Results 4,141-4,160 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am willing to answer questions raised here, but it is my understanding that during Leaders' Questions, when questions are asked without notice, the rule of the House is that the representative of each party can ask one question. I will be quite happy, if the rules are changed, to answer four or five questions, if necessary. I would have no problem with this.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I have tried to give a comprehensive answer. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked about the children's hospital and the mobility allowance.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Having given Deputy Mary Lou McDonald a comprehensive answer to those questions, she is now saying I did not answer the other one.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: It is a parliamentary trick.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: That is fair enough and I recognise it for what it is and call it as it is.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Regarding the question on the mobility allowance, we have the report from the Ombudsman which is under consideration by the Government. We must obtain legal advice on how to proceed because, obviously, the recommendation made in the report concerns compliance with the terms of the Equal Status Act. We are obtaining that advice. The second report issued by the Ombudsman yesterday will be...

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I could not possibly do so.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and agree with him on the huge tragedy suicide presents for families, loved ones and friends of those who take their own lives. I also agree that the level of suicide in Ireland is very disturbing. It is something Deputy Dan Neville, in particular, has been highlighting for quite some time. It is also an issue about which the Minister of State at...

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I will ask the Minister of State to brief the Deputy directly on the measures she is taking to address the issue of suicide and also the way in which the budget for mental health services is being spent. We must ensure any measure we take to deal with the issue of suicide, the level of which I agree is alarmingly high, is effective, whether it be the establishment of a dedicated office or...

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The people will get a deal when we are satisfied we have got the best deal available for the taxpayer. Let me assure the Deputy that we will get the best deal for the taxpayer.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We are so obliged, financially and politically.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We are obliged to get it because of the incredible mess and hames the previous Government made of this. It tied the fortunes of the taxpayer to the banks. It gave them a blanket guarantee.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: It then tied the taxpayer hand and foot to an EU-IMF deal which we have to unwind. We will deal with the mess Fianna Fáil in government created and we will get the best possible deal for the taxpayer.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: There is quite a lot in the question asked by the Deputy and I will deal with the matters in the series they were addressed to me. On the issue of the national children's hospital, the Government will proceed with the building of the hospital. There has been been talk for as long as I can remember about the building of such a hospital. We are going ahead and will build it. As the Deputy...

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I thought the Ceann Comhairle was discontinuing my contribution.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As I stated, the allowance is designed to help eligible persons-----

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am replying to it. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked about the mobility allowance.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: This is what is of interest. There is a report from the Ombudsman and the Government respects the Office of the Ombudsman. It is perfectly reasonable that Deputy Mary Lou McDonald should ask the question here this morning. There are many who want to know in what way we are dealing with the issue and I am explaining the position to the Deputy. It is of interest to the public. Currently,...

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The real truth is that the people are suffering very badly from the consequences of what Deputy Cowen's party did in government prior to being booted out of office at the beginning of 2011.

Leaders' Questions (25 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Deputy Cowen has some neck to come to the House and ask about what the EU thinks or what it is doing. Deputy Cowen's Government tied us hand and foot to an agreement with the EU and the IMF at the end of 2010.