Results 3,061-3,080 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Freedom of Information. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together. I propose to circulate in the Official Report the information requested by the Deputies regarding freedom of information requests received in my Department. All freedom of information applications received in my Department are processed by statutorily designated officials in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and...

Freedom of Information. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As for the first question, my Department has a centralised system whereby, in the first instance, all freedom of information requests go to a designated official before being sent to the designated officers in various sections. It forms part of their ongoing work and no one is assigned specifically to such duties. While there is a statutorily designated officer in each section, it forms...

Freedom of Information. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: While that is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, last summer an additional 130 bodies and groups were brought within its scope. Almost all of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of the Law Reform Commission which is still under review, were brought within its scope. Each Department must examine it. To the best of my knowledge, there...

Freedom of Information. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is not the case in my Department. We have extended the number of bodies which come within the remit of the Freedom of Information Act and I have only one left, namely, the Law Reform Commission which, as I mentioned, is being examined. Other areas are also being examined this year.

Freedom of Information. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: There is no connection between the Law Reform Commission and the Garda Síochána but as I stated, both bodies, with others, are up for review this year. The Law Reform Commission, while under the aegis of my Department, has a certain independence. I understand discussions are ongoing between my officials and the commission. It is a matter for them to resolve. I do not have any difficulty...

Freedom of Information. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I complied with the Information Commissioner's stipulations and the Department of Finance guidelines. I have not done anything to restrict other issues, which have been covered in legislation. To the best of my knowledge I have not heard of any difficulties with any of them.

Departmental Bodies. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 10, inclusive, together. The total cost incurred by the communications unit in 2006 was €367,740. The total cost of the unit since June 2002 was €1,453,064, with €612,468 being a direct cost to my Department and €168,119 on average being borne by the five other Departments which have staff seconded to the unit. The total projected cost of the...

Departmental Bodies. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The opposite.

Departmental Bodies. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: We have been over this ground. A small group of civil servants replaced a service that used to be bought in. They do their jobs in a non-political way. In so far as I have seen in the past decade, no matter what issue or person is in the news, they operate on the same basis. The one sure thing is that there is news for them to report everyday, whether big, small or indifferent. There will...

Departmental Bodies. (20 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is of no great significance. I am sure Deputy Kenny's report would be far more sophisticated. I do not want to say anything further in this regard. These people do their job, but in a non-political manner.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The wording is agreed. The formula that holds sway in a constitutional referendum is the Irish translation of the wording. That is being undertaken and the translation should be finished soon. As I informed Deputy Rabbitte yesterday, we will not have the other legislation pertaining to the amendment. It will be the intent of what the Government will do.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The legislation will not be introduced this term. The two reports on the matter, published in November and December, are being worked on in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: What is Deputy Sargent's question?

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I said twice this morning that there are seven propositions. We will publish our proposals on Monday, whether involving one or two questions.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: That Bill has gone for priority drafting and will be ready as soon as possible.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It will be brought forward during this session.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: We hope to get it through.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It will be published this session.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: We hope to get it through. If Deputy Stagg allows us a few guillotines, we will do so.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I am not sure what type of animal is someone who wants to run for election to this House but wishes also to be exclusive of the political system.