Results 2,561-2,580 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Tribunals of Inquiry. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: At the outset of the tribunals, certain costs were set. I think they were changed a few times during the course of the work of the tribunals. They were set on the basis the tribunals would be finished within certain timeframes but for one reason or another a number of tribunals made submissions regarding extensions of time. When the tribunals were set up in 1997, it was considered they...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The work of the Moriarty tribunal is almost complete within the existing arrangement — that it will be finished this year. The work of the other tribunals is on schedule or there are agreed dates. The new fee structure has been put in place by a number of them but I cannot recall which ones off the top of my head. Negotiations are continuing on an agreement with the sole member and the...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Under the system used, the fees for counsel are initially certified by the solicitor to the tribunal and then certified by the honourable Mr. Justice Moriarty. The certified counsel fee invoices are then forwarded to the protocol and general division of my Department for authorisation in accordance with Department of Finance sanction. They are, in turn, forwarded to the finance unit of my...

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 14, inclusive, together. I am aware that a commemorative event in respect of the Great Famine is being prepared for 27 May. While this is not an official initiative, it is associated with the proposal under consideration between Departments to establish a memorial day. I understand it is the intention of the Minister of State at the Department of...

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As the Deputy noted, there have been many representations on this issue. As I stated in 2005 and many times since, it has been the practice that the principal events in our national history are marked by official commemorations on their significant anniversaries. However, because of our long history, it has not been the practice to organise official commemorations annually of the many...

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I thank Deputy Kenny for his remarks on the commemoration event. With regard to visiting the house, there was no other reason for not doing so other than I had been there a few times before. That was the only reason I did not go and there was no particular link with a commemoration event. I believe Deputy Rabbitte does not really care less about the Famine and is trying to make a bit of a...

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy's remarks today have been trying to make a bit of a skit of the matter. We should be frank.

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As always I have to repeat myself several times for Deputy Rabbitte.

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I stated that this year the Famine commemoration——

Commemorative Events. (27 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The commemoration this year is being arranged for 27 May. The State is not officially associated with it as an official annual event, as is being requested. We are assisting by having an official reception around the commemoration event. I have asked the committee of people involved in the commemoration to consider whether we should have a national day under three criteria. First, we...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Department of the Taoiseach published a booklet entitled "An Bhratach Náisiúnta, The National Flag" which details the manner in which the national flag should be flown. These are guidelines not regulations. Copies of this booklet have been placed in the Dáil Library. From time to time, the Department receives queries regarding the correct manner in which to fly the National flag. In...

Written Answers — Public Service Contracts: Public Service Contracts (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: A total of twelve contracts where awarded by my Department between 1 March, 2006 and 28 February, 2007 and three contracts committed to within this 12 month period. The schedule outlines details in relation to these contracts. Date of Contract Supplier Name Status of Contract Details of Competitive Process used March 2006 Goodbody Economic Consultants Contract Awarded Supplier selected...

Order of Business (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I am informed that section 24 of the Health Act 2004 empowers the HSE to engage such advisers as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions. Any fees due to the advisers so engaged are payable by the HSE out of the funds at its disposal. The matter is covered in the legislation.

Order of Business (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The HSE.

Order of Business (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: On the first matter, I will bring Deputy Rabbitte's point to the attention of the Tánaiste. On the second issue, I will have to check the position but, as I understand it, when we did the care and maintenance agreement after the institutions collapsed, we had to formally agree that. There is also an agreement which has to be signed based on the British-Irish Agreement and the amendment to...

European Council Meeting: Statements (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I attended the spring meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, 8 and 9 March. I was accompanied at the meeting by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen. This European Council meeting, at which we agreed ambitious but achievable targets on energy and climate change, will be remembered as pivotal in the...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The dental service that operates at the moment is a very good service and we certainly do not want a disruption of that service. The private dentists who operate the system are a hugely valuable part of providing the services for medical card patients. This issue, like the pharmacy issue, has gone on for some considerable time. The negotiations have been ongoing in one form or another for...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will not intervene in a process that has been ongoing for some time. The negotiations are going on. The service has improved. The Deputy is incorrect. The dental service has improved in schools and for the general public through community medicine and the primary care teams. These are industrial relations negotiations about the fee and remuneration dentists will receive. Obviously the...

European Council Meetings. (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together. I attended the spring European Council on 8 and 9 March in Brussels. As I will make a statement on the Council later today, I will at this stage merely give a summary account of its proceedings. The main focus of the European Council was climate change and energy policy. Our discussions focused on the strategy for international...

European Council Meetings. (21 Mar 2007)

Bertie Ahern: On the purpose of the declaration, the German Presidency indicated from long before its Presidency that it would work to try to communicate a vision for the future, acknowledging what has happened and the success of moving Europe from the war-torn Europe of the past. The Deputy will appreciate that is a matter close to the heart of Chancellor Merkel. It should also indicate where Europe...