Results 3,721-3,740 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

International Agreements. (20 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: When will the Minister be going to Cabinet with a proposal for ratification? Is he aware that France and Hungary have already ratified the convention and that part of the ratification process is the preparation of domestic legislation? Where is the domestic legislation which is an obligation under the convention? Have the heads of that legislation been approved? When will they be going to...

International Agreements. (20 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: We signed the convention in December 2003 and it becomes an instrument, with the completion of the 90 day period following the 30 ratifications required, on 14 December 2005. Is the Minister in a position to state that he will have brought proposals before Cabinet for such adjustments to domestic legislation before that implementation date?

International Agreements. (20 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I am sure the Minister agrees that the obligation to notify the arrival of stolen or hot money, as well as other obligations in the convention, may be complied with in anticipation of the adjusted legislation.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (19 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 127: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide the data on the national development plan roads and transport spending in the Border, midlands and western region with a breakdown of the amounts originally proposed and those which have been spent. [29076/05]

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (19 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 150: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress to date on reaching a bilateral agreement with the UK authorities on mutual recognition of penalty points. [29077/05]

Leaders' Questions. (19 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Written Answers — Hospital Accommodation: Hospital Accommodation (18 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 141: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposal that St. Bricin's Military Hospital will be used to help relieve pressure on the Mater Hospital; if this proposal will be feasible in view of the estimated cost of up to €25 million for the refurbishment of St. Bricin's; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28793/05]

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (18 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 198: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected completion date of the inquiry, to be chaired by Judge Maureen Harding-Clarke, into the activities of the former Drogheda obstetrician, Dr. Michael Neary; if her attention has been drawn to the call made by a number of victims for the establishment of a redress board; if she will act on this suggestion; and...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (18 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 456: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation of 29 January 2001, which expressed concern that a small category of employees of the State employed at Irish embassies abroad have no mechanism for pursuing grievances as they are excluded from the terms of the Civil Service conciliation and arbitration scheme and are not...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (18 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 566: To ask the Minister for Transport when provincial-based civil servants who have applied for transfer to the proposed Department of Transport offices in Loughrea, County Galway, will receive an offer for transfer; if provincial-based civil and public service staff will have to relocate and transfer to Dublin for training prior to the move to Loughrea; if provincial-based civil...

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 30: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in view of the decline in visitors from Britain over recent years, his views on whether this represents a significant threat to the tourist industry here in view of the traditional reliance on British visitors; his further views on the reason for this decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28318/05]

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 105: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Ireland's continuing recognition of the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic as the state of the Saharoui persons; when he envisages the United Nations proposal for a referendum to be advanced; the talks or consultations to which he has been party in recent times; his views and those of the European Union in relation to the...

Natural Disasters in Asia and Central America: Statements. (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the current position in Pakistan and the tragedies unfolding in Central America. I join others who have offered their sympathy to the President and people of Pakistan and to the ambassador here. I also warmly welcome the indications of assistance from the Government so far. What has struck everybody is the vulnerability, in particular, of remote villages...

Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: When will Ireland ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which, having achieved the appropriate number of ratifications, will come into effect on 15 December? Does the Government intend to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families? Ireland has ratified neither. Only two European countries, Hungary...

Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister for fornica——

Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister for Foreign Affairs indicated in a letter to me that he had written to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which, I am sure, was a suitable correspondence between the two Ministers. He had asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to indicate when the legislation would be prepared. Can the Tánaiste find out from the Minister for Justice, Equality and...

Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I apologise for my misuse of language which was a consequence of Ireland's loss in yesterday's soccer match.

Written Answers — Prospecting Licences: Prospecting Licences (12 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if measures will be brought forward to reform the licensing and exploration system for regulating the exploitation of natural resources here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27896/05]

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (12 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: Question 186: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details on the terms of the contract to operate the metropolitan area network; the methods in place to invigilate the performance of the operating company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27873/05]

Employment Permits Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (12 Oct 2005)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this legislation. I welcome aspects of the Bill but I would have preferred if the House were discussing this legislation along with or following the Government's proposals for an immigration and residence Bill. I see areas of overlap between the functions of the two Departments and between the two Bills. A practical problem arises from the drafting of...