Results 10,041-10,060 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Official Engagements. (1 Jun 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I could do with one. We must try to resolve that issue. I hope I am wrong, but I believe it will involve very difficult negotiations. I am not quite sure how it can be resolved because the countries have different positions and there are at least five groups. The Lisbon strategy is the strategy that has the support of trade unions and employers. It is a strategy I have also supported....

Official Engagements. (1 Jun 2004)

Bertie Ahern: With regard to the first question, on two occasions recently we produced an amended version of the constitution on the issues on which we have made progress. That happened at the two Foreign Affairs Council meetings that took place in May. We have kept everybody up to date. The only areas in which we have not produced a text is where the issues are still under discussion, mainly those I...

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I have not issued any written directions to the Secretary General of my Department within the meaning of sections 4 to 6 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

Written Answers — Departmental Policy: Departmental Policy (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: It is normal practice in my Department for full consideration to be given to the financial implications, in so far as these can be reasonably quantified, in relation to the preparation and implementation of policy proposals which relate to income or expenditure for which my Department has responsibility and, where appropriate, these are brought to my attention. I am not aware of any situation...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The Management Advisory Committee, MAC, which has been meeting since the early 1990s, comprises the Secretary General, the second secretary, the deputy and assistant secretaries and the head of corporate affairs. The personnel officer also attends MAC meetings. The role of the MAC is to advise the Secretary General on matters relating to the effective discharge of his functions and the...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: There are no proposals to decentralise any section of my Department or any of the bodies or agencies operating under its aegis. Accordingly, the preparation of implementation plans does not arise.

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: My Department participates in approximately 100 interdepartmental committees or bodies, most of which currently hold their meetings in Dublin. This includes both standing and temporary committees as well as such sub-groups as may be attended from time to time. The total includes both groups for which my Department is responsible, and those which are the responsibility of other Departments...

Written Answers — Strategic Management Initiative: Strategic Management Initiative (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The PA consulting group's evaluation of the strategic management initiative, published in March 2002, found that the Civil Service was more effective than it was a decade previously and that very positive developments had taken place, particularly as regards openness and accountability, customer service and regulatory reform. The evaluation also found, however, that the next phase of the...

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The objective of the management information framework, MIF, is to provide Departments with a flexible system of financial management, integrated with performance and output measurement so as to enhance efficiency, performance and accountability. MIF ensures more efficient processing of financial transactions and accounts, thereby providing better financial information. This in turn ensures...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: My Department's internal audit committee comprises three officials, of whom one is an external member. The members are appointed by the Secretary General of my Department in his capacity as accounting officer. The committee has met on six occasions and operates under a written charter. Reports prepared by the internal audit unit are considered by the committee and are subsequently forwarded...

Written Answers — Fógraíocht Ranna: Fógraíocht Ranna (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: Molaim ar Cheisteanna Uimh. 71 go 73 a thógáil le chéile. Ar mhaithe le h-aitheantas na Roinne seo don Ghaeilge, cinntítear go mbíonn iomlán an fhógraíochta a chuirtear in sna nuachtáin dhá theangach. Roghnaítear na nuachtáin de réir an chineál fógraíochta atá i gceist, an phobail ar a bhfuil sé ag díriú, chomh maith le luach airgid. Mar sin, úsáidtear nuachtáin...

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister said that discussions with the farming organisations on this have been ongoing for some time. The aim is to work towards achieving a derogation in the future.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The legislation is under preparation and the issue is that the workers want to make their submissions but cannot. I intend to honour my commitment to give them time to make them.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The transport reform Bill will be introduced this year.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The disability Bill, the Comhairle Bill and the sectoral plans are close to completion. I do not think they will be ready in the next week or two but they should be ready shortly.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: We continue to discuss the issues with the disabilities groups.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, it has been recommended that a short amendment be made. That is being considered and will be discussed at a meeting later this evening.

Order of Business. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: With the agreement of the House, it could be done this week.

Northern Ireland Issues. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together. I met an SDLP delegation led by Mark Durkan on 30 April when we discussed a number of issues focusing particularly on the prospects for political progress in Northern Ireland. My discussions with Prime Minister Blair on Sunday, 2 May focused primarily on Northern Ireland but we also had an opportunity to discuss European matters....

Northern Ireland Issues. (25 May 2004)

Bertie Ahern: Obviously we will continue to try to build on the deal of last April and October. It did not change much, frankly, between April and October, as the basis of the arrangement was very much the same. Paragraph 13 referred to the end of paramilitarism in all its forms under the definition in that paragraph. As far as we are concerned that includes the effective ending of the IRA as an...