Results 37,381-37,400 of 50,916 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: My question does not relate to the material setting out the arguments for and against abolition, but to the Government's preparatory work in respect of its proposal. I assume a significant amount of work has been undertaken at this stage by civil servants and others.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Publication of that material would serve the public interest by facilitating a more reflective debate on the issues. People are already introducing their own proposals and ideas. For instance, a group of Senators, former Senators and others recently published a reform document which advocated legislation to reform the Seanad. It would be useful if the work the Government has undertaken in...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Is it the Taoiseach's objective that such a referendum will take place?

Order of Business (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: In regard to the forthcoming referendum on children's rights, has the Referendum Commission been formally activated and a judge appointed? I raised the issue of the commitment in the programme for Government regarding primary care with the Tánaiste last week. Will the Taoiseach ensure, in line with the commitment given by the Tánaiste, that all documentation related to the recent...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: May I ask a supplementary question?

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: To ask the Taoiseach the progress he has made with the commitment in the Programme for Government on the abolition of Seanad Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38806/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: To ask the Taoiseach if the Government is reviewing any political reforms other than those being discussed at the constitutional convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40099/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the scheduling of constitutional referendums. [40264/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach has committed to a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. What does he mean by the term, "work in progress"? I asked the Taoiseach on a previous occasion if he would share the work in progress with other Members. This is a very reasonable request in my view. I ask him again to publish all the background material related to the issue of abolition of the Seanad. This...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Will the Taoiseach publish the material?

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: This has implications for Leo.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Did the Deputy baptise Leo?

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Very deliberately.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: I do not. Absolutely not.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: No one believes it. It is a joke.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Why does the Taoiseach not just put it to the people?

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Who raised the matter with the Taoiseach? No one ever raised it with me.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: Government sources are indicating to the media that people have been turning down the offer of chairing the convention. Will the Taoiseach comment? This might indicate the general sense out there that the Government's attempt to limit the work of the convention has essentially dampened a lot of interest in it. It has lacked credibility from the off and this may be a restricting factor,...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: I would argue that this is a very special case. The first two items are a change in the voting age from 18 to 17 and the term of the Presidency. Clearly, no NGO groups are needed to consider those and, in fact, most people think it is a waste of time discussing those issues in a convention. They cannot fathom it at all and think it extraordinary. It really goes to the heart of the lack of...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Micheál Martin: I appreciate that. My point is that there is a clear case for allowing the people whose rights are being considered to participate, even in the section dealing with the issue of marriage equality. Also, I am disappointed with the Taoiseach's response that he will not give a blanket guarantee on the holding of referendums that the convention may recommend. What is the point of it all if only...