Results 9,141-9,160 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Constitutional Referenda. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I thought the Deputy knew what was agreed at the time of consideration of the constitution. It was agreed that every country must ratify the constitution.

Constitutional Referenda. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: If, on 1 November 2006, 90% of member states have ratified the treaty, the European Council would discuss the position. There is no commitment as to what it would do but it would discuss the position.

Constitutional Referenda. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It would then have to decide what to do. It was left open to see what would happen on that date; there will be a discussion on it. I assume that if only 50% of the member states have ratified it by that stage there would not be much point in having a discussion on it. That is why a figure was inserted — there was no reason other than that.

Constitutional Referenda. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: Some 30 groups participated in the convention on the European constitution, one of which was the Commission. It had representatives at the convention. The Commission signed up to the constitution. It had a major impact on the convention all the way through. I would expect the European Commission, which was part of the convention, would support its own constitution document in which it was...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: As I have stated before, for one reason or another, accident and emergency facilities are not up to scratch but it is not the situation in all hospitals. New accident and emergency departments have been opened in hospitals such as St. James's Hospital and Blanchardstown but problems still exist in a number of hospitals. Deputy Kenny asked me to state the present position. Approximately 3,300...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The numbers attending accident and emergency units have risen considerably over the past number of years.

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: There are reasons for this. Like me, Deputy Bruton is also a representative of the north side of Dublin. In the past there was a very good GP out of hours service. However if several hundred doctors decide to stop work at 5.30 p.m., which they are entitled to do, there is no alternative for people but to go to the accident and emergency department. It was not so in the past because a few...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——and for one reason or another they cannot go home. In the past such people were able to go home but that is not the case now and step-down facilities must be used which puts much pressure on the system. I will give my personal view in answer to Deputy Kenny's question about the drunks. The ambulance crews and those who bring such people to accident and emergency departments both at...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: There are many issues to consider in respect of this matter but lest I forget I will answer the Deputy's specific question at the end of his contribution. We are looking for not only a statement but access to the records so we can ensure the workers' rights and moneys are secured. The Government will use the offices of the ambassador and others to secure the money. Prior to the allegations...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: All the issues that arise in this matter are being worked on. Departmental officials have been in touch with officials in Finansbank Holland to seek that information for each worker. This will ensure the individuals get the money to which they are entitled. We believe we can get those records.

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I appreciate Deputy Higgins's remarks about the work of both Ministers. It is the intention to get the statement as quickly as possible. However, I do not know if we will have it by this weekend. The Minister may have more information in this regard when he meets the workers tomorrow — he will meet Gama representatives later in the week. Deputy Higgins asked me to address the Gama workers...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I have already said there is to be a meeting tomorrow with the workers. Deputy Joe Higgins said he will be attending. It is important that we try to resolve the issues at that meeting. Our legal view is that the accounts belong to the workers and therefore there is no way the banking authorities can withhold them. Our officials have stated that position and we hope they ensure the issues are...

Leaders' Questions. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I compliment them on their very comprehensive report. It contains very good recommendations, which the Minister fully accepts. We will work on this. The Minister announced today a substantial increase in the number of staff of the inspectorate. Following this matter, we need further people to work in other areas. The Minister has announced a 50% increase in staff, which will be very helpful...

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 8, the Revised Estimate for Public Service, Vote 17 back from committee; No. 9, motion re the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II; No. 16, the Disability Bill 2004 — Second Stage (resumed); and No.17, the Land Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that No. 8 shall be decided without debate and...

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Office of the Commission of Public Service Appointments was set up with effect from 19 October last year following the enactment of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. Having passed the Bill and set up the commission we needed €215,000 to pay the people employed there.

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am assured it will be in this session.

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: We need to provide a formula for the Coroners Bill which is over 40 years old. The heads of the Bill are expected in the coming weeks but the Bill will probably not be enacted until next year.

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill is due next year but it is substantial and has many headings.

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It will involve revision of statute law and restatement in addition to the legislative reform provisions. Work is proceeding as speedily as possible. The Department is giving it priority but it is a large and complex Bill covering a great deal of old legislation. Hopefully it will be ready at the end of this year and will be taken in the House next year.

Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I do not know how long it has been waiting but it is not a simple Bill. It should be in the House next year.