Results 161-180 of 19,849 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (10 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: We are stabilising the public finances and protecting the most vulnerable people across the board. It has been a fair budget. I do not like the cuts and I appreciate that families will suffer. There is a level playing field. The big people are being touched and I wish to see more of that. In case there is any doubt I will be supporting the legislation. Deputy Hayes called on me to go on...

Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (10 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: However, I will not walk across the lobbies to do anything he might wish me to do in this House. I realise he has no wish for an election either.

Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (10 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I commend the Bill to the House.

Third Level Education. (10 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I appreciate the opportunity to raise a very important issue tonight that concerns the whole of County Tipperary, north and south. We were one constituency back in the 1940s but we are a very proud and united county despite having two county councils, local authorities and Dáil constituencies. We have a serious issue with the Tipperary Institute, although I acknowledge the recent efforts...

Relocation of VEC Centre. (15 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I hope the Acting Chairman will have more latitude towards the discourse between the Minister of State and myself. We are both constituency colleagues, so we can continue the discussion afterwards.

Relocation of VEC Centre. (15 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Yes. I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to raise this matter. I am pleased that my constituency colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Martin Mansergh, is taking this Adjournment matter. In May 2009, the OPW announced in a press release that the old labour exchange building, located in Dillon Street, Clonmel, was being...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (15 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 298: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff processing social welfare payments in 2009; and the way this figure compares with the past five years. [46766/09]

Social and Affordable Housing. (16 Dec 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I am thankful to the Acting Chairman for allowing me to raise this serious question in the House tonight and I am pleased that the Minister, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív will be replying. He had occasion to visit this housing estate with me a year ago, I believe, in Ballylynch, Carrick-on-Suir. It is a very old housing estate, more than 30 years in existence, with a large number of houses. The...

Banking Crisis: Motion (19 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I also support the amendment and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this most topical issue, which is affecting every man, woman and child and which will affect future generations. We must get answers on the failures visited upon our people. There was a monumental failure on the part of our banking services and I must condemn our regulation services which...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (19 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 922: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a fishing group (details supplied) in south Tipperary could be granted a licence to fish for at least one month in view of the increase in salmon stock on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/10]

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to add a few thoughts this evening to a very important Bill. The Bill makes a number of amendments to issues surrounding compliance with planning permission. As Deputy O'Connor indicated, many of us have been members of local councils and we understand issues surrounding planning, the granting process and the importance of adhering to conditions laid down. Section 20, for...

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (26 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I, too, am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to this Bill. I compliment the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, on their work with the Bill to date. The new Minister of State has been only a short time in the job, but he has read himself into the position well and is making an impact as he facilitates all sides of the debate. The Industrial Relations (Amendment)...

Severe Weather Emergencies: Motion (Resumed) (27 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am very pleased to be able to speak to this motion. As others have done, I wish to praise the efforts of local county council outdoor staff, the Garda, the Civil Defence, fire brigades, families and communities. There was an emergency although it was not declared a national emergency but I have seen worse and I am not so old. There was a good deal of over-reaction. I take it on the chin...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (2 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 452: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and the reason for the delay. [4589/10]

Gangland Crime: Motion (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I support the motion that condemns all unlawful killings and the criminal disregard for human life these demonstrate. I express sympathy to the families of all victims of such killings. I strongly support the work of the Garda Síochána and its specialist units, such as the organised crime unit, in its determined fight against gangland crime. I note the significant success of the Garda...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Appeals: Social Welfare Appeals (9 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 443: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6284/10]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (9 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 479: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay. [6476/10]

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak tonight on this motion, because I am extremely unhappy with the current situation. I believe that politics is about trying to effect change and I did that on this occasion to the best of my ability. I have fought a hard fight within my party since before Christmas to try to effect change, but I am sad to say that I have failed on this issue....

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I also have no desire to support Fine Gael here tonight as it clearly does not have a cohesive economic policy, nor has it had one for some time, as witnessed in the events of the past few days.

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Deputy Bruton and others who welcomed my support can rest assured that while they offered me a life jacket last evening, I will not take them up on their offer. They would have been better served keeping that for their fellow soldier who slipped overboard in recent days.