Results 641-660 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Committee Stage. (29 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: I thank the Deputy and I fully appreciate this is such a huge leap forward in the democracy of the Union that it would be nice to mark it in a special way. The Bill is not silent on the role of the Houses of the Oireachtas. They are specifically mentioned in sections 12, 13 and 14 and the Schedule to the Bill and they are also highlighted in the explanatory memorandum. More than enough...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: I note that support for the Bill in this House is more than 40 to 1 in favour. Committee Stage will be taken next Tuesday, subject to the agreement of the Whips.

Ministerial Transport. (22 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: We cannot sell it for scrap.

Ministerial Transport. (22 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: Even I cannot stand up in it.

Seanad: Lisbon Reform Treaty: Statements (Resumed). (8 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: They have not even produced a document.

Seanad: Lisbon Reform Treaty: Statements (8 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: I am very pleased to speak on the EU reform treaty. Members will be aware that last week the Dáil began the debate and I look forward to it moving to the Seanad. Before I get into the body of my contribution, I wish to refer to some comments by the French Finance Minister reported in today's newspapers. The statement, as reported, is untimely, unhelpful and, frankly, inappropriate. The...

Seanad: Lisbon Reform Treaty: Statements (8 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: I remember entering the Civil Service as a young civil servant in 1972. The order of the day was mass migration — emigration. Our biggest export was our people. Our industry was basic and protected behind barriers. Our only trading partner of any order was the United Kingdom. Today we have become one of the most successful economies in the world. We no longer force our young people,...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: The main aims of the Lisbon reform treaty, as spelled out in its preamble, are to enhance the efficiency and the democratic legitimacy of the Union. This treaty is different from those that went before it. It was not produced behind closed doors, rather it was crafted in public. The reform treaty is not, as some would have us believe, the work of fevered minds with no mandate. This treaty...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (2 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: Hear, hear.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (2 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: Hear, hear.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (2 Apr 2008)

Dick Roche: In eastern Europe.

Leaders' Questions (19 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: Who wrote that?

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: I thank Members for their contributions. It was asked whether we need a referendum. The legal advice is that we do need it, and there is an expectation in this regard. To put it mildly, I was disappointed by Senator Regan's decision to accuse the Taoiseach of perjury within the four walls of this House. As I have said on many occasions, including when I was responsible for the tribunal, it...

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: It will outline its view in due course — I will have a view on that also. Senator de Búrca and other Senators referred to the treaty's title and whether it was to be the Lisbon Treaty or the Reform Treaty. I remind the House that a rose by any other name smells just as sweet. The reality is we should judge this treaty by its content, which is good, positive, progressive and allows Europe...

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: I will be as frank as possible with the Senator. First, a decision has not been made on the date. If it had been, I am not sure that I would be saying so at this point. Second, a judgment will have to be made as to whether we will have one referendum or two referenda on the same day. I would like to focus on an issue, such as this referendum, which I think is important but the Government...

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: First, nothing in this treaty changes the current position about unanimity on tax. I welcome the opportunity to clarify that point again. Second, I have been discussing the question of CCCTB actively with other member states, but I see little enthusiasm for it. President Barroso made a forthright statement recently when he was dealing mainly with tax rates. He pointed out the huge...

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: On the eve of the signing of the European Union reform treaty, it is entirely appropriate that Seanad Éireann should consider this issue. We are at a very important moment in the life of the EU. The reform treaty will, first of all, allow the EU to move away from the stasis of the past six or seven years when we have been looking internally and really achieving very little. It will allow...

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Dick Roche: It is called the reform treaty. It could, however, have been called the Dublin treaty, rather than being called after any other city in Europe.

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 94, 111, 112, 114, 122 and 328 together. The Government welcomes the second visit by UN special envoy Dr. Ibrahim Gambari to Burma on 3-8 November, and his report to the UN Security Council on 13 November. Dr. Gambari has been able to point to some progress, with the regime's continued co-operation with his mission, particularly its appointment of a...

Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: He did.