Results 2,721-2,740 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — Industrial Relations: Industrial Relations (26 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 60: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of person-hours lost to his Department and its agencies to date in 2007 due to industrial action; if pending strike notices are in place against his Department or any of its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15466/07]

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (26 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 67: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of journeys made on Government aircraft by Ministers or staff of his Department or its agencies to date in 2007; the origin and destination of each journey; the cost of each journey to the State; the reason a Government aircraft was used rather than scheduled air travel or surface travel; and if he will make a...

Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to raise an issue we had before on the Order of Business. In January 2006, I raised the matter of two treaties that had not been placed before the Dáil relating to agreements with the United States. On foot of that, the Department of Foreign Affairs began in March 2006 a trawl of all agreements not placed before the Houses. The Order Paper from yesterday contained almost 280...

Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Which of these will be made legally proper before the dissolution of the Dáil and what is their status in the event of time not being made available?

Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: On those agreements which involve a charge, the approval of the Houses is necessary. Will such approval be forthcoming for those in that category? If it is not forthcoming, what will be their status?

Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: For example, we have made appointments to bodies that flow——

Special Educational Needs. (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Both Deputy McHugh and I, with other public representatives in Galway, attended a recent meeting to address the issue that has been kindly accepted for discussion on the Adjournment. We were asked at the meeting to address this issue urgently and separate from the forthcoming general election. There is an urgent need for the Minister for Education and Science to take such measures as will...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 60: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Irish nationals who have been refused social welfare payments under the two year habitual residence requirement introduced in 2004; the number of persons, other than Irish nationals who have had payments refused on the same grounds; his plans to review or relax the restriction; and if he will make a statement on the...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 79: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will accept the recommendation of the Law Reform Commission that same sex cohabitants should be treated in the same way as opposite sex cohabitants for social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15193/07]

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 116: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a family reunification application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when the application will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15541/07]

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Having spoken on this Bill on Report Stage and noted the solid contributions on Committee Stage and the concerned speeches on Second Stage it is good that the Bill, in its limited sense, is being passed. From its introduction until this evening it has been improved by contributions made and will assist, in a narrow sense, better water management. I repeat my urgent message on the wider...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Amendment No. 2 refers to a fundamental right of the individual. In general, when legislating for rights one can draw a distinction between the construction of law from civil and political rights and the international convention on economic, culture and social rights. Usually when doing so, one makes reference to the progressive realisation of a right. The Minister chose not to go down...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Yes. What is wrong with that?

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: It is a matter for the State.

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: That is not what we are suggesting.

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I will remain strictly within my two minutes. I want to deal with one point raised by the Minister in his reply, which concerns why there should be a separate body to manage water quality. The overview in the explanatory memorandum to the Bill states: The Bill concerns itself only with the actual provision of water services. It does not seek directly to take on board wider environmental...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: This is an absolutely crucial amendment. It establishes a fundamental point, namely, where we stand as regards the right to clean water. I urge the Minister to accept it, because this will enable him to respond beyond the time of the drafting of this Bill, originally, to both current and other issues. On page 1 of the explanatory memorandum it is stated: The Bill concerns itself only with...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I understand we are discussing amendments Nos. 1 and 40 together.

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: My first point follows logically from the discussion we have just had. I do not want to anticipate the discussion we will have on amendment No. 2, which we have strayed into in a way. Amendment No. 1 in the name of the Minister speaks of co-operation between Departments and also takes cognisance of previous legislation arising from planning and development matters. It makes a specific...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Michael D Higgins: A total of 90% of the species has perished in Europe.