Results 7,381-7,400 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: A number of child care surveys and examinations have been published. The Government has asked an interdepartmental group to examine the matter.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The group raised many issues and finalised seven basic proposals, all of which are in the public domain. I agree with Deputy Rabbitte that child care is a major and significant issue. I do not believe that every single proposal that has been made by every group can be accepted at once. I have noted that many of the organisations have said we need to build on the successes which have been...

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Government decided to increase child benefit because agreement could not be reached the last time the matter was examined comprehensively by the various groups. The Government was faced with a decision when there was total disagreement among the main organisations. It decided that changes in the child benefit system represented the best way of making progress. Having listened carefully to...

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I made the point that the reason there is such a demand for child care is because there are 2 million people working.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: In this case I am talking about people in the workforce. Some 800,000 people are now working. The reason the Government decided to go the child benefit route the last time was that there was no agreement by the representative organisations as to how this could be done both for people who were in the workforce and for those working in the home. For that reason the Government decided the...

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Higgins is aware the Government is dealing with this issue. I accept the points that were raised by him and Deputy Catherine Murphy yesterday. The answer to the Deputy's three questions is "Yes". Sorry, he only asked two questions so I cannot answer the third.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: There are no proposals to decentralise any section of my Department or any of the bodies or agencies operating under its aegis. A significant part of the Central Statistics Office is already located in Cork. Of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the National Economic and Social Development office is the only one situated on the north side of Dublin, at Parnell Square.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The information requested by the Deputy is as follows: Year Training Translation Advertising Bilingual Signage Other Total â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ 2002 700 11,280.60 4,975.14 None None 16,955.74 2003 None 28,245.01 2,179 None None 30,424.01 2004 None 40,673.03 2,787 None None 43,460.03 Total 700 80,198.64 9,941.14 None None 98,839.78 The...

Written Answers — Commemorative Events: Commemorative Events (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am presently considering the most appropriate way of marking the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising next year, with particular emphasis on how this may present an opportunity to put in place, over the following decade, a wide-ranging programme of activities and events in the lead up to the centenary commemorations. I propose to enter into discussions with party leaders shortly on how these...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Details of membership of bodies established under the aegis of my Department are not held by reference to any disabilities. Members of State boards and bodies under the aegis of my Department are appointed through well established nominating procedures, having regard both to the remit of the boards and bodies and, consequently, the competencies and skills expected of their members. In many...

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 9, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the revised agreement on social security between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Australia; No. 14, Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 — Report and Final Stages; and No. 15, Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Report Stage...

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The charities regulation Bill is substantial legislation, which will involve statute law revision and restatement in addition to legislative reform provisions. It is being dealt with as speedily as possible. The legislation will regulate charities and it will be brought to the House as quickly as possible. I do not have a date but it has priority in the Department. I have answered questions...

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: That legislation was postponed, not withdrawn. It will be taken in the House next week. The coastal zone management Bill is gone off my list.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: There has been a period of consultation on the legislation but it is being drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel. The legislation is due next year.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: We have not received the Bill but I have asked for it to be expedited as soon as possible. I hope to report favourable news to the Deputy shortly but it may take another few weeks.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I must await the report back from the committee. However, if the House wishes to have a debate at that stage, it can be considered then.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, it is scheduled to take place before the next WTO meeting in Hong Kong in mid-December. It would be better to wait until the various rounds of discussions have been completed. However, it will take place before the Hong Kong debate.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill is being prepared but talks on a number of issues, including the matter raised by the Deputy, are ongoing. It would not be practicable to bring forward that section because it is subject to the full discussion of the Bill.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been actively involved in this matter. If a question were tabled to him, he could report to the House. A question would be better than a debate.

Order of Business. (8 Nov 2005)

Bertie Ahern: This matter will have to be raised with the committee and I will do so.