Results 261-280 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Deputy asked if important matters of advances in education and health, which he claims are cock-and-bull, will not be implemented. It is the Government's wish over the period, within the resources we have, to implement these programmes. We have set our budgets for this year. Tax revenue is down and I gave the figures on this last week based on the two-monthly tax take projection. This...

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: Next year could be different. If economic circumstances improve, we will be more able to increase expenditure in some areas. If not, we will not have that ability. That is the answer to the question.

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: On Deputy Ó Caoláin's question, the overall strategy on the Irish language is set out in the programme for Government. A 20-year strategic plan will be developed with support for the introduction of a language Act in Northern Ireland, as provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement. I was involved in those discussions and, as the Deputy stated, we have hit obstacles. It was part of the...

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, and ask him to come back to the Deputy. The economic and tax targets, as I said earlier, are commitments in the programme for Government but are based on the proviso that resources permit and we stay within the parameters established in the Stability and Growth Pact. The Government intends to stick to those fiscal targets. If resources are...

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: In reply to Deputy Sheahan, any provisions for the Independents, as I have said a number of times, are based on what is in the Estimates or in the national development plan. It is a matter of additional expenditure for items that are already covered in the budgetary process.

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It may be quicker to pursue it this way.

Programmes for Government. (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has, to his credit, been to the fore in pursuing the issue of cluster weapons in Europe and internationally. In reply to Deputy Higgins's question, the Minister has stated clearly that the current ethical guidelines for the protocol on cluster weapons should go further. He has also stated that based on what happens at the Croke Park...

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It is proposed to take No. 6, Supplementary Estimate for Public Services [Vote 28] (back from committee); No. 7, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Finance Act 2004 (Section 91) (Deferred Surrender to the Central Fund) Order 2008 (back from committee); No. 8, motion re reports on cancer services; and No. 14, Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005 [Seanad] — Order...

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister and I have some time difficulties. I suggest that we end the debate at 5.15 p.m. but start questions at 4.30 p.m. This would give three quarters of an hour for questions. Is that reasonable?

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Whips can work that out. We will start question time at 4.30 p.m. and finish the debate at 5.15 p.m.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: No, we will finish the debate completely at 5.15 p.m. as the Minister is travelling immediately afterwards. We will have question time at 4.30 p.m. and finish the debate at 5.15 p.m.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: As I stated yesterday, the Dublin transportation authority Bill will come before the Cabinet on 2 April. I have pointed out on several recent occasions in this House that the Health (Long-term Residential Care Services) Bill is complex and discussions on it are ongoing. The Employment Law Compliance Bill has been approved by the Cabinet, though I am not sure of the date the Minister will...

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Road Traffic Bill is due this year and there have been some changes as it is to deal with a number of road safety and road traffic issues arising from the road safety strategy. New areas have been added and the Bill is for drafting, though the heads of the Bill are not yet available. What was the first Bill the Deputy mentioned?

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I understand that the Whips are trying to arrange for us to start with that Bill on the first day of the next session.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I will communicate with the Department in this regard today.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: There is no date for that.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has stated he wishes to see the intoxicating liquor Bill through the House before the summer. The sale of alcohol Bill will come later in the year and a consolidated Bill on alcohol is to be drafted. I have already answered the question on nursing homes this morning. Did the Deputy mention another Bill?

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: I have no date for the legislation.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: It will be published this summer.

Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

Bertie Ahern: No, but there are complex legal issues around that Bill. It is taking time to tease those out before we publish the Bill.