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<title>Niall Blaney - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:17+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.416.0&amp;m=68#g428.0">
	<title>Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.416.0&amp;m=68#g428.0</link>
	<description>It shows the strength of character of our Ministers who are not afraid to step up to the mark when it is necessary. The agreement on the consultants&acirc;€™ contracts is welcome news.  The faster it...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="428.1">It shows the strength of character of our Ministers who are not afraid to step up to the mark when it is necessary.</p><p pid="428.2">The agreement on the consultantsâ€™ contracts is welcome news.  The faster it is up and running, the better.  The agreement whereby consultants must have 80% of public patients before they can have 20% of private patients will act as a great incentive to our hospitals.  It will lead to further reductions in waiting lists.  The quicker this is streamlined for outpatient services, the better.  Currently, some waiting times in outpatient services are extreme.  Some of our consultants have little regard for patients when it comes to outpatient appointments.  In many cases, the patient is not even dealing with a consultant but a junior doctor.  I look forward to the time when consultants instead of junior doctors will be dealing with outpatients.  I believe this would reduce waiting times too.</p><p pid="428.3">Many hospital services are renting accommodation which requires serious investigation by the relevant Minister or the Health Service Executive.  In north-east Donegal I am aware of several hospital services renting buildings when some Health Service Executive properties could be used.  Major savings would be made if this area was investigated.</p><p pid="428.4">I welcome the Bill and it is only right for the Government to streamline the agencies in question into the Department of Health and Children, making them more accountable.  The public may be concerned that these services will be removed but that is not the case.  It is more a case of good housekeeping.  I commend the Bill to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-02T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.416.0&amp;m=68#g425.0">
	<title>Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.416.0&amp;m=68#g425.0</link>
	<description>I did not interrupt when Deputy Jan O&acirc;€™Sullivan was speaking.  It is typical of the Opposition&acirc;€™s moves.  We have seen more of that regarding the budget in recent weeks.  It is probably why...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="425.1">I did not interrupt when Deputy Jan Oâ€™Sullivan was speaking.  It is typical of the Oppositionâ€™s moves.  We have seen more of that regarding the budget in recent weeks.  It is probably why Fianna FĂˇil is so strong when it comes to issues such as this.  Our Ministersâ€”â€”</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-02T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.416.0&amp;m=68#g423.0">
	<title>Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.416.0&amp;m=68#g423.0</link>
	<description>I thank Deputy O&acirc;€™Rourke for sharing time.  I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.  The legislation marks welcome and bold steps being taken by the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="423.1">I thank Deputy Oâ€™Rourke for sharing time.  I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.  The legislation marks welcome and bold steps being taken by the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, and her colleagues in streamlining and reforming the health service.  The legislationâ€™s proposals have been welcomed by many because there are too many unanswerable agencies in the health services.  I hope these are the first of many steps that will be taken to streamline health services.</p><p pid="423.2">The Bill gives effect to the Governmentâ€™s policy to establish an office for older people in the Department of Health and Children.  I find it hard to fathom the Opposition spokespersonsâ€™ claims these steps are going too far.  For months, they have called for health service reform.  Yet when one step is taken in that direction, they fear it is one step too far.  It is typical of the Opposition at present, given a budget will be introduced next week.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-02T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-24.273.0&amp;m=68#g311.0">
	<title>Pre-Budget Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-24.273.0&amp;m=68#g311.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak during this pre-budget debate.  This is an opportune time for Deputies from all parties on the Government and Opposition sides of the House to make a major...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="311.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak during this pre-budget debate.  This is an opportune time for Deputies from all parties on the Government and Opposition sides of the House to make a major statement about how Ireland will tackle the difficulties it is encountering during this period of global economic unrest.  It is fair to say that the work done by the Taoiseach in the United States last week was excellent.  Everybody in the State was proud of the ease with which the Taoiseach was accepted when he met the US President, Mr. Obama, in the White House.</p><p pid="311.2">The Government has been reasonably steadfast in setting out its plans for dealing with the ongoing crisis in the economy.  It took an approach to the banking crisis from day one.  In fairness, it took the lead when it provided a guarantee to this countryâ€™s financial institutions.  The action taken at that stage has stood the test of time.  Nobody can criticise the stance taken by the Taoiseach or by the Minister for Finance when they provided a guarantee of that nature.  As the global financial situation continues to change on a daily basis, it is clear that no single solution will assist every economy.  Having said that, we need to examine all the problems we face and deal with them.  Rather than reacting to every little issue that comes along, it is only proper that an appropriate statement is made at an opportune time.  That time is now, as we approach next monthâ€™s budget.  The Government has had a constant plan from the outset.  Its efforts to attack the gap in the public finances are ongoing.  While the recent pension levy was difficult to implement, I am glad the Government took a strong stance.  Every Deputy on this side had to take the rap when it was being introduced.  A great deal of false information was disseminated by the media, fuelled by certain unions that failed to give proper or up-to-date information to their members.  If we are to overcome this financial crisis, the unions need to act in a much more co-operative manner.  They did not put their shoulder to the wheel when the pension levy was being introduced.</p><p pid="311.3">The Governmentâ€™s plan also involves sorting out the banks, which is no easy task.  We are aware of some of the discrepancies that have developed in recent months.  Time will show that the Government has the right plan of attack in this regard.  It has done everything possible to create and save jobs.  In the current climate, Ireland is no different from any other economy.  We are very open to foreign direct investment.  We are doing particularly well, given the climate we are in.  Perhaps that is a bold statement, but that is how I feel about it.  It is not an easy time to be Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.  When one considers the financial constraints on other countries, it is clear it is not easy to maintain jobs in the Irish economy.  Great work has been done to create and save jobs.  We should not forget that jobs are being created and more jobs are in the pipeline.  It should not be all doom and gloom day in, day out.  Much work is being done behind the scenes to protect and support the unemployed.  The Government is restoring Irelandâ€™s international reputation by strengthening domestic governance arrangements.</p><p pid="311.4">If there is a message I would like to send to the Opposition, it is that it is time for us to stand together in advance of the forthcoming budget.  If the economy is to get where it needs to be, we will all have to put our shoulders behind the wheel.  I do not believe that has been happening in recent times.  I have not seen any signs of it.  Some of the proposals made by the Opposition in this weekâ€™s Private Membersâ€™ motion are futile and unimaginative.  The best it has come up with is an attack on the number of Ministers of State and the extent of the supports available to Ministers and Ministers of State.  To choose such easy targets is gombeen politics, as far as I am concerned.  People who have been elected to this House should be far more constructive, in the interests of the good of the people.  We all know this is the worst crisis to hit this country for many decades.  Party politics should be left outside for a few weeks, if possible, for the good of the country.  Deputies should start making proper proposals to help those who elect them.  The recent petty calls for a general election were crazy.  Before Christmas, some members of the Opposition did not want an election.  They were probably afraid of it.  They might have thought they would be better off if the election were delayed by a year.  However, this week they have called for a snap general election.  It is time for Members of this House to think about what we say rather than jumping to a conclusion this week and another conclusion next week.</p><p pid="311.5">The fundamentals of the economy are still strong.  That is probably what is saving us.  We need to recognise that many economies of a similar size are in a much worse position than the Irish economy.  Stimulus packages, such as the national development plan, are helping to keep jobs in the economy.  I do not ignore the fact that many jobs are being lost every week, which is a pattern that will continue for some time.  It is worth recognising that matters would be much worse if we did not have the forms of economic stimulus that are currently available, such as the national development plan.  All Deputies are aware that significant moneys have been spent on building and upgrading roads across the country.  Substantial funds have been pumped into our motorways and our regional and county roads in recent years.  That is continuing to more or less the same degree.  The development of new school buildings and extensions in the past ten years has been phenomenal.  Schools have benefitted from many additional resource assistants.  Work is ongoing to extend hospitals across the country.  The health service is being reformed.  The consultant contract that has been introduced, which was controversial in some ranks when it was agreed by the Minister and the consultants, will go a long way towards reforming our health service.  I look forward to the completion of the review of outpatient services.  It is important, for once and for all, that consultants will be able to deal with outpatients as they come along.  It is farcical that doctors who are not consultants are currently dealing with outpatients.  That is largely the reason there are long queues at present.</p><p pid="311.6">Contract thresholds is the last issue I want to raise.  I raised this matter today with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and Professor Drumm, and it applies right across the board in Departments.  In any Government tender process there is a European Union stipulation whereby when a contractor prices for a job, his or her previous yearâ€™s turnover must be two or three times the cost of the job.  Gone is the day when a bond was good enough to secure a contract.  That leaves us with the situation where only large companies can tender for these jobs, with the result that all small local contractors are ruled out.  I refer to the boys who over the years did jobs such as school and hospital extensions.  Such jobs are not rocket science or very technical.  I have an engineering background and I know what I am talking about.  It is time we reviewed that tender threshold.</p><p pid="311.7">I have every confidence in the Minister, and in the Government and the Taoiseach, to make the right decisions next week.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-24T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-11.566.0&amp;m=68#g567.6">
	<title>Garda Deployment. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-11.566.0&amp;m=68#g567.6</link>
	<description>In light of recent killings in Northern Ireland and the spate of robberies along the Border, especially in my constituency of Donegal North-East, I call on the Minister to request the Garda...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="567.2">In light of recent killings in Northern Ireland and the spate of robberies along the Border, especially in my constituency of Donegal North-East, I call on the Minister to request the Garda Commissioner to review Garda numbers along the Border.  It is especially pertinent at this time because in my constituency and in a number of regions along the Border there has been an increase in the number of robberies in recent months.  Even in recent weeks in my own constituency and in the other constituency in Donegal, namely Donegal South-West, there has been a very significant increase in the spate of robberies.  While I recognise that there have been breakthroughs by the Garda SĂ­ochĂˇna, I fear dissident activities are taking place which may have fuelled the incidents or funded some of the dissident organisations, which we have seen carry out scurrilous work in Northern Ireland.  I refer to the three killings of the past number of days.</p><p pid="567.3">In some weeks time as co-chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly I will host a plenary conference in Donegal.  There are immediate concerns related to security matters.  Only this evening I spoke with the other co-chair, Mr. Peter Hain, MP, who will attend along with a number of other Members of Parliament.  There is concern about recent events and it is something we must review to ensure security is stepped up.  Of late there have been several post office robberies along the Border, affecting such areas as Carrigans, Muff, Bridgend and Newtowncunningham.  Shops, bookmakers and small businesses are under pressure.  Many people are living in fear whether their business is a post office, a shop or a bookmakerâ€™s.  The situation is causing undue hardship.  Some people are wondering if they are safe in continuing their business or if they would be better off wrapping it up.  Such people are somewhat insecure at present.</p><p pid="567.4">Since the Good Friday Agreement there has been a step down in the number of gardaĂ­ directly along the Border, although not throughout Donegal.  The Minister should contact the Garda Commissioner with a view to having security along the Border reviewed, especially in my constituency of Donegal North-East.  I seek such a review and a situation whereby the Garda Commissioner is comfortable with the presence of gardaĂ­ directly along the Border.  If there was a proper presence in this area, there would be less illegal activity.</p><p pid="567.5">There is a possibility of dissident involvement in fuel laundering along the Border.  I am especially concerned about such activity in my constituency.  I believe that some public houses are possibly owned by dissidents.  We must take a hard look at all those in business, their background and from where they have come.  We must be smarter about dealing with security along the Border.</p><p pid="567.6">I recognise the good work of the Garda in Donegal.  I am aware of the extent of the co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI, the Police Service of Northern Ireland.  I am also aware that one member of the PSNI is currently transferred to a station in Letterkenny.  Such activity and work of the Garda are to be welcomed.  However, the presence of gardaĂ­ directly along the Border must be stepped up.  I urge the Minister to meet the Garda Commissioner and request him to review the situation and provide the House with an update.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-11T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-26.254.0&amp;m=68#g266.0">
	<title>Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme: Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-26.254.0&amp;m=68#g266.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the retinopathy screening programme for Ireland.  Approximately one out of every 20 people in Ireland is affected by diabetes.  Of these,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="266.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the retinopathy screening programme for Ireland.  Approximately one out of every 20 people in Ireland is affected by diabetes.  Of these, some 140,000 are adults.  The report to which the Minister of State referred earlier predicts that this figure is predicted to increase by a further 60,000 â€” or 5.6% of the population â€” by 2015.  By 2025, the level of prevalence may have risen to 8%.  This gives rise to major concerns on the part of many of those involved in dealing with what might be termed a crisis.  The report also estimates that approximately 10% of health care spending is diabetes-related.  This figure could increased by 25% in the next 20 years.</p><p pid="266.2">People with diabetes are five times more likely to require hospitalisation.  If admitted to hospital, they are ten times more likely to be at risk of major medical complications than are non-diabetic patients.  Diabetes has a profound impact on lifestyle, work, well-being and life expectancy.  The life expectancy of those with type 1 diabetes usually decreases by 20 years, while for those with type 2 it is reduced by ten years.</p><p pid="266.3">Diabetes also causes significant morbidity.  Studies estimate that type 2 diabetes is present for an average of seven years prior to diagnosis.  Up to half the population may be showing evidence of the complications of diabetes at this stage.  Diabetes gives rise to many such complications including blindness, kidney and nerve damage, the vascular complications that result from coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease, which is the main cause of premature death for those with diabetes.</p><p pid="266.4">As previous speakers indicated, diabetes is the most common cause of blindness and amputations in Ireland.  Foot problems are also common among diabetic admissions to hospitals.  A number of risks exist with regard to pregnancy and the chances of losing a baby or of an infant having a congenital abnormality are increased among those with diabetes.</p><p pid="266.5">The majority of patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, are used to being dealt with in a primary care setting.  The developments in this regard show that if the proper environment was in place, those with type 1 diabetes could also be dealt with in such a setting and by hospital care teams.</p><p pid="266.6">I am pleased that work on the framework is to proceed, particularly in light of current predictions and forecasts relating to diabetes.  For reasons relating to finance and the well-being of patients, the traditional model used to deal with diabetes cannot be maintained.  I am glad, therefore, that a new model is being devised by the Minister and Minister of State and their Department.  The delivery of integrated, responsive, long-term patient care will be provided in a multidisciplinary environment in partnership with patients.  In practical terms, this will require self-management support for patients, decision support and clinical guidelines for health care professionals and changes in the way services are provided generally.</p><p pid="266.7">Many patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes do not require hospital admission.  Such conditions can be managed in primary and community care settings.  If the appropriate support is available and agreed protocols and pathways are followed, the majority of patients can be catered for.  The central message is that we need to increase awareness about the risk that lifestyle and behaviours have on health.  This is of particular relevance given the lifestyle choices of many people here which is adding significantly to the increase in the diagnosis of diabetes.</p><p pid="266.8">People are inclined to demand more services and funding when they learn about increased diagnosis of various conditions.  Perhaps we should take a step back and consider the causes of the problem.  The Minister has taken the correct approach to this issue.  We need to be proactive and ensure members of the public are aware of the causes of diabetes, how the condition can be prevented and, in the event that it is too late, appropriate ways of dealing with it.</p><p pid="266.9">Diabetic retinopathy screening is not the only screening programme being rolled out by the Minister.  I was pleased to learn recently that breast cancer and cervical cancer screening programmes are also to be rolled out.  I am particularly pleased that the Minister is extending the diabetic retinopathy screening programme to the west.  Those living in the west have been correctly critical that the region has been the last to benefit from previous programmes.  I am pleased to note that funding of â‚¬750,000 has been allocated to implementing the first phase of the screening service which will be offered to all those who have diabetes.  Approximately 30,000 people over the age of 12 years are registered with the programme in west Limerick and County Donegal, which includes my constituency.</p><p pid="266.10">The Health Service Executive is moving into the implementation phase of the roll-out of the diabetic retinopathy screening programme to the remainder of the west region based on a national framework document published in November 2008.  One of the key features of the implementation phase is the development of governance and committee structures.  I have been informed that this process is under way.</p><p pid="266.11">It has been decided recently that the primary, community and continuing care area of the HSE will assume responsibility for the governance of the implementation phase of the programme, now that the expert advisory group has completed the planning phase.  The current status of the recruitment process is that job descriptions and recruitment forms for the eight agreed staff are with the relevant local health office.  It is expected that these posts will be advertised shortly.  This is welcome news.</p><p pid="266.12">While I understand no funding has been expended on equipment, I am pleased to learn funding continues to be available in 2009.  The formal procurement process for the ICT requirements of the programme will, I understand, commence in the coming months.  There does not appear to be alternative means of using existing resources to extend the programme.  The HSE has made some progress in commencing and writing specifications for the ICT system but final decisions are awaited on the details of the implementation and governance structure before a procurement team can be formally established.</p><p pid="266.13">I welcome the efforts of the HSE and relevant Ministers in the diabetic retinopathy screening programme.  The proactive approach taken on this issue will be welcomed by patients across the country.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-26T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-24.243.0&amp;m=68#g257.0">
	<title>Leaders&acirc;€™ Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-24.243.0&amp;m=68#g257.0</link>
	<description>He did an investigation.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="257.1">He did an investigation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-24T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-19.201.0&amp;m=68#g380.0">
	<title>Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-19.201.0&amp;m=68#g380.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill on the pension levy.  It goes without saying this is a difficult time for all of the public sector.  No one wants to see money being taken from his...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="380.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill on the pension levy.  It goes without saying this is a difficult time for all of the public sector.  No one wants to see money being taken from his or her own pocket.</p><p pid="380.2">To give some of my own background, it is not long since I was a civil engineering technician in Donegal County Council and a former member of IMPACT.  I am well aware of how this is impinging on people across the State, I know from people close to me and party workers.  I am also well aware of the many workers who lost their jobs and who would do anything to get a job in the morning but the jobs are not there.  I know others who have taken a pay cut of 25%, with one person taking a 35% cut, who are still happy to have their jobs.  It is good to put things in perspective but that is not happening at present because the Opposition is blindfolded.  We hear of parties arranging marches for the weekend.  Some parties in this State will be remembered for nothing except arranging marches and I hope voters bear that in mind come polling day.</p><p pid="380.3">I remember when I started working for Donegal County Council just over 13 years ago.  I was earning just over â‚¬17,000.  If I was still employed there today, with different agreements with unions and promotion, I would be earning â‚¬41,000.  That puts this in perspective.  While times are difficult, we must recognise where we came from.  When I reflect back on earning â‚¬17,000, I would never have imagined I would be on â‚¬41,000 if I was still working there 13 years later.</p><p pid="380.4">Perhaps it is unfair of me to try to compare the wage I am on now and what I could be on but we must look at the facts and recognise there has been a 25% increase in the number of public sector workers since then.  I have taken that figure from the top of my head but I believe 25% more people are working in the public sector and it is important to keep that in mind.</p><p pid="380.5">This levy protects public sector jobs and pensions.  Any cut in wages would affect everyoneâ€™s pension entitlements.  The one positive message that has to be sent out to balance this is that while a person is taking a cut in his wages to pay for his pension, his pension and his job are being protected.</p><p pid="380.6">We have been pushing hard in recent weeks to hear proposals from the Opposition parties.  They have all the answers but no solutions.  Some proposals have been to cut jobs, such as the Fine Gael proposal to cut 5,000 public sector jobs.  The party said it quietly but it said it.  That does not solve our problem, it goes less than a third of the way, but it is important that people realise the alternatives facing the Government.  This is the best choice.  Despite all the criticism, no one on the other side of the House has come up with a better option.</p><p pid="380.7">I would be the first to say it will be difficult for families but if we want to protect public service jobs in future, we must step up to the mark.  While it would be easy to try to borrow our way out of this, we would pay for it in the long run.  The Fianna FĂˇil-Green Party Government â€” the Green Party is very supportive and good in this Government â€” must be commended for the approach it has taken.</p><p pid="380.8">It is important we state the facts in regard to the amount of money people will contribute.  Figures in the public domain are not factual and most are based on gross income.  People have not factored in tax allowances.  It is important unions give proper information to public sector workers because it is one of their roles.  While I am not saying unions are irresponsible, they must be responsible and ensure their workers get proper information.  The information workers have is based on gross income.  They have no figures on what they will pay when tax allowances are factored in.  The figures in the public domain are extraordinary and proper information must be filtered down to public service workers in  order that they can get a true picture.  It is a very frightening time for them and we are just adding to the upset.</p><p pid="380.9">I have received many e-mails from public sector workers in Donegal and throughout the country who have been told they will pay â‚¬40 to â‚¬50 per week.  One husband and wife believe they will pay â‚¬400 to â‚¬500 per month.  One would have to earn almost â‚¬200,000 per year to pay up to â‚¬500 per month.  The facts and figures in the public domain are not correct.  I do not believe it is fair for me to give figures today but public servants should equip themselves with proper information.  There is tax relief in respect of the levy.  Information is available and I believe all Deputies would be forthcoming with this detail, if contacted.  I certainly would be and I would welcome anybody coming to me to find out the true situation.</p><p pid="380.10">In fairness to the social partners, I must give them credit for coming in and for spending so long with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the TĂˇnaiste.  We must give them credit for the time and effort they put in and for the fact they recognise that â‚¬2 billion must be saved.  They also indicated they are willing to work with the Government in the future to ensure this country is in a good position to fight this global recession and is in a good position when the good times return.</p><p pid="380.11">I welcome the effort made by the social partners which was criticised by some in the Opposition.  They asked why Fianna FĂˇil and the Green Party were negotiating with the social partners and said that we were the politicians and that we should make the decisions.  Now that we have done that, they are saying we should go back and talk to the social partners again.</p><p pid="380.12">We must realise decisive action needs to be taken not only for the good of our books but for the good of the global market.  We are being watched not only in Ireland but further afield.  Stability is very important in Government.  It is important we all recognise how reckless we can be sometimes by saying the wrong things.  We have had examples of that.  As I mentioned last night, a few comments about banks being bust or otherwise can be so reckless in terms of our markets.  We must be smarter in the way we conduct our business.</p><p pid="380.13">I have watched the head hunt in recent days in regard to the circle of ten.  I have said that I hope the circle of ten is not uncovered until such time as the authorities have investigated everything and are in a position to take things further.  If criminal proceedings are required, so be it.  However, I fear that if those people are named in this House, so much will be said in the Chamber and outside it that it will damage the prospect of making those individuals face prosecution, if necessary.</p><p pid="380.14">The public is rightly angry about the banking situation.  The past number of weeks has not been a very nice time for Ireland but the Government is dealing very well with this issue and it is taking a very honourable approach to it.  It is a damage limitation exercise in terms of how it is going about it but the next number of weeks will prove that its decisions in regard to the banking sector are correct, as is the way it is conducting its investigations.  Ireland will come out of this in a very good light in a couple of weeks when matters come to a head, and I have no doubt matters will come to a head.  While we would all like to see things happen quickly, there must be due process which, thankfully, is the case at present.  I hope that will continue.</p><p pid="380.15">It is a very tough time for small businesses which have not been done any favours lately in regard to the availability of cash and small loans to keep afloat.  The Minister for Finance is working very hard on this and I expect results from him sooner rather than later.  I would like him to ensure those small businesses get the necessary funding because they are not getting a fair deal from some institutions and it is time they did.</p><p pid="380.16">A number of small businesses have fought hard to survive over the past six months.  If they do not get help soon, they will have no option but to close.  These small businesses are not only providing jobs for the public, but they are providing small contract jobs for the public service, including local authorities.  They are getting contracts which are guaranteed, because they are Government funded, but the banks will not make loans available to them even though the money is guaranteed.  I hope the Minister for Finance moves on that quickly.</p><p pid="380.17">I refer again to the pension levy.  We all know many people who are facing tough times.  I appeal to the public sector to look around to see who is proposing anything else which would add up to what is required, that is, â‚¬2 billion.  If we had any other option, this would be the last one we would take.  No suggestion or otherwise has been made by any other party or organisation in this country which would raise the â‚¬2 billion.  It is easy to criticise.  Perhaps some of those who are good at criticising should spend time putting their heads together to come forward with decent proposals on how â‚¬2 billion could be saved.</p><p pid="380.18">I do not know where the Labour Party gets its ideas, but much and all as we would like to do it, its proposal to go after tax exiles, which would, apparently, raise â‚¬150 million, is nonsense. The only way to chase after them would be through their passport numbers.  We all know that vast numbers of Irish people live abroad, but most of them are not tax exiles.  The idea of tracking down tax exiles through their passport numbers to get money from them is farcical.  It is not possible.</p><p pid="380.19">It is time we got real and constructive.  The people are not fools.  While they may be sore at the current proposals, in the long run they will recognise the Government has taken tough, hard decisions, not for any short-term party political gain, but for the long-term benefit of the country.  When people recognise this, they will realise they were right to elect this Government and will do so again.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-19T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=68#g675.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=68#g675.0</link>
	<description>If the names are released and reckless statements are made in the House, the ten individuals who should be subject to the law will not be prosecuted as they should be.  I hope, for the sake of...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="675.1">If the names are released and reckless statements are made in the House, the ten individuals who should be subject to the law will not be prosecuted as they should be.  I hope, for the sake of the country, that the names are not released because the other side of the House will not help matters.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=68#g672.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=68#g672.0</link>
	<description>I thank my colleagues for sharing time.  I very much welcome the opportunity to speak on the Private Members&acirc;€™ motion and to support the Fianna F&Atilde;&iexcl;il amendment. With regard to the pension levy,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="672.1">I thank my colleagues for sharing time.  I very much welcome the opportunity to speak on the Private Membersâ€™ motion and to support the Fianna FĂˇil amendment.</p><p pid="672.2">With regard to the pension levy, this is certainly no easy time for any family.  My colleague has depicted the global scene, including the European scene, and it is evident from this that our difficulties are no different from those of any other country.  Deputy Michael Ahern referred to exports to the United Kingdom and the depreciation of sterling, which has made trade very awkward in this country.</p><p pid="672.3">We have been very lucky that the number of public sector employees increased significantly in recent years.  We all welcomed this but with it comes the burden of additional pay.  While there is to be expenditure of â‚¬54 billion this year, more than one third, approximately â‚¬20 billion, will be on public sector pay.  Anybody with a commonsense approach will know this is not sustainable.  It is for this reason, and also because nobody has any alternative, that the levy was introduced.</p><p pid="672.4">The pension levy does two things: it protects existing public service jobs and it protects pensions.  Despite what we heard tonight and last night, nobody on the opposite side of the House has come up with any worthwhile proposal that will meet the shortfall of â‚¬2 billion.  We can cry and scream all we like and criticise this and that, but one should not be allowed to have oneâ€™s say unless one can step up to the plate.  The parties opposite have not done so and this must be emphasised.</p><p pid="672.5">I congratulate the Minister for Finance on the code of conduct introduced for the banking sector.  For the first time, very strong protection measures are being introduced in respect of the making of mortgage repayments and banks trying to repossess houses.  This offers comfort to many mortgage holders.  Given time, confidence will grow among first-time buyers, many of whom are waiting for prices to fall further.  I am sure they will fall.</p><p pid="672.6">Despite all the negativity, we must recognise how much the cost of running a car, for example, has decreased in recent years.  Insurance costs have decreased considerably, as have the costs of petrol and tax.  Home heating oil prices have decreased considerably also.  There are major savings to be made.  If one listened to all the doom and gloom, one would conclude there are no savings to be made, but there are.  When times are difficult, there are positive developments.  I find it hard to read a motion that criticises every measure but fails in every way to state how the required â‚¬2 billion could be saved.</p><p pid="672.7">There has been much talk about the ten individuals in Anglo Irish Bank.  Considerable pressure was placed on the Taoiseach all day to name them.  I hope the Taoiseach and this House do not to find out who the individuals are.  If the recklessness in this House over recent weeks is repeated when the names are discovered, the individuals will not be prosecuted.</p><p pid="672.8">I listened last week to the leader of Fine Gael talking about banks going bust and to the Labour Party finance spokesperson talking about a particular bank going bust.  They do not seem to know how reckless their statements are.  They are causing markets to fall further.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g618.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g618.0</link>
	<description>Both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance referred to the wrongdoing on the part of the heads of the financial institutions being dealt with in due course.  There is an anxiety among the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="618.1">Both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance referred to the wrongdoing on the part of the heads of the financial institutions being dealt with in due course.  There is an anxiety among the public that some will get off scot free.  They will not.  Getting the economy back to square one is the priority for now.  Those individuals in the banking institutions will be dealt with in due course.</p><p pid="618.2">The measures introduced in the House yesterday by the Taoiseach were taken because no other options were available to reduce current spending.  We are all affected by them and know others who are also affected.  This is not an attempt to punish the public sector or drive a wedge between it and the private sector.  It is an attempt to stabilise the economy in order that we can again enjoy a prosperous one in the future.  I did not see any proposal from the Opposition to do the same.</p><p pid="618.3">There has been much criticism from Opposition parties.  We know how easy it is to criticise.  The Opposition has proved its worth with its lack of credibility in any of the alternative suggestions it has offered in the past few months.  This is a time for support across the board, not criticism.  Does the Opposition realise the seriousness of our situation?  If it does, it is time it got on board and offered something constructive.  Each week abuse is shouted at Ministers.  That is not what the people want.  They want to see informed and constructive debate and it is time they had it.  They realise the seriousness of our situation because they are feeling it.  They deserve more than a shouting match in Parliament.  The blame game must stop if we are to bring the economy back to what we once enjoyed.  We will have to work together.  We are in a global recession and not alone with the problems we face.  However, we must work with the strategies devised by the Government to address the problems we face.</p><p pid="618.4">The new pension levy will be treated for tax purposes which means it will be effectively relieved of tax at the marginal rate.  There has been much disquiet among workers in the public sector, which we understand.  Everybody in the economy, however, is suffering.  Those in the private sector have been suffering pain for several months, with many of them losing their jobs.  I hope common sense will prevail in the Chamber before not too long and that we will work with the Taoiseach and the Government in tackling these problems.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g615.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g615.0</link>
	<description>It was responsible for banking stocks further collapsing this morning on the markets .  All developers are not bust, another wrong statement made by Deputy Kenny.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="615.1">It was responsible for banking stocks further collapsing this morning on the markets .  All developers are not bust, another wrong statement made by Deputy Kenny.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g613.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g613.0</link>
	<description>The Opposition does not have the guts for it. It has been a tough week for all of us as a nation.  Tough decisions have had to be made.  We would prefer not to have to take them but,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="613.1">The Opposition does not have the guts for it.</p><p pid="613.2">It has been a tough week for all of us as a nation.  Tough decisions have had to be made.  We would prefer not to have to take them but, unfortunately, in these exceptional circumstances they had to be made.  The message must be sent that they have not been taken lightly.  They were taken in the realisation of the hardship that would be caused as a result.  Most of all, they have been taken as a necessity.</p><p pid="613.3">Yesterday, after the Taoiseach had made his statement, Deputy Kenny claimed the banks were bust.  It was one of the most reckless statements made in the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g611.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g611.0</link>
	<description>The Opposition does not have the guts to tell us how it would provide extra moneys.  It would not have the guts to come forward like the Taoiseach yesterday with his proposals.  If the Opposition...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="611.1">The Opposition does not have the guts to tell us how it would provide extra moneys.  It would not have the guts to come forward like the Taoiseach yesterday with his proposals.  If the Opposition were on this side of the House, the economy would be in a mess.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g608.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g608.0</link>
	<description>I did not interrupt the Deputy.  I let him have his say; he should show me the same respect.  Where does the Opposition expect to get the money to fund the extra stimulus packages?  What schools...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="608.1">I did not interrupt the Deputy.  I let him have his say; he should show me the same respect.  Where does the Opposition expect to get the money to fund the extra stimulus packages?  What schools building projects, health services or parts of the national development programme does the Opposition want to cut to do this?  These must be spelled out, yet the Opposition does not have the guts to do so.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g606.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g606.0</link>
	<description>I listened to your contribution and you can listen to mine.  You should have some manners.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="606.1">I listened to your contribution and you can listen to mine.  You should have some manners.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g604.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g604.0</link>
	<description>Does he not see the benefits it is providing?  Where does he intend to find the extra&acirc;€”&acirc;€”</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="604.1">Does he not see the benefits it is providing?  Where does he intend to find the extraâ€”â€”</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g602.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g602.0</link>
	<description>What does he think it is?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="602.1">What does he think it is?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g600.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g600.0</link>
	<description>They were bags of wind.  While we heard about stimulus packages and so on being provided, we did not get one proposal from the Opposition.  This morning Deputy Gilmore spoke about a stimulus...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="600.1">They were bags of wind.  While we heard about stimulus packages and so on being provided, we did not get one proposal from the Opposition.  This morning Deputy Gilmore spoke about a stimulus package.  He does not recognise the national development plan as such a package.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g598.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.423.0&amp;m=68#g598.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate on the serious condition of the economy and the expenditure measures proposed for the stabilisation of the public finances.  Some of the last...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="598.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate on the serious condition of the economy and the expenditure measures proposed for the stabilisation of the public finances.  Some of the last contributions from the Opposition benches were farcical.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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