Results 1,621-1,640 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Indeed they might be.

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 118: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the planned amendment of the National Archives Act 1986; when he expects this to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2275/09]

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome the opportunity, even in the brief period of ten minutes, to make some comments on the economy. First, the Taoiseach, in his contribution suggested there was no merit in looking back. I profoundly disagree. He suggested there is little point in looking back at how some of this might have been anticipated or avoided. It is crucial to analyse how precisely we came to be in the...

The Economy: Statements (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Hear, hear.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Deputies on all sides attended a meeting just before Christmas at which undertakings were given on the Employment Law Compliance Bill, and I note that it seems to have slipped off all of the lists. In fact it is not referred to at all in the Government's legislative programme. When will Second Stage of that Bill be taken?

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: When will Second Stage take place?

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: It is not on any list. In fact, it has been dropped from the legislative programme. It is neither on the pink list nor is it on later lists. No provision has been made for it, and as regards the talks that are taking place between social partners, given the number of parties that presented before Christmas——

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: It is a very straightforward question. What has happened the promised legislation that was due for Second Stage, known as the Employment Law Compliance Bill? Why was it taken off the Government's programme and all lists?

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Yes, that is correct.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: He will make representations.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: We will never see that Bill.

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 119: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the recent statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that war crimes have been committed in Gaza and Israel in recent weeks. [1922/09]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 940: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the two year limit on illness benefit payable to people with 260 contributions as it impacts in general terms as well as in the specific case of a person (details supplied). [1116/09]

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 1050: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position as it pertains regarding a wind farm at Derrybrien, County Galway following a European Court of Justice ruling and on foot of debate in Dáil Éireann on the Order of Business of 13 November 2008; if he will meet local groups involved in the issue who are concerned by ongoing problems since a...

Middle East Peace Process. (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Question 100: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the call made by a person (details supplied) and supported by Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-Moon, for a full investigation in order to establish whether war crimes were committed in the recent military operations in Gaza. [2308/09]

Middle East Peace Process. (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I am grateful for the Minister's reply, and I note and welcome the distinction between the Irish position and the position of the European Union. Yesterday's meeting of the general affairs and external relations Ministers must be regarded as not only disappointing but as irresponsible in its failure to reach a conclusion to support international law. There are restrictions on what...

Middle East Peace Process. (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Yes.

Middle East Peace Process. (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Different dishonest relationships with the region.

Middle East Peace Process. (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: I will make it brief. When Mr. John Ging stood alongside Ban Ki-moon in front of burning humanitarian aid in the UN compound, the UN Secretary General's request was that those responsible be brought to account. Nothing I have heard suggests that they will ever be brought to account. While I would welcome the Minister's strong position, an admission that the EU will not bring such people to...

Middle East Peace Process. (27 Jan 2009)

Michael D Higgins: Yes, but it may be vetoed on the Security Council by the United States.