Results 8,021-8,040 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I do not know whether it will be before that date but the Government will make its intentions clear when it has had an opportunity to study the issues. With regard to the cases of sexual assault, I do not want to comment on pending court proceedings. However, I ask the Deputy to acknowledge at the least that yesterday's charges proved I was correct when I said there was no black hole in the...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The heads of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service Bill will come before Government in the near future for consideration. In that context, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs has indicated that he is seeking legal advice at present to inquire as to whether a change could be made to the Consumer Credit Act to limit interest payments payable under consumer lending. As the Deputy will...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: Yes, that is correct.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is not possible at this stage to indicate a date for publication of the register of persons considered unsafe to work with children Bill. The Deputy may be aware that a committee of the House is at present considering child protection issues. One of the issues that has arisen in that context is the question of soft information and whether it is constitutionally possible to have a...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: This is the third week in a row I have indicated that the health Bill will be dealt with in the new year. On the Deputy's other point, when the announcement is made, issues concerning the Border counties will be dealt with in that context. At this stage, I will simply note the commitment of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, to the Ulster Canal project,...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Order for Report Stage has been made. It is a matter for agreement among the Whips as to when it will be dealt with.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The electronic communications Bill will be published this session and the Deputy will be in a position to make any criticisms he has of its contents when it comes before the House.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: On the legal costs Bill, as the Deputy knows we have the Haran report. An implementation group, which is part of the process of bringing the Bill forward, has been established under the chairmanship of Mr. Desmond Miller. I hope it will be dealt with next year.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Bill is to be published this session.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: If the Opposition co-operates in the business of this House much could happen before the end of the year.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is proposed that the National Development Finance Agency Bill will be published this session.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: On a point of order, Deputy Bruton is being disorderly.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The heads of the legislation have been published and the consultation and drafting process is already under way. The Deputy will be aware that it is proposed under the legislation as published that there should be a power for the State to exclude on a summary basis people who engage in criminal or anti-social behaviour. That is the only legislative initiative in this area.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: There is no promised legislation on the age at which one can purchase a knife, for obvious reasons if Deputy Kenny reflects on it. On the Harris report, the Minister for Education and Science has indicated that she is anxious to have a new approach to the teaching of Irish in our schools. If the House wants to discuss it I am sure time will be made available. The Moriarty tribunal has...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy should read the newspapers.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I understand that a statutory instrument is all that is required to deal with the ending of licensing of drift netting for salmon. Compensation issues will, as in the past, be handled on an administrative basis and will not require legislative change.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The law on drink driving has been recently dealt with in this House and amended. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, keeps it constantly under review. Deputy Hayes will appreciate from today's and yesterday's newspapers that Garda enforcement has been escalated dramatically. The size of the road traffic corps is increasing dramatically. I am not in a position to say if any further...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: No legislation is promised on that.

Written Answers — Illegal Fireworks: Illegal Fireworks (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: The Explosives Act, 1875 provides for the control of the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks. That Act was amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 and, on 1 August, 2006 I signed an order bringing all sections of the Act relating to fireworks into immediate effect. These amendments provide for new offences governing the possession of illegal fireworks with intent to...

Written Answers — Remembrance Commission: Remembrance Commission (1 Nov 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have been advised by the Remembrance Commission that the person in question is continuing to receive funding for medical expenses under the terms of the Amended Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. The Commission will continue to support the person to the maximum extent possible within its remit.