Results 66,341-66,360 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: No. We are approaching Christmas and we on this side of the House should be magnanimous as well.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 45: In page 14, line 15, after "works" where it firstly occurs to insert the following: ", such classes to be determined and approved by Dáil Éireann,". This amendment is similar to an earlier amendment tabled by Deputy Ryan. I have no reason to believe the commission is not competent, having consulted with such persons as it considers appropriate, whoever they might...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: What does the Minister of State mean by saying that they "are not appropriate for the consideration of the House"? When Members of the Minister of State's party were in opposition, they moaned and groaned on every single issue. Every item that was not held up to their immediate scrutiny was delayed and bushwhacked. When in opposition, they believed it was their right to discuss any subject...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: They still do not understand them, even after spending time on the Government benches. I resent the degree to which the Oireachtas is being by-passed on every legislation. Heretofore, Ministers were anxious to ensure that they were covered in so far as their accountability to the House was concerned. Now, however, a policy has been developed whereby major changes can be made, which can...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Three quarters of the amendments have gone so this could be my final salvo and I feel another vote coming on.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I would like him to do so but unfortunately I do not think he has anything to offer. I do not wish to be disrespectful to him but he will not take on board any amendment I move. He is happily consolidated in his position, which is his prerogative. I am merely saying, however, that it would protect current and subsequent Ministers if the amendment was accepted.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I have heard that point before. I do not know who the experts are but the definition of an expert is important. My definition of an expert is somebody who knows when to call in the experts. The Minister of State should bear that point in mind.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: No, but I am tempted to do so.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It is very clear. May we comment on it?

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It has but we were not aware of that error.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: We did not have the benefit of hindsight at the time. This clearly illustrates the failure of ministerial infallibility, which is something about which I have always had doubts. At long last, we have seen an admission in the House, in writing and even at this late stage, to the effect that a mistake has been made. It is quite true that the whole world has not come to a halt as a result of...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Correct.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister of State's humility is acknowledged.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: With my colleagues, I welcome the Minister's amendment, reflecting the views expressed on Committee Stage, which again proves my point that we can all help each other out to a lesser or greater extent. Amendment No 49 has the heading "Policy directions to Commission." All along we have been told that the commission is independent. The list of directions, with which I agree, is as follows:...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: That is correct.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It is interesting that this is precisely what I was referring to in the last amendment, namely who is calling the shots particularly on policy. Policy should be retained in the hands of the Minister and the House. There is no point in saying this is European legislation transposed into our legislation. That is of no benefit to consumers here or those in charge of transmission. I am...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 16: In page 5, line 16, after "seas" to insert "as specified in the Schedule". If this amendment were accepted, the text would read: "'island of Ireland' includes its islands and seas as specified in the Schedule". I remember a dispute in the House over a certain offshore island and I therefore looked at the Schedule to determine whether it could be included in the...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I fail to understand that. Perhaps I just do not have the right angle on it. I thought my amendment presented a useful opportunity, particularly because it is considered useful to aspire to having an all-island energy policy. Such a policy would bring about the co-operation of the two regulatory authorities in the North and South and would bring recognition that it is better to have an...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I actually believed that was the case.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (Resumed). (25 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: We just threw it in for good measure.