Results 2,521-2,540 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Order of Business (15 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: On the same issue, the Taoiseach is on the record of the Dáil as having promised that this issue will be addressed in the opening stages of the partnership talks. When it was not addressed he appeared to accept the principle that legislation would then be necessary. It is reasonable to assume, therefore, that the Government either intends to introduce amending legislation to the...

Order of Business (15 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Will the Tánaiste agree to provide Government time to take the Labour Party Bill?

Order of Business (15 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Statements.

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (14 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 62: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the income received by each local authority from the Private Residential Tenancies Board to date; if these finances are ring-fenced to inspect dwellings for suitability; and the number of inspections of dwellings undertaken by each individual council which has received these funds to date. [28687/07]

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (14 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 75: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the legislative restrictions in which the Private Residential Tenancies Board operates, he is considering putting in place a licensing system for landlords which will ensure a minimum standard for the renting of residential properties. [28686/07]

Written Answers — National Monitoring Programme: National Monitoring Programme (13 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 80: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 16 November 2006, when she will introduce a separate programme of national monitoring which will enable trend data on pupil achievement in different categories of school to be compiled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28468/07]

Written Answers — Educational Disadvantage: Educational Disadvantage (13 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 90: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 103 of 24 October 2006, if she will provide a list of the 670 primary schools and 203 second level schools that have been invited to participate in the new school support programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28469/07]

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (13 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 258: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the worsening working conditions for persons employed in the private sector who are without trade union representation, the full force of law is given here to the EU employment directive on information and consultation; and the further legislation planned in the lifetime of this Government in this regard....

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Will it require a Supplementary Estimate?

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

Written Answers — Garda Transport: Garda Transport (7 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 77: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the Report of the Garda Inspectorate, Policing in Ireland — Looking Forward, published on 26 September 2007; his further views on the recommendations of the report particularly the call for an increase in the size of the transport fleet and the number of marked vehicles; and if he will make a statement on...

Written Answers — Civilianisation Programme: Civilianisation Programme (7 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 122: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for further civilianisation of the Gardaí in order to free trained members for front line duty; his views on the view expressed in the Final Report of the Advisory Group on Garda Management and Leadership Development that progress in regard to civilianisation has been risible; and if he will make a...

Dáil Reform. (7 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to make a personal observation and I will be quick. Those who have studied parliaments in Europe in the past 20 years have reached the conclusion that parliaments everywhere are in trouble. Those who are encouraging a disinterest and cynicism in parliamentarianism have a very great responsibility to carry. A badly resourced committee system that drains energy from the plenary system...

Dáil Reform. (7 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: In regard to resources for those who work on committees, there is a lack of availability of contributions made because the staff is not available to provide the blacks quickly enough so that people can report in turn to regional and local media on issues that are raised. These are practical issues that need to be addressed if the committee system is to work. The issues I have suggested...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (6 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 58: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the decision by the European Union to award $114 million to help Argentina with its animal health and phytosanitary regime in order that it can develop its exports to Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27080/07]

Written Answers — Horticulture Industry: Horticulture Industry (6 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 80: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the mushroom growers who have received investment aid under the scheme of investment aid for the development of commercial horticulture since the scheme started here. [27079/07]

Undocumented Irish in the United States: Motion (6 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to share time with Deputy Ferris. I welcome the opportunity to contribute again on this subject. When we last discussed it in October 2005, I believed there was cross party support for a motion that could be presented as the view of the Oireachtas at the time when there seemed to be the prospect of the McCain-Kennedy Bill having success. I was also pleased to travel as part of a...

Written Answers — Aistritheoirí Gaeilge Cáilithe: Aistritheoirí Gaeilge Cáilithe (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 12: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá aige chun go leor aistritheoirí Gaeilge cáilithe a chur ar fáil go práinneach chun freastal ar éileamh an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh [26529/07]

Written Answers — Aistritheoirí Gaeilge Cáilithe: Aistritheoirí Gaeilge Cáilithe (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 27: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ar cuireadh scrúdú cáilíochta d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge ar ceal i Mí Mheán Fómhair de bharr easpa airgid ar Fhoras na Gaeilge [26530/07]

Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. When important legislation is introduced it should be welcomed. I also welcome the priority the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, gave to this legislation and the speed with which it was brought before the House. I commend my colleagues from all sides of the House, but particularly in the Opposition, for their thoughtful contributions to the...