Results 5,021-5,040 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Constitutional Referenda. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: A number of groups have put forward suggestions about amendments and seek a constitutional referendum. My view is that all these issues should be examined in the context of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution. To take one and go with it is——

Constitutional Referenda. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: As well as the alliance there are a number of others who have put their views forward and are seeking a constitutional referendum. That would be to take one view and not to consider the others. These are issues that will have to be examined in the context of the group. They are difficult issues and, from reading some of the correspondence, there are strongly held views on these issues. We...

Constitutional Referenda. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: On the issue of building land, as I said here recently in reply to another question, the issue is being dealt with legislatively. The issue of zoning sufficient land does not need a constitutional referendum. On the second issue, all the issues arising from that legislation and the fallout from the Supreme Court decision should be dealt with in the committee. The legislation is passed. Any...

Constitutional Referenda. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The Seanad reform group has presented its report. A group, chaired by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, is examining that report. Any questions on the matter should be put to the Minister, Deputy Roche. Any changes would not be of the nature suggested by Deputy Ferris. I did say as part of the proposals that an extension of how we appoint Senators,...

Constitutional Referenda. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I raised the issue of the legislation yesterday. I do not think any constitutional referendum is being looked at in this area but the Bill will be published shortly.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 12, motion re Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998; No. 1, Employment Permits Bill 2005 — amendments from the Seanad; No. 23, National Sports Campus Development Authority Bill 2006 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 21, Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad] — Second Stage, resumed; No. 22, Criminal...

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The heads of the Voluntary Health Insurance board corporate status Bill have been approved. The Bill is being drafted and should be ready for the autumn session. The heads of the third level student support Bill are at an advanced stage and are expected to be before the Government shortly, but the Bill will not be ready before the next student grant period. The judicial counsel Bill will be...

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: What I said was that I have asked the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to see what it can do to resolve this issue. I told the Department that if it could not be done by instructions to local authorities, it should be done legislatively. I will have to check the state of progress since it is some months since the Department reported back to me on the matter.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: No. One can never have retrospective legislation. I will let Deputy Rabbitte know the conclusions reached.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The relevant Minister will deal with the issues. The Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Children are in discussions on the register of those considered unsafe to work with children.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: There is no legislation change promised in this area.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I do not know about the Deloitte & Touche report. The Deputy needs to put down a question for the relevant Minister. The single electricity market Bill is listed for this session. The heads of the broadcasting Bill will go before the relevant committee shortly for consultation.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I will forward Deputy McManus's views to the Tánaiste.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The Cabinet is due to finalise this on Tuesday. In the normal course of events we would have perhaps been able to do it earlier but we will not now be able to do so until Tuesday.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: If it is agreed. However, I appreciate that creates difficulties.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: The consumer protection Bill will be introduced next year.

Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I have no knowledge of such legislation.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Kenny will remember that it was decided that we should incorporate all the proposed legislative changes into the Health Information and Quality Authority legislation. I have announced many times that the legislation in question is being prepared. The inspectorate will be independent of the HSE, the group that provides the service, and that is one of the key issues. At present, we are...

Leaders' Questions. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: She says she does not have the report.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Jun 2006)

Bertie Ahern: I reject all that. The Government has put in more effort, resources, staff, equipment and services for hospitals, homes and carers than any other Government. The Deputy's contention is simply not correct, and he knows it. The heads of the Bill have been published for consultation. I was pressed in the House that they be put out for consultation, and that has been done. We hope to pass the...