Results 3,041-3,060 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31 (8 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the need for the Government to take initiatives at national and European level to immediately address the loss of life in Gaza over the past week, during which 54 Palestinians have died, and the recent attacks on Beit Hanoun, which have resulted in the loss of civilian lives,...

Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: On 2 October 1958, Ireland signed four conventions dealing with the Law of the Sea. Is it intended to ratify any of these conventions, including the conventions on the continental shelf, living resources of the high seas, the territorial sea and the contiguous zone? As these were all signed on the same day, 2 October 1958, will it require an historic decision to ratify any one or all of...

Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: That is kind of the Minister. However, could he tell us what is proposed? We have signed 27 United Nations conventions, none of which has been ratified. Yesterday, I referred to two dealing with the rights of the child, one to protect children against pornography and another on trafficking of children. Regarding the Minister's earlier answer, it might be a good start to consultation on...

Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would have a leading role in the delays.

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (7 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 105: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the figures for headline offences for the third quarter of 2006 published by the Central Statics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36240/06]

Written Answers — Prison Building Programme: Prison Building Programme (7 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposed timetable for the development and completion of the new prison at Thornton Hall; the estimated cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36247/06]

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (7 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 347: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 6 December 2005 his Department is in a position to have the Labour Court recommendation of January 2001 implemented and thereby endeavour to have the gap between conditions, income and cost per person to the State and accountability of established, and long serving non-established staff of...

Order of Business (7 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I wish to inquire about two United Nations conventions. On 7 September 2000, or more than six years ago, Ireland signed the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. On 13 December 2000, Ireland signed the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children,...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 35: To ask the Minister for Transport the position on the reopening of the western rail corridor; and the timescale proposed for these works. [35784/06]

Written Answers — Third Level Fees: Third Level Fees (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 228: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the recourse of an Irish citizen (details supplied); her views on whether this situation is anomalous and unfair to the person in question; the steps this person can take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35982/06]

Citizens Information Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: On a rights basis.

Citizens Information Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: The old National Social Service Board spoke too much about rights. That is why it was abolished.

Citizens Information Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It gave too much information.

White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: They should ratify the convention.

White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements (2 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to make a few remarks on the White Paper. There is little in its 90 pages of text with which I disagree. I want to raise some issues by way of bringing forward the debate as the Minister for Foreign Affairs has suggested will happen in the next few months. The commitment on Irish aid to be delivered by 2010 will be welcome, however it is important that we do not...

Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (1 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: They were against electricity in their day. They said it would not catch on.

Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed) (1 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I certainly support the amendment. One must ask whether there is a balance of fairness between the executive and the citizen in a nursing home. On the one hand, an elaborate set of procedures is laid down in the Bill for a person who wants to appeal against a refusal. The grounds must be within a framework acceptable to the executive and a particular set of requirements must be followed....

Written Answers — Eating Disorders: Eating Disorders (1 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 130: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the lack of facilities for the estimated 200,000 people with eating disorders; her further views on the fact that the only dedicated public services are three beds at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin that are designated to eating disorder patients over 18 years; her plans to address this issue to provide services to under...

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (1 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 154: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that one in eight people here is suffering from chronic pain; her further views on the new drug-free implant which uses the body's own nerves to control pain being used at present in St. Vincent's; her plans to extend the number of pain clinics here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35484/06]

Written Answers — Genetically Modified Organisms: Genetically Modified Organisms (1 Nov 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 533: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position of Ireland in relation to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity; the meetings which have taken place in the context of securing Irish support and acceptance of the terminator technology and patent in relation to genetically modified seeds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35606/06]