Results 10,441-10,459 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: It is also a major subject of debate in the WTO round, which is continuing. Deputy Sargent is incorrect to say we voted in a blanket way on a particular position at EU level. That was not the case. Attempts were made to try to put controls in place on a specific position, but that did not work. The alternatives that were proposed were not accepted and there was no compromise. The EU position...

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings. (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together. The 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings were terrible outrages which left 34 people dead and more than 240 injured. Many people never recovered. For many others, the legacy of pain and suffering remains and some still suffer from their injuries to this day. Like everyone else who watched the proceedings of the sub-committee...

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings. (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy has asked a number of questions and I will do my best to answer them all. The first question he raised was whether I recall his making the case to the British Government and senior British officials. Yes, I do. As he knows, I made that point strongly and I know he added to it. I think that has been noted in the British system. Obviously, I cannot comment on the reply he received...

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings. (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte's questions can be divided into two sections, the first of which relates to the information the British have given. I have said in this House on many occasions that while I cannot guarantee 100% co-operation in respect of the records held by the Northern Ireland Office and within the British defence system, the level of co-operation has been good. Those involved have genuinely...

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings. (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: My answer relates to the British side, which was the first aspect of the Deputy's question. I do not think the position will change in that regard. Having watched the British dealing with a number of other inquiries and being familiar with the way the system works there, I do not think that there will be a change. I do not think we could appoint someone in a higher position to do the job —...

Written Answers — Statutory Instruments: Statutory Instruments (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: My Department is reviewing its statutory instruments in respect of which it is the Department with primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of Bunreacht na hÉireann in the light of the recent High Court judgment concerning the Immigration Act 1999.

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I met representatives of the Ulster Political Research Group on Monday, 26 January last. I have long held the view that the opening of a dialogue with representatives of the loyalist community is important. The meeting was a logical follow-up to my meeting with the Loyalist Commission last June. I recognise the real concerns that loyalists have about issues that affect their communities,...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I met representatives of the Ulster Political Research Group on Monday, 26 January last. I have long held the view that the opening of a dialogue with representatives of the loyalist community is important. The meeting was a logical follow-up to my meeting with the Loyalist Commission last June. I recognise the real concerns that loyalists have about issues that affect their communities,...

Written Answers — EU Presidency: EU Presidency (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: Explaining the role and work of the Irish Presidency to the public and the media is a major task for the Government and the Department of the Taoiseach. My Department plans to communicate Ireland's EU Presidency to the Irish public in many ways, which I will outline. A Presidency press office has been set up in my Department to handle EU media queries from the national, provincial and...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: Since the Assembly elections in November 2003, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, and I have had a range of contacts and meetings with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Murphy, and the political parties. I met the SDLP, the Ulster Unionist Party, Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party in London on 17 December. I met the Prime...

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: There are no canteens or restaurants in my Department.

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (3 Feb 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I will outline the amounts paid by my Department for 2003. The total amount paid for car mileage expenses was €106,269. The amount paid for rail ticket expenses was €2,655. The amount paid for bus ticket expenses was €2,038. The amount paid for car mileage expenses includes a total of €44,106 paid to delegates of the National Forum on Europe and the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation.

Seanad: European Presidency: Statements. (29 Jan 2004)

Bertie Ahern: This decision will affect Aer Lingus as much as Ryanair because Aer Lingus has successfully managed itself as a State company to become a low cost operator. Therefore, yesterday's decision might not have the same knock-on effect around the world because Ryanair is fast becoming the largest airline in the world, and fair play to it. That decision will also affect Aer Lingus in a significant...

Seanad: European Presidency: Statements. (29 Jan 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I apologise for holding up the business of the House but my colleague, the Polish Prime Minister, was running a little behind schedule. I am delighted to have the opportunity to address the Seanad on Ireland's Presidency of the European Union and developments in Northern Ireland. Last September, I had the privilege of appearing before the Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform. At that time, and in...

Seanad: European Presidency: Statements. (29 Jan 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I thank all speakers from all parties and groups for their comments. Food safety is a key issue for our Presidency. The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Walsh, answered questions on it recently in the European Parliament. I take the Senator's point on the labelling issue. I have spoken before about the standards of food safety in Asian countries. While I am not glad to see the...

European Presidency: Statements. (20 Jan 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I will not comment on that.

European Presidency: Statements. (20 Jan 2004)

Bertie Ahern: I am delighted we have the opportunity of a special sitting of the Dáil to debate Ireland's sixth Presidency of the European Union. Today's sitting of the Dáil provides us with a valuable opportunity to discuss the issues on the European Council's agenda during our Presidency. A number of these issues will impact on us for many years to come. One of the challenges facing the Union is the...

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (20 Nov 2002)

Bertie Ahern: I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for your welcome and thank the House for the invitation to speak on Northern Ireland in what is a interesting time in its development. This is the eve of the commencement of the round table session in the North. On Friday, the British-Irish Council will meet in Scotland and next Tuesday sees the first meeting of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation for several...

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (20 Nov 2002)

Bertie Ahern: There was unanimous agreement to this in the consultations with the participating parties and groups, reflecting the universal respect for the effectiveness, independence and commitment shown by Senator Hayes in his role as chairman of the National Forum on Europe since October 2001. That forum is ongoing. On 14 October both Governments issued a joint statement expressing our disappointment...