. Judge Flaherty said the reason I gave the tribunal in public...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Kenny knows there is no written agreement. He knows the view of the Green Party, expressed here last week, that they would await the findings of the full tribunal. He also knows that the allegation I have been asked to answer is that I received money from Owen O'Callaghan in relation to certain issues put forward in different circumstances to the tribunal. The tribunal is dealing...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I am totally supportive of declaring issues. I supported the Standards in Public Office Commission.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I do not want to discuss what Mr. Haughey or anyone else did.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will not discuss the business of people who are in the grave and others who are not in the grave. It has never been my form to do that. What I could say has been well analysed but I will not say it. I got money from close friends. They were not business people. They were not looking for anything from me. I paid them back with the relevant interest. That is the point.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Additional expenditure for the HSE this year amounts to €1.2 billion. Its allocation for this year is €15 billion, 25% higher than it was two years ago. I am sure the Deputy will accept that all my colleagues who administer Departments and agencies under their aegis must comply with the expenditure position. It is in addition to a €1.2 billion increase in funding that at the end of...

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy has asked a number of questions. On the advertisement by the Department of Health and Children for a nursing officer, the post is for a Civil Service nursing officer rather than an adviser. The current employee is leaving the position.

Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Let us be clear on this point. The HSE is in receipt of €15 billion in Exchequer funding. Its funding has increased by more than 10% per annum in recent years. The allocation is based on the HSE's assessment of need, as is the case with every other agency. I am not sure if the Deputy is advocating that any sector, health, education or otherwise, should disregard its agreed annual...