Results 201-220 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Both of them are listed for this session.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: That is a matter for the House.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It is expected that the latter Bill will be published next year. The alcohol products Bill, which is being prepared by the Department of Health and Children, is a separate Bill. It does not cover any of the recommendations which are being dealt with by the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in a Bill sponsored by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. They are separate Bills.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, a Cheann Comhairle. As I reported previously, various Departments will have to work together to bring forward that legislation. Company law is one aspect of it. The Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is awaiting a report on the auctioneering sector. When that report has been received, the legislation will be prepared. The Minister informs me that company law will be included in that.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: No, it is not promised.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: No legislative measure is required in this regard, to the best of my knowledge, but I am subject to correction. The Minister is consulting various interests on the matter. The report, which has not been presented, is due shortly. The Minister is actively involved in trying to make progress in this respect. I do not think legislation is required.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I think we all agree on 12 June. It has to be formally agreed by the Government.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It is listed. The heads of the Bill were approved some time ago. A number of seminars have taken place and submissions have been made since a major review of archaeological practice and policy was announced last autumn. The Bill is now listed for 2009.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I will check that for the Deputy.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister informs me that he will make a decision on that matter in May, when the conference has been completed. He has already established a committee to examine the issues in that regard. A decision will not be made until after the conference.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I understand that this conference, during which all the interested groups and NGOs will be brought together in Croke Park in May, is taking place on the Minister's initiative. As I understand it, the NGOs see merit in completing the conference before considering the contents of any agreement.

Order of Business (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Yes, it will be introduced in this session.

Leaders' Questions (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: On Rebecca O'Malley, the answer is yes, the Government accepts all 15 recommendations. The report of the independent review of the Barrington's case was published yesterday, as the House will be aware. That report confirmed that two women who were among the original ten cases referred to HIQA had their cancer diagnoses delayed potentially causing them serious harm. The review process did...

Leaders' Questions (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: New challenges emerge and old problems remain to be fully resolved. I leave the office of Taoiseach full of faith for the future and full of thanks for the opportunity I have had. Soon a new leader will stand in my stead but between now and then, I will do my job and deal with the Leaders of the Opposition here as best I can, answering the issues of the day. My deepest wish is that my...

Social Partnership. (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together. The social partnership process comprises the institutions for shared analysis and reflection, the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, and the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF, and the arrangements for negotiation and monitoring of agreements, specifically the current agreement, Towards 2016. During 2008, NESC will...

Social Partnership. (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Barack Obama's proposal is a Democratic Party policy initiative brought forward by John Kerry during the last election and it is something we must carefully monitor. Previously, IDA Ireland had a specialist in the US on contract to watch these developments and to lobby on the issues. The last time Senator Ted Kennedy was very helpful in at least putting the Irish cause at the top level...

Social Partnership. (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I thank Deputy Ó Caoláin for his good wishes, which I appreciate. A number of reports were published by NESF in its work programme, including on improving the delivery of quality public services, the arts, cultural inclusion and social cohesion, mental health, creating a more inclusive labour market, early childhood care and education, and the report mentioned by the Deputy on care for...

Social Partnership. (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Discussions on the fair deal legislation are ongoing between the Departments and Attorney General. It is hoped the legislation will be ready shortly. On low pay, Deputy Ó Caoláin will have seen the European Union charts which show that year after year Ireland, through the minimum wage and its tax policy of keeping low paid workers out of the tax net, is more committed to ensuring a better...

Social Partnership. (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Regarding the HSE and Labour Court issues, the Government has always honoured Labour Court recommendations. The Government, with its officials, tries to assist agencies or organisations in resolving difficulties. An enormous amount of commitment and effort has been put into dealing with the issues that arose last September in respect of the embargo which it was perceived by workers had to...

Social Partnership. (2 Apr 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Deputy Higgins has asked me approximately 30 questions.