Results 3,441-3,460 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: The work was so valuable that he chose to ignore it.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Yes, they are.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: This issue was discussed on Committee Stage when the Minister referred to, among other things, my raising the fundamental matter of this amendment on the Adjournment. He referred to my speech as being pained, empathetic, outraged and so on. However, I wish to focus strictly on the ruling under discussion, namely, Standing Order 125. Adequate notice was given of this matter on Second Stage and...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I suggest that——

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Absolutely. This is the Competition (Amendment) Bill and the amendment inserts a section in it.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I know we should. However, normally the Government should introduce legislation under the proper title and the limitation should be expressed substantially. It was not.

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I hope there will be a legal challenge on this issue which the legislation could have avoided. This will be my last remark. I hope that the intemperate remarks written for the Minister on Committee Stage will not be repeated. Otherwise I will be obliged to reply to them. I know more about artists' income than any bloody person writing speeches for the Minister.

Tourism Promotion. (1 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 61: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the new €1 million innovation fund to support new developments and stimulate investment across the three new super-regions that have been created out of the existing rural tourism authorities; the precise schemes this money will be used to fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8185/06]

Legislative Programme. (1 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Arising directly from the Taoiseach's earlier reply, his Department has a particular role, and I understand that, in dealing with the intersection of different Departments and legislation that arises between them. In regard to the necessary resolution of a contradiction that has arisen — I ask this because the Taoiseach's Department has a particular responsibility in regard to the talks on...

Legislative Programme. (1 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It is only the Taoiseach's Department, taking a particular interest in competition law, that can resolve this issue which has existed for nearly two years and which, I imagine, is a huge factor in the opening of the talks on social partnership.

Written Answers — Private Sector Debt: Private Sector Debt (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 114: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on reports (details supplied) that Ireland is set to become the most indebted country in the eurozone, with private sector debt anticipated to amount to 200% of GNP before the end of 2006, and credit rising by 29% per year. [7893/06]

Written Answers — Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme: Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 99: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the 23% rise in complaints against the insurance sector and credit institutions to the Financial Services Ombudsman in 2005. [7892/06]

Written Answers — European Social Charter: European Social Charter (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 293: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Ireland has not fulfilled its reporting obligations under the European Social Charter since 2004, as charged in recent public statements by the charter's supervisory committee, the European Committee on Social Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/06]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 302: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the social welfare entitlements of returned development workers, including missionaries, and in particular, in relation to the definition of habitual residence in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7785/06]

Written Answers — Garda Complaints Procedures: Garda Complaints Procedures (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 401: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on such actions which have been taken by his Department or by the Garda Síochána in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Galway with particular reference to allegations of that person having been interviewed on two separate occasions, once at Howth Garda station and once at...

Written Answers — Deportation Orders: Deportation Orders (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 429: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the threatened deportation of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; the position with regard to such a deportation; if submissions for this person to be allowed stay here have been received; and if such submission has been received, the position of this application to be allowed to stay...

Written Answers — Deportation Orders: Deportation Orders (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 430: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances of a person (details supplied) who has been told that he will be deported; and if he will make a statement on the possibility of this person being permitted to stay here in view of the very real humanitarian concerns as well as the further issues outlined. [8160/06]

Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Previously I spoke about what might be the framing philosophy of a social welfare system. I drew attention to the great choices there were in the founding of the welfare state in Britain and the argument that followed it several decades later. The welfare state in Britain came into existence for a specific set of historical purposes, but I drew the Minister's attention to the main principles...

Order of Business. (28 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Last week I asked if Government time would be made available to debate the deteriorating circumstances in the Middle East in general and in Iraq and Gaza in particular. Does the Taoiseach favour the provision of time for such a debate?

Written Answers — EU Battle Groups: EU Battle Groups (23 Feb 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 25: To ask the Minister for Defence the arrangements that have been made to allow for the participation of Irish troops in EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7170/06]