Results 3,681-3,700 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Diplomatic Representation. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I issued a statement some time ago, when the Iranian President's comments were made, which was very similar to that issued by the Minister. I condemned the comments. Question No. 67 refers to the response of the UN Security Council. I suggest that it is significant that the Security Council was unanimous in issuing its statement. With reference to the IAEA, the Non-proliferation Treaty needs...

Departmental Staff. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I would like to the think that the Minister's Department was supported by a greater intake than is revealed in the table. It is interesting that in 2004 there were 115 consultancies and the total intake through departmental recruitment that year was 65. Given that there was an intake in 2002 of 201 and the fact that we were preparing for the increased role of the Department of Foreign...

Departmental Staff. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Is the Minister in a position to say whether the advisory committee's commissioned reports on the staffing needs of the Department, such as the Cassidy report and others, will be implemented?

Human Rights Issues. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 2: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government accepts that its obligations under the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment requires it to establish by way of verification, and beyond simple assurance, that persons are not...

Human Rights Issues. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Since I first tabled this question, circumstances have changed. As recently as today, the Guardian newspaper carried details of last year's report of the CIA's inspector general. That report suggests that interrogation techniques authorised by the Bush presidency breach commitments given under the UN Convention against Torture. The Minister should regard that as a matter of concern. Various...

Human Rights Issues. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

Human Rights Issues. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: It is sometimes necessary to be frank in friendly relations with another country. It is important for the Minister to know that those members of Human Rights Watch who watched the plane landing in Shannon provided information that led to the conclusion drawn in the Swedish case. It is the same plane and its flight plan included destinations such as Morocco, Uzbekistan and Egypt, countries in...

Human Rights Issues. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: There should be random checks in Shannon.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: When will the promised legislation to establish TG4 on an independent statutory basis be brought before Cabinet?

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (9 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 130: To ask the Minister for Finance the amount collected to date by the Revenue Commissioners through special investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33049/05]

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (9 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 169: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to deal with the continuing situation whereby millionaires and other very high income earners are able to reduce or eliminate liability for tax on their earnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33050/05]

Written Answers — Multi-Denominational Schools: Multi-Denominational Schools (8 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 178: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if €500,000 will be provided to Educate Together in order that it can fulfil the role in the absence of the State doing so, of providing inter-denominational education at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32762/05]

Written Answers — Computerisation Programme: Computerisation Programme (8 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 157: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the support available to schools to implement information technology programmes and to use broadband; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32761/05]

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (8 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 352: To ask the Minister for Finance the total and yearly number of persons who, since 1997, have worked in units to deal with public private partnerships; the cost of the unit in each year since 1997; the number of public presentations which have been given in each year since 1997; and the associated cost. [32988/05]

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (8 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 555: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to Ireland's acceptance and implementation of the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; when he will be in a position to advise the Government to do so; the reason for Ireland's failure to sign and ratify...

Defence Forces Recruitment. (3 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 21: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the requirement that soldiers in their 30s who wish to renew Army contracts must first prove their level of fitness before being offered a renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31997/05]

Order of Business. (3 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Will the Minister indicate the current position in regard to the promised legislation establishing TG4 on an autonomous basis? Has the Government retreated from its commitment to this legislation or will it be part of the broadcasting authority of Ireland Bill, which is listed with proposed legislation? When will the broadcasting authority of Ireland Bill be brought before the House?

Order of Business. (3 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: On a point of order, I asked two questions. The Government is committed separately to introducing legislation to establish the autonomy of TG4. What is the position in regard to that legislation? Is it being prepared or has it been withdrawn? I accept the broadcasting authority of Ireland Bill will probably not be seen until the end of 2006, if at all. What is the status of the commitment of...

Order of Business. (3 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: The commitment was to publish legislation.

Order of Business. (3 Nov 2005)

Michael D Higgins: There is no question to ask.