Results 2,541-2,560 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I propose to share time with Deputy Gilmore in the ratio of six to nine minutes.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I want to begin with the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power's, assertion that he recognises that we are speaking about a basic human right and in the few minutes available I want to lay out a few fundamentals. If he recognises that what my colleague, Deputy Howlin, has proposed, for which I congratulate him, in the name of the Labour Party for the second time deals with a matter of right,...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: ——rings hollow for us to be taking lectures from the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: It is an issue of rights and equal citizenship. The invocation of a threat presented by civil union to marriage is a distortion and a camouflage. The Bill is constitutional. I support it and pay tribute to Deputy Howlin for bringing it forward again. Even at this late stage I call on Members to vote for it because it is nothing less than a modest reforming, equality measure.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Order of Business (1 Nov 2007)

Michael D Higgins: The Tánaiste always wears a long black coat.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (31 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 125: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his priority areas for additional expenditure in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the pre-Budget 2008 outlook in so far as it affects his Department. [26292/07]

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (31 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take on foot of the issues highlighted in the Pension's Ombudsman's 2006 annual report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26291/07]

Written Answers — Debt Relief: Debt Relief (31 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 149: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the writing off of odious and illegitimate debt by the World Bank, the IMF and other international lending agencies; and if he will propose such or make other proposals to the forthcoming meeting of these institutions. [25998/07]

Written Answers — Natural Heritage Areas: Natural Heritage Areas (31 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 573: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the context of the river basin proposals the Frenchfort Wetlands in their entirety, that is, the current special areas of conservation to the east and the westland to the west, which are dissected by the dual carriageway, are both to be protected insofar as they are integrally related, forming the one...

Written Answers — Sport and Recreational Development: Sport and Recreational Development (25 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 24: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the provisions he has made to encourage people of different nationalities to participate in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25663/07]

Regional Airports. (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I appreciate the opportunity of discussing the implications of this regulation. A Council regulation is binding, while a directive may require domestic legislation. Regulation 95/93 has been amended some 40 times and the consolidated version is that of 2002. It lays down the fundamental principles of the management of slots in airports and aviation policy. It opens by stating that the...

Regional Airports. (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: And late.

Regional Airports. (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: That is exactly what the Council regulation is about.

Regional Airports. (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Deputy Smith should tell that to Deputy Ó Cuív.

Regional Airports. (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: We can all go to Athenry and get the train.

Written Answers — Consumer Information: Consumer Information (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 102: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of prosecutions taken in each of the past five years under the Consumer Information Act 1978; the nature of the prosecution in each case; the number of convictions which were secured; the penalty imposed in each case; if he is satisfied that the law in regard to consumer protection is being applied; and if he...

Written Answers — Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 116: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals for a consultation process regarding the prohibition of credit card and other relevant methods of payment surcharges to consumers; when he expects the process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25384/07]

Order of Business (24 Oct 2007)

Michael D Higgins: The European Council Regulation 954/93 of May 2002 deals with the allocation of slots at airports. It states the use of flexibility is limited. It cannot be used for slots related to routes considered vital for economic development of the region where the airport is located nor disturb airport operations. Will the Taoiseach agree that legislation relating to the privatisation of Aer Lingus...