Results 6,381-6,400 of 18,728 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services: Asylum Support Services (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department has a contract in place for the accommodation of asylum seekers in the premises referred to by the Deputy, until 9 May 2007. After that time the premises will no longer be available for this purpose and my Department has no further knowledge on the future plans for this building. All State service providers (e.g., HSE, Department of...

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: It is proposed to take No. 16a, motion re membership of committees; No. 1, European Communities Bill 2006 [Seanad] — Second Stage; and No. 24, Health Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 16a shall be decided without debate.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The possibility of having a debate on the National Competitiveness Council's annual report can be considered by the Whips. If it is thought proper that there should be a debate on the matter, I am sure it can be arranged. As I said last week, the Government will consider two reports on health insurance — the Competition Authority's report on the market and the expected report from the...

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I will not comment on the football match because I did not see it——

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: ——but I can guarantee that nobody is suggesting that Steve Staunton should step aside for the Deputy to take over.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Charities Bill, the Dublin Transport Authority Bill and the Pharmacy (No. 1) Bill will be published this session. The Nurses and Midwives Bill will be published this year.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy is aware that the House agreed the Order of Business a few minutes ago.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: With regard to Pfizer, I understand that 65 people are to be made redundant and the two plants are to be sold as going concerns.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Yes, but IDA Ireland has a tremendous record and the Minister, Deputy Martin, has a great record in Cork for delivering jobs. I was in Amgen's headquarters in Thousand Oaks in California recently——

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: ——and there is a US$1.1 billion investment in Carrigtwohill in Cork, of which the Deputy is well aware. I do not wish to talk down the Cork region or its economy. IDA Ireland has such a good record with regard to pharmaceutical capacity, which is always sought after, that I believe there will be alternative purchasers for those plants.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Two years ago it was taken off the list of proposed legislation but that fact does not appear to have impinged on the Deputy, who regularly asks about its whereabouts. It is gone.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Taoiseach clearly stated to the House this week the position regarding the referendum, and it has not changed since then. We are in a process of study and consultation and the Deputy has been consulted about the matter. The situation has not changed dramatically since the Taoiseach spoke on it.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: With regard to the Judicial Council Bill——

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Taoiseach answered the question clearly the other day. The answer does not change from Member to Member.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The answer is the same.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Taoiseach made it clear the other day and it will not become clearer——

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: ——by me repeating what he said.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The second matter is the Judicial Council Bill. It is now three years since I consulted the Judiciary about this matter and I am still awaiting a response about certain points.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Yes.

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Ombudsman (amendment) Bill is promised for this year and it is not on the list for publication this session.