Results 8,561-8,580 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Government will continue to increase the number of gardaí on the street. We have provided for additional overtime, additional resources for specialist units and more prison places for those who are convicted. We have far more prison places now than we had previously, and they are all full. Detection rates cannot be down when that is the case. A criminal justice Bill with tough provisions...

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: On the first issue, there is a major review of all the tax shelters and tax allowances under way. It is my view that as part of that review they all should be looked at. Specifically, in respect of the measure the Deputy raised, as I said yesterday, that has been on the Statute Book for 11 years. Regardless of whether it is working well, it seems that now is a good time to review it. The...

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I said "Yes".

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I will try to stay within the time allocated. I tried to be clear on this. The review the Minister announced on budget day relates to all the tax relief schemes. Residency is not a tax relief scheme.

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I pointed out to the Deputy that a separate appraisal is being undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners on residency. That report will also be given to the Minister for Finance this year.

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The tax exile matter is not a tax relief scheme.

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is being reviewed by the Revenue Commissioners. I gave the Deputy the answer.

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I said the Revenue Commissioners have confirmed they are monitoring the application of the non-residence rule. They will report to the Minister. I cannot be clearer than that.

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Revenue Commissioners are carrying out a review and they will report back to the Minister who will take action if he believes there is a need for change. If there is no need for change, then he will not take action. That is the position. Regarding shipping, I do not know if a case is under investigation or if there is any abuse. The rules are clear and the Revenue Commissioners have...

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: As the Deputy knows, a criminal investigation is taking place on waste and on the monitoring of refuse in the Blessington area of west Wicklow. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has informed me the quickest way to achieve a clean up and get action in this area is to use section 55 of the Waste Management Act. That requires those responsible under the Act to clean...

Leaders' Questions. (25 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not have enough time to deal with this whole issue. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government disagrees totally. He believes the Deputy misunderstands section 55.

Written Answers — Dublin-Monaghan Bombings: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Government has established a commission of investigation to look at certain aspects of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974 and we continue to press the British Government for action in providing further information that would shed light on the atrocities. These actions are in keeping with the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Womens'...

Written Answers — Commemorative Events: Commemorative Events (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Consideration of special commemorative events has regard to the unique status of the National Day of Commemoration each July being the sole, annual event organised by the State. It is dedicated to the memory of "all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations." It was introduced with a specific purpose to be inclusive and all embracing. The...

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not intend revising the constituencies. The decision to sell part of Aer Lingus is a matter for consultation. Aer Lingus must take advice on the matter. Strictly speaking it does not require legislation but does require regulations which would have to come before the House.

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is on Second Stage but I assume the Deputy is asking whether we can take it and finalise it.

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is listed for Second Stage in this House. I will ask the Government Whip to check on that. It probably has not started yet.

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I accept that.

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Cabinet has not yet dealt with the strategic national infrastructure Bill. I hope we will deal with it over the next week or two. I promised the Deputy we will have the debate on housing so I will check on a date for that debate.

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: That topic was the subject of a long question during Priority Questions today, if I heard the debate correctly.

Order of Business (Resumed). (24 May 2005)

Bertie Ahern: That was the question. There is an order for Second Stage so it is a matter of when it can be taken in the House. It is ready to be taken.