Results 21-40 of 43 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Joe Behan

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Joe Behan: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to speak for the third time in six months. On resigning from Fianna Fáil I undertook to support the Government when it acted in the public interest and I have done so in good faith even when some controversial measures were proposed. Sadly, the moral authority of the Government has been fatally damaged by recent events for which it...

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Joe Behan: The agreement should provide for power sharing between all parties and Independent Members in the House with the leadership of the national Government to be shared. While the idea will probably be dismissed as naive or unworkable, as the world economy heads for complete collapse, the national interest may dictate that there soon will be no alternative. The talent is available on all sides...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Joe Behan: I support Deputy Burton's contribution on this issue. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to speak on Second Stage. Regrettably, that seems to be a recurring problem since I changed my status. In future, I hope to get further opportunities to give views on matters that come before the House. I was shocked that the Government, while referring to a fair package of proposals, would state...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Joe Behan: Is it the case that judges can opt in to this if they want to be part of a spouses' and children's scheme? If they do not want to have such a pension element, is it the case that they do not currently make any contribution to their own pension?

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Joe Behan: Perhaps this might be an opportunity to appeal to their patriotic duty. If they are acquiring very generous pensions as a result of their public service, having been paid very generous salaries, then they might consider opting into paying pension contributions. Many public servants throughout this country, who are going to feel the pain of this levy, will certainly look askance at the news...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Joe Behan: I thank the Acting Chairman and the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this important issue in a challenging time for us and for the country. The people are anxiously awaiting the results of the negotiations with the social partners. I support the Government's intention to agree the necessary savings for the next few years with the social partners. It is essential to have...

Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2008)

Joe Behan: I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for giving me the opportunity to speak on this issue. I salute you for the independence of mind you have shown when I contacted your office two days ago to ask to speak on this issue in my own right without having to ask the Government or the Opposition for their time. It is an issue of great importance to me personally because it was partly responsible for...

Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2008)

Joe Behan: Fianna Fáil introduced and, over the past ten years, improved the old age pension and the widow's pension. It was a Fianna Fáil Minister for Finance who introduced the universal free schemes for the elderly such as free travel, television licences and telephones. There was never a question about how much these measures would cost or whether millionaires or the poor would benefit. There...

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: The farm waste management scheme was always deadline-specific. Farmers and the IFA knew that, as did Deputy Creed and his colleagues. The scheme has been a fantastic success and has transformed rural Ireland in terms of investment and modernisation. The Government has put over €600 million in funds into rural Ireland as part of this scheme and this money has been virtually matched by the...

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: Some Members opposite were on the benches with him at the time. He did it with a very sharp guillotine, chopping down new applicants to the scheme and leaving 12,000 already approved farmer applicants to fend for themselves. In the circumstances, we could be forgiven on this side of the House——

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: ——for demurring from taking lectures from Deputy Creed and his colleagues on the question of deadlines——

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: ——and how to implement them. We would be forgiven if we did not take any lectures from that side of the House on that issue.

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: The Deputies opposite can shout but I will shout louder. I have listened to them every morning. I do not often have the opportunity to shout them down but I have the floor now. They must listen and I will keep speaking.

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: No Member of this House from any side could deny that Irish agriculture has been in stalwart hands for the past ten years. The Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, has defended Irish farming interests at national, European and world trade talk levels with considerable skill and political ingenuity.

Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion (16 Oct 2008)

Joe Behan: His predecessor, Deputy Mary Coughlan, was an exceptional Minister for Agriculture, who was widely acknowledged for leading the farming sector from the front. In her new role at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, she continues to be a conspicuous defender of farming interests, especially in the agrifood sector where her Department has an impressive investment programme,...

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Sep 2008)

Joe Behan: At the outset I take the opportunity to thank the staff of the Oireachtas Library and research service whose work is vital to the quality of debate in the Dáil and Seanad Chambers. I have used the special debate packs on a number of occasions to date and I have found them to be an excellent aid to preparation and research prior to making a contribution to a debate such as this. I have read...

e-Government Services: Motion (Resumed) (30 Apr 2008)

Joe Behan: I speak in favour of the agreed motion. This is a subject worthy of consideration and discussion by Members. I welcome the positive political engagement that took place today between the Chief Whip and Deputy Coveney, which has resulted in a very positive and forward-looking motion that will be accepted. As Members will know, the concept of e-Government originated with an action plan in...

Student Support Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Feb 2008)

Joe Behan: I wish to share time with Deputies Mattie McGrath and Bobby Aylward.

Student Support Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Feb 2008)

Joe Behan: I welcome the introduction of the Bill, which is timely, if not long overdue considering it was a commitment in the previous programme for Government. It is important to note the positive contribution made by Deputy Stanton, who indicates a strong measure of support for and agreement with the principles of the Bill. In the light of statements by his party spokesperson on other issues in...

Student Support Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Feb 2008)

Joe Behan: We will see what happens when the time comes. Nonetheless, I agree wholeheartedly with many of Deputy Stanton's points on the Bill. As was said, this is a long overdue proposal to modernise and rationalise the student support schemes. It must be remembered that fees for those attending third level are a thing of the past. This, more than anything else, has ensured greater access generally...