Results 17,901-17,920 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I propose to answer Questions Nos. 8 to 11, inclusive, together. Work is proceeding on the preparation of proposals for a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. The proposal to abolish the Seanad was signalled by the Government parties prior to the general election and the Dáil and Seanad will have an opportunity to debate fully the necessary legislation when it is published. As...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: We have not made a decision but I envisage that it will be held in the latter half of 2013. I say that because this is a question that will be put to the people. The Irish EU Presidency runs from 1 January to the end of June 2013. The Ministers will be attending Presidency meetings during that period and I do not think it would be practical to divert the attention of the Oireachtas for...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Amendments (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Yes, I will publish the material but I am not ready to do so yet for the simple reason that articles of the Constitution require to be amended which contain a reference to the Seanad and it must be provided that there are no unintended consequences of such amendment. For instance, the Seanad has a role in triggering the process for determining whether a Bill constitutes a money Bill, and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I am not sure about the context of the Deputy's comment on John the Baptist. From my recollection of the Bible, John came first; then the Lord arrived and John baptised him.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Therefore, the Deputy is referring to himself as John the Baptist.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I see.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Gerry Adams should not project too far ahead in this matter.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: In any event-----

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I thank the Deputy. The delay in the convention commencing operations is due to the appointment of a suitable chairperson. People have submitted names and the relevant individuals are being considered. Someone who has experience, will be acceptable to the public and understands what is involved is required to fill the position. That is the only reason for the delay. As stated, the...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I do not know whether the Deputy ever played a team game. If he did, he does not understand the dynamics of team effort. He is the so-called proponent of the People for Profit brigade. He referred to the Constitution which gives people the right to engage in legitimate protest. Last week, however, his people prevented the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Therefore, the Deputy denies all involvement with the incident.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Does the Deputy deny all involvement with it?

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Yes. Such behaviour previously occurred in Galway. The Deputy speaks about political reform and other issues.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: We can conduct our business in a very understanding way.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: We might have strong differences of opinion, but people should not attack the State. It is perfectly legitimate to engage in protests, but it is not legitimate to stop people going about either their constitutional or ordinary business.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett should bear in mind what I have stated when he next discusses this matter with his serial marchers. Citizens will outnumber politicians at the convention by a majority of two to one. Some 66 members of the public have already been selected - by a proper, efficient method - to discuss the range of issues involved. I accept that there will be other matters which...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: Tá an páirtí taobh amuigh den Bhlascaod Mhór.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I reiterate there will be 100 members, including a chairperson who, as I pointed out to Deputy Martin, must be a person of experience and ability and have a high degree of public acceptability. There will be 66 ordinary citizens and the remaining 33 will be drawn from Members of the Oireachtas and will include one parliamentarian from each of political parties in Northern Ireland, to which...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I agree with the Deputy that the real republic is not static. That is why the issues mentioned in the earlier part of the reply, concerning Questions Nos. 3 and 5, and looking forward also to Question No. 8, refer to the start of a process by which the constitutional convention can decide there are much more compelling matters from its perspective that need to be reflected upon and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Constitutional Convention (9 Oct 2012)

Enda Kenny: I always give Deputy Martin real, tangible and clear responses. The reduction of the voting age to 17 and the reduction of the period of presidential service from seven years to five years are not extraordinarily difficult. They have been chosen deliberately-----