Results 641-660 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — International Monetary Fund: International Monetary Fund (9 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 206: To ask the Minister for Finance the Irish commitment at a recent meeting of the G20 to contribute to a special fund addressed to the needs of indebted countries; if the fund is to be led by the International Monetary Fund; if so, the guiding principles that exists for the fund; and if they will include debt cancellation. [6962/10]

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (9 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 293: To ask the Minister for Transport when the stretch of road between Ballindine and Miltown on the N17 will be improved in view of the fact that this was the scene of a tragic accident in November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6308/10]

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (9 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 310: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures taken to prevent such tragedies as the 17 November 2009 incident, in which four young persons lost their lives on the N17 between Mayo and Galway, from happening in the future; if he will sign an on-line petition in support of the families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/10]

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (9 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 314: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Property Registration Authority's move towards the e-conveyancing of land certificates, specifically pertaining to documents that have been saved and the location at which they are being kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6955/10]

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (9 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 375: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that his Department is engaging in or will engage in regarding the difficulties of obtaining legitimate visas that allow internationals to work and volunteer in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory in view of the amount of EU aid that is provided to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6957/10]

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (9 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 376: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the establishment of a public centre detailing the history and culture of the communities of Northern Ireland may enhance understanding here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6958/10]

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (4 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 51: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications received during 2009 for early retirement from members of the Garda, broken down by rank; the way in which this compares with each year from 2002; his views on reports that a significant number of senior gardaí are planning to take early retirement; the implications of such retirements for...

Written Answers — Garda Promotions: Garda Promotions (4 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 52: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the 170 Garda promotions, for which Cabinet approval has been given, will be made to fill vacancies arising from the retirements now being experienced by the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5592/10]

Written Answers — National Asset Management Agency: National Asset Management Agency (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 101: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has been approached by interested parties with respect to taking shareholdings in the National Asset Management Agency special purpose vehicle; when these investments will be concluded; the terms of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5341/10]

Written Answers — Banking Sector Recapitalisation: Banking Sector Recapitalisation (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 108: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether Anglo Irish Bank is an appropriate vehicle for expanding small medium enterprise lending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5340/10]

Written Answers — Cross-Border Projects: Cross-Border Projects (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 263: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the detail of all cross-Border programmes, initiatives, areas of co-operation and similar which his Department is currently engaged in or about to engage in with its counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5494/10]

Written Answers — Cross-Border Projects: Cross-Border Projects (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 286: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the detail of all cross-Border programmes, initiatives, areas of co-operation and similar which his Department is currently engaged in or about to engage in with its counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5495/10]

Written Answers — Cross-Border Projects: Cross-Border Projects (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Question 329: To ask the Minister for Defence the detail of all cross-Border programmes, initiatives, areas of co-operation and similar which his Department is currently engaged in or about to engage in with its counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5496/10]

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this Bill. I am deeply disappointed that so few Members are in the Chamber to discuss issues pertaining to planning which should be of great interest to us all. The planning discourse in this State is in chaos. I listened with great care to the debate that has taken place thus far on this legislation. There should be broad public...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The average number of such votes was probably 15, although it reached 30 on occasion. It was almost like a system of carbon credits with people owing each other support on section 4 votes. Members from one side of the county would vote for something on the basis that they had credit from another councillor in another part of the county. That was disgraceful. I do not have time today to go...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: The politicians involved contaminated the process. I will come back to this matter because a price is continuing to be paid in terms of community conflict and distress. Agencies of the State got involved on the side of the developer, rather than on the side of the community. Given that alternative models were available in other countries, it was scandalous that we proceeded as we did. It...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: I am well aware that there can be petty jealousies in the engineering profession at times. I have been proposing since 1974 that a city architect be appointed in Galway city. I nearly secured such an appointment at one time, until someone said that a senior engineering post would have to be lost. One could have an architect buried in the planning department. I know what an architect is...

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: That is untrue. Why does the Taoiseach not prove that?

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: While cutting the back to education allowance.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2010)

Michael D Higgins: Absolutely.