Results 58,521-58,540 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: ——allowed too much latitude, or else——

Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: ——I could imitate him and start interrupting him, too.

Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: The Acting Chairman will be very impartial. I am quite sure that is the case. We have a multiplicity of tribunals of inquiry that have cost multifarious millions of euro. While they had to be set up in the first place by the Houses of the Oireachtas, and they have done a good job, however ponderously, if it had been possible to ventilate these issues in the Parliament, there would have...

Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: However, as a Member of this Parliament, I found that a very strange situation. I know that people's reputations have to be protected, and what proceeds——

Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is quite true and do not forget that this happens in the courts as well. One can be libelled in the courts, but nobody cares a peg and it makes no difference. I can go into court and in the course of giving evidence make all types of allegations, for which I will not be held responsible or made accountable. I am afraid extraordinary regulations, curtailments and restrictions are...

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It is a reversal of the 2002 general election promise. It took the Government a long time to come up with that.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: We understand and we sympathise with the Ceann Comhairle.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is rubbish.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is more like it.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It is not.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: I thought the Minister wished to answer as he was making shapes to do so. Some time ago the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance indicated that arising from the general banking and financial crisis, there was a need to get back to traditional banking practices. In addition to promised legislation, is it intended to introduce further legislation? Legislation is proposed to consolidate and...

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It has been announced and published. When will the legislation be brought before the House and is it deemed necessary to bring it in as a matter of urgency in the current unstable climate that exists in the financial sector? Will the Minister give some indication to the House as to the importance he is likely to accord to that legislation, given the manner in which it is likely to affect...

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It was a very comprehensive reply. It sounded very complicated and tedious though.

Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: I found it difficult even listening to it.

Written Answers — EU Treaties: EU Treaties (5 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 122: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current or expected position in the event of the ratification by all other European countries except Ireland of the Lisbon treaty of reform; if he is in a position to achieve agreement with his EU colleagues to the effect that Ireland's failure to ratify the treaty will not militate against this country's political, social or economic...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 151: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives he has taken or supported at EU or UN level to address current or potential humanitarian issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; if steps have been taken to protect civilians and prevent ethnic cleansing and genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38513/08]

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 277: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU proposes to take action or intervene by way of peace supportive measures in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38709/08]

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Nov 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 278: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU or UN proposes to take initiatives to protect civilians in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38710/08]