Results 21,081-21,100 of 21,307 for speaker:Mary Lou McDonald

Departmental Staff (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: The Taoiseach may not have made the commitment to halving his Department. I accept it is not in the programme for Government. However, he said he sees the Department as becoming the strategic centre of Government, overseeing the delivery of the programme for Government. It is for the Office of the Taoiseach to bring coherence, clear communication, commonality of purpose and a oneness of...

Departmental Staff (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: I am curious to know how the Taoiseach intends to anchor this strategic centre. It seems to be far from centred, it seems to be all over the place. What does the Taoiseach propose to do to bring a sense of discipline, action and good communication to his team?

Departmental Staff (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: The Labour Party benches knew all about shoes.

Northern Ireland Issues (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: On two occasions this House has called for the release of files on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. Nobody in this House disputes the fact that there have been victims on all sides, and that all victims must have acknowledgement and truth. It is a given that this cannot be a selective process. I am worried, however, when I hear the Taoiseach report on conversations with the British Prime...

Northern Ireland Issues (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: What about the files?

Northern Ireland Issues (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: I can tell the Taoiseach that republicans will fully co-operate with an independent, international and properly established commission on truth and reconciliation; he need be in no doubt about that.

Commemorative Events (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: I thank the Taoiseach for his answer. It is clear that his commitment is to make available all records. That is as it should be. I realise the Taoiseach made this commitment previously and plans are underway for the all-party committee for the commemorative events leading to 2016. The issue of the personal effects and records held, as the Taoiseach put it, wherever they may be, is...

Commemorative Events (7 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: I am aware that the Taoiseach has visited Moore Street and, as he put it, the laneways of history. One of the problems in terms of the protection for the building is that the approach that has been taken is very minimalist. We are all aware of that. Does the Taoiseach support extending the level of protection for the whole terrace? In order to develop it as a viable commemorative site and...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Question 14: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position towards the upcoming UN General Assembly special session on HIV and AIDS; and the action Ireland will take to combat the global perception that the focus on HIV and AIDS is waning. [13738/11]

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Question 26: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he has implemented the initiative announced in 2006 by the then Taoiseach, former Deputy Bertie Ahern, pledging that Ireland would increase spending on HIV and other communicable diseases to at least €100 million per year with 20% of these resources to be spent on programmes that benefit children. [13739/11]

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Watching the antics of this Government in recent times reminds me of "Fawlty Towers". The latest water charges episode has the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach cast as Manolos, claiming they know nothing.

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Or even Manuels.

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Whatever about the Tánaiste's preference for footwear, when can we expect to see legislation on water charges, which the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has stated will be imposed on households from 1 January? When can we expect to see legislation on the household charge, however it is defined, and will this be part of the budget or a stand-alone measure? I...

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: The legislative programme envisages the electricity (transmission assets) Bill. This proposes to hand over ESB transmission assets. The Government has a copy of the Cahill report, which it has failed to publish. I understand the report states clearly that the handover would be expensive and damaging to the State. The report also outlines that the State should and can seek a derogation...

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: I am asking about the legislation in the first instance and, second, whether the Government has sought a derogation from the directive and if the Tánaiste could publish the Cahill report.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (1 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Question 47: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the introduction of further legislation for the taxi industry if that is the finding of the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly's, report into same. [13677/11]

Written Answers — Home-School Liaison Scheme: Home-School Liaison Scheme (1 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Question 104: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to his recent circular indicating changes in the appointment procedures for home-school community liaison posts, if he will confirm that he does not intend to make further cutbacks to the home-school liaison co-ordinators' role within DEIS schools; the changes he intends to implement to the appointment procedures for HSCL...

Written Answers — Housing Aid for the Elderly: Housing Aid for the Elderly (1 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Question 152: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reasons for the delay in processing Dublin City Council's proposal for 40 senior citizen units on a site (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [13747/11]

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (1 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Question 153: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided by him to Dublin City Council to date for regeneration programmes (details supplied); and the future funding commitments made by him for same. [13752/11]

Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Mary Lou McDonald: Like other Deputies, I am pleased to speak on this debate. I must state it took a while and I am much relieved that the Bill is now before the House. I want to start by going back to basics, as they say, by reminding the House that the ultimate measure of any reform agenda in the public sector will be the experience of citizens seeking and accessing services. This will be the final jury as...