Results 1,601-1,620 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: No. The Government gave half the National Pensions Reserve Fund to banks without knowing their debts.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: That is right; Fianna Fáil would not let us touch it and gave half of it to the banks without knowing their debts.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: My questions refer to promised foreshore legislation and another Bill to amend legislation governing ports, which has been proposed outside the House. I understand the need for amending legislation on ports was identified in talks in some Departments arising from the possibility that port authorities may have transferred land without authority. It has been suggested that legislation may be...

Death of Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (4 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I treasure the memory.

Departmental Staff. (4 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I was asked by a member of the Taoiseach's staff if I had a mobile phone.

Departmental Staff. (4 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the fact the Taoiseach agrees with the concept of programme managers. When I was a Minister, two people came to the Department and I answered a parliamentary question as to whether one of them had access to a mobile phone, such was the welcome for the concept in parts of the House. I wish to ask the Taoiseach about arrangements concerning his own Department and the Department of...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (3 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 284: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the requests he has made with regard to the release of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3023/09]

Written Answers — School Management: School Management (3 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 443: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding the moving of a school (details supplied) in County Galway from the local vocational educational committee to the local county council. [3432/09]

Social Welfare Benefits. (3 Feb 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 123: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which staff allocations to social welfare offices are being made; and the reason there continues to be a wide variation in the processing times for jobseeker payments among different offices. [3229/09]

Written Answers — Cruthú Fostaíochta: Cruthú Fostaíochta (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 27: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó post nua a chruthaíodh le cabhair ó Údarás na Gaeltachta sa Ghaeltacht in 2008; an mó post nua a chruthaíodh le cabhair ó Údarás na Gaeltachta sa Ghaeltacht, agus ar chailleadh iad in 2008; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2568/09]

Written Answers — Údarás na Gaeltachta: Údarás na Gaeltachta (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 36: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseofar an reachtaíocht i leith Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2567/09]

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Yesterday the Taoiseach indicated that the arrangement of a Second Stage debate on the Employment Law Compliance Bill was a matter for the Whips. In so far as a meeting of the Whips has been held, will the Tánaiste say if such debate will take place during the current session?

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Thank you.

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: On a point of order——

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Before the Tánaiste replies, I wish to raise a point of order with the Ceann Comhairle in respect of the protection of the rights of this House. I refer to those Members who had the opportunity to speak on the business as agreed yesterday and those who remain to speak on the business as proposed today. I suggest to the Ceann Comhairle, in his role as Ceann Comhairle and as the chair of the...

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: This is treating the House with contempt. While I do not wish to cut across the point being raised by Deputy Bruton, there is a point of order involved. How can the Tánaiste state there will be a time in the future for elected Deputies to ascertain what is proposed, having arranged for the document to be circulated to the media and people outside this House? For example, there has not...

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: That is our right. It is not a concession from the Tánaiste.

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Which?

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: You are great.

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Indeed. It is different.