Results 7,361-7,380 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The legislation regarding the DIT is passed and it is just a matter of naming the authority members. I understand consultation has taken place and that efforts are being made to find a suitable chairman. I am anxious that the matter proceed.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Shortly. The second issue raised by Deputy Rabbitte clearly does not arise on the Order of Business but the proper procedures must be followed. Regarding the groceries order, it is hoped we can have that legislation very soon. It is a very short Bill. We appreciate the co-operation of the House.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The publication date is2006.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I will let the Deputy know.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: No.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The matter has been referred to the Attorney General and to the Law Reform Commission for consideration as a matter of urgent public interest. The Law Reform Commission has issued a consultation paper on the subject and a final report is awaited.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Decisions relating to the Revenue Bill and its publication will be considered in the context of the timing and availability of the report of the Moriarty tribunal.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: A Bill is due but I do not have a date for it.

Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I will have to raise that matter with the Minister and revert to the Deputy.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not have details on the prices, but if those differentials are as Deputy Kenny states, they are excessive. From the Government perspective, this is an issue for the Competition Authority and it should already be examining it. This may be an issue partly as a result of the significant resources we are now putting into the disability area.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Some €643 million has been invested into support services for people with disabilities in the past few years. It would be regrettable if investment in the health boards, now the HSE, and resources for additional places, equipment and voluntary agencies resulted in excessive prices because of the extra money and opportunity to sell equipment. Deputy Kenny makes the point that the Competition...

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The relatively new Act that established the Competition Authority gives the authority significant powers to examine any possible cartel in any sector of the economy. I do not know whether the authority is examining the matter raised by the Deputy. I am aware, however, that every cent the State spends on disability services needs to be categorised by the relevant Department. That is being...

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I hope it was not wasted.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Government has spent an additional €2.1 billion on services for people with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities, autism and mental illnesses.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Over €500 million has been spent on the education of children with special needs. Grant aid of €56 million has been allocated to meet the cost of developing accommodation facilities for people with disabilities. Some €63 million has been invested in services for such people through FÁS programmes.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It used to be the case that hardly any money was spent on people with disabilities. Now that we have invested our resources in this vulnerable sector of Irish life, we are getting value for money. If some people in the sector are involved in abuses, the matter should be examined. I repeat the point I made earlier — the vast majority of people with disabilities are covered by medical cards....

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Such organisations have the capacity to buy in bulk.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I assume they are getting value for money because they can purchase——

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——large amounts of wheelchairs and other instruments to help people with disabilities.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte is right to state that child care is a big issue. It is a big issue because 2 million people are working in our strong economy, which has grown over recent years. The number of women in the workforce has increased from 400,000 a decade ago to 800,000. It is estimated that approximately 220,000 people need child care facilities. The Government increased child benefit payments...