Results 901-920 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: In regard to the development of the parliamentary forum, as Deputy Gilmore noted it was discussed and included in the communiqué in July. We agreed at the time that it would be best progressed by the two elected institutions. It was decided at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting that officials from the two Administrations would make contact with the Northern Ireland Assembly and...

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I am glad to state what the Minister told the family yesterday, that we have no evidence whatsoever that Paul Quinn was involved in criminal activity.

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated, the only criminals I know in this case are those who murdered Mr. Paul Quinn. We all agree on this point. Deputy Kenny will accept and appreciate that there is considerable anecdotal evidence about his murder and many comments have been made. Our own contacts have made comments to me. I can only base my view on the findings of the Garda investigation, which has not given me...

Northern Ireland Issues. (18 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Both of my colleagues have set out my position but, as I said in my reply, if it helps I will meet the Quinn family. The bilateral agreement has its merits and it is our view that we should keep arguing that case. It does not solve all the issues, but we have always seen this as an all-island issue. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has argued that we should look at it...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is in the interest of democracy, regardless of what side we serve, to get people active and involved. Whatever way they vote, we get satisfaction from seeing a higher turnout, particularly in national elections. It is part of good citizenship and community activity and is one of the recommendations of the report. The report was the result of significant work, including a roadshow that...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I cannot remember the actual Bill, but I know there is action in that regard. The Attorney General also had an interest in progressing that issue. Another issue mentioned in the House recently, on which I have tried to get people working, is that some of the most significant obstacles to volunteering throughout the country are insurance and liability, which are related to the issue raised...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: To answer the Deputy's last question first, there is a far greater effort being made now that the group insurance scheme has been opened to members of local authorities and voluntary forums. This should be provided widely among relevant organisations. As I said, insurance is one of the recurring barriers to active citizenship cited at public consultation meetings. The scheme has...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Bill was due to be introduced before Christmas, but the Minister for Finance has been tied up with other issues. The Standards in Public Office Commission may have sent back a few amendments, but the Bill is ready to be brought before the House.

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Yes.

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I assume the Deputy is referring to the new Irish. The survey showed that engagement and involvement among this sector were poor. The number of immigrants began to increase from the early 1990s. I cannot remember the figure for active involvement in society but it was not impressive. It was signalled that they should undertake new activities. Cumann Lúthchleas Gael put a big effort into...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I do not know the specific issues around the Defence Forces gymnasium but, as a general rule and principle, wherever the State puts in infrastructure or taxpayers' money is going to provide facilities, whether directly to clubs, associations or organisations or to something in the State's hands, we should maximise its use. It is ridiculous that, as can be seen in some areas, there are a few...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Whatever — maybe we all should do it. The halls can then be used by young people when they get out of school.

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: That is how the facilities should be used. Without knowing the particular case, that is what should happen. We should maximise the use for people. We are a small country with 4,000 schools and cannot have a gymnasium outside every classroom, but we should maximise the use in cities, towns and villages.

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: I will be very clear — wherever it is practical to do so, which should be the case. The big obstacles we talked about earlier were insurance and litigation. I was recently in the University of Limerick, DCU and UCD. They are using their facilities for sports. The new schools being built by the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, in the Fingal area have increased space and...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The first question is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Defence, but we should try to extend it. The military authorities have a say in this, but they allow community involvement at some of their facilities. For example, in this city and at their playing spaces in the Phoenix Park where they have traditionally had space, they give them over for other community uses. Deputy Stagg...

Programme for Government. (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: This is to give recognition to people and to make it special for them when they take up citizenship in that they will have a formal ceremony. It is being done for two purposes, and that was clear when I attended the main conference. First, it is an honour for them to achieve it and, second, it formalises them in terms of our lifestyle and culture and the responsibilities that come with what...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 6a, motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimate [Vote 40]; No. 6b, motion re referral of Supplementary Estimate [Vote 40] to select committee; and No. 2, Social Welfare Bill 2007 — Second and Subsequent Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. and business shall be interrupted...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: If the Deputy did not get the brief as early as he should I regret that but it is usual at this time of the year that we would bring forward Supplementary Estimates, although not as many as was the case previously but——

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister will address the Select Committee on Health and Children this evening where she will deal with the issue. All we are doing today is moving what is a technical Supplementary Estimate for €1,000. It does not involve additional taxpayers' money. Savings on subheads of €255 million, and particularly the health repayment scheme, and €260 million will offset additional...

Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Bertie Ahern: Work is continuing to progress on the preparation of the heads of the electricity regulation (EirGrid)(amendment) Bill. It is unlikely to progress it any time soon. The Bill is to convert the ESB into a plc under the Companies Acts and to consolidate existing electricity legislation. Talks are going on also with the unions involved.