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<title>Darragh O'Brien - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:20+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-24.273.0&amp;m=633#g307.0">
	<title>Pre-Budget Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-24.273.0&amp;m=633#g307.0</link>
	<description>In response to Deputy &Atilde;“ Caol&Atilde;&iexcl;in, SR Technics is slap bang in the middle of my constituency, in Swords in north Dublin.  I assure the Deputy it is not true that the Government is not being...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="307.1">In response to Deputy Ă“ CaolĂˇin, SR Technics is slap bang in the middle of my constituency, in Swords in north Dublin.  I assure the Deputy it is not true that the Government is not being effective in trying to examine every avenue it possibly can, across the parties.  With regard to the Joint Committee on Transport and a meeting of colleagues from Dublin North and adjoining constituencies, all of us, regardless of party, are doing our level best to ensure we save as many of those jobs in what I agree is an absolutely viable company that we need to do everything possible to save.  I assure Deputy Ă“ CaolĂˇin that both the Taoiseach and TĂˇnaiste have been involved on a daily basis with regard to SR Technics.  I remain quietly confident we can step back from the brink on this matter and retain many of the jobs in SR Technics.</p><p pid="307.2">I am pleased to be given the opportunity to contribute to this debate on the upcoming budget of 7 April.  The Government has rightly taken the decision to introduce a supplementary budget.  The challenge we now have is to set the balance between cutting spending and raising taxes, on one hand, and not over-taxing the economy, on the other.  The worsening Exchequer returns discussed earlier today mean the Government needs to act now to further address the situation and to bridge the gap between Government income and expenditure.</p><p pid="307.3">We have taken very difficult decisions in recent months, many of which are understandably not popular, particularly with those who have been directly affected in their pockets.  However, every decision taken by the Government has been in the interest of the country as a whole and for Irelandâ€™s future economic prosperity.  The cornerstone of this budget and our economic strategy has to be that we get the public finances in order, continue to sort out the banking situation, protect and create jobs and, most importantly, do all we can to support the thousands of people who have lost their jobs in the past eight months in particular and get them back into viable employment.</p><p pid="307.4">The global economic situation has led to a severe loss in confidence and a drastic decrease in the public finances which needs to be addressed.  In doing so, however, we must remember from where we have come.  As I stand here today, more than 1.8 million people are at work in Ireland, nearly double the number at work only 20 years ago.  This budget must ensure we do everything in our power to protect current jobs and to continue to attract foreign direct investment to grow jobs in areas where we have been successful, such as the pharmaceutical and technology sectors.  It is important to state that in 2008 alone more than â‚¬4 billion of foreign direct investment was secured in the research and development sector.  I put it to Members that much of this is directly related to Government policy in this area.</p><p pid="307.5">To protect jobs and create new jobs, we must ensure our cost base is competitive.  While I welcome the recent reductions in energy prices for homeowners and businesses, we must do more in this area to reduce costs further.  We must continue to reduce red tape for business, thereby reducing administration and the costs associated with it.  We must continue to work to ensure businesses have access to lines of credit to keep them in business through these difficult times.  This was one of the cornerstones of our decision in regard to the capitalisation of the two main banks and the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank.</p><p pid="307.6">I welcome the recent announcement by the Taoiseach of the establishment of the â‚¬100 million fund for viable and vulnerable businesses.  This scheme needs to be brought through quickly in the budget and needs to be expanded upon.  We should retain our competitive edge in regard to the area of corporation tax, where we should retain the 12.5% rate.  Any increase in this rate would be a retrograde step.</p><p pid="307.7">The budget also provides an opportunity for stimulus.  It will be not just about cuts and taxes but must be also about stimulating the economy.  One of the tragedies of this recession has been the thousands of people who have lost their jobs.  A priority within the upcoming budget must be to help those who are unemployed regain employment and to continue to assist them financially while they are out of work.  The recent announcement by Hewlett Packard clearly shows that Ireland continues to be a place for multinationals to invest and to create jobs that can be filled by very well qualified people who have recently lost their jobs.</p><p pid="307.8">This budget will be tough but it also will be fair.  The Taoiseach has said that those who can bear the burden best will bear it most.  The overriding principle of this budget must be one of fairness.  The general public know that we are in the midst of the worst global financial crisis since 1929.  Ireland, as an open economy within Europe, is not immune to this crisis and has in some areas suffered worse than some of our neighbours.  However, we have the ability to come through it.</p><p pid="307.9">I firmly agree that we need to continue to invest through our national development plan to improve both our physical and social infrastructure.  It is right that we will spend in excess of â‚¬650 million this year in providing new schools and refurbishing existing ones.  It is also right that we will spend 5% of GNP in the coming year, double the European average, in making sure we are investing in Ireland and retaining jobs.  We need to ensure that in all of these projects we get value for money.  We must continue to examine Government expenditure across all Departments.  Any budget changes must be seen in the context of zero inflation.  Increases which we have seen in the past number of budgets will not be seen this year but I would ask all parties and commentators to be fair in their assessment of the budget proposals.</p><p pid="307.10">The DĂˇil should take the lead in considering how it can reduce costs.  It is now time to bring forward changes to pension arrangements within the DĂˇil.  I agree with many others that former Ministers across all parties should not draw a pension while serving in the Oireachtas.  I ask here this evening that changes be made in this area.</p><p pid="307.11">I know many public servants still feel aggrieved with the pensions levy, on which I spoke in the House, but I still believe it was the fairest approach.  It was also right that the impact of the levy was felt by Members of this House.</p><p pid="307.12">One area in which I take a particular interest is that of pensions.  In 2007, â‚¬2.9 billion was allowed in tax relief on both private and public sector pensions.  There has been much comment in the media about what changes should be made in this area.  I would not like to see a change to the system that would mean a reduction in tax relief, allowing it only at the standard rate.  This would be a retrograde, short-term step that would do nothing to bridge the gap between people who do not have adequate pension provision and those who do.</p><p pid="307.13">The area of directorsâ€™ pensions needs to be examined in great detail.  A disproportionate amount of tax relief is paid to company directors who can roll up their salaries for pension purposes in the ten years prior to retirement and benefit greatly from corporation tax relief and the reduction in capital gains tax liability.  I have sent proposals to Government on this matter and I personally would reduce the maximum allowable fund from â‚¬5 million to â‚¬3 million, thereby reducing the tax free cash amount that is payable.</p><p pid="307.14">I genuinely hope â€” I have noticed a change in this regard in the past couple of weeks â€” that all parties within the Opposition will present viable proposals for this budget and not just disagree with Government proposals for the sake of it.  I welcome many of the proposals I have seen from the Opposition parties in recent weeks.  This is the forum in which to discuss them and I ask the Opposition to look in detail at the budget proposals and take them on their merits.  It is clear, based on the Exchequer returns, that further measures are needed to ensure we remain within the 9.5% of GDP target agreed with the European Commission as part of the plan for the stabilisation of the public finances.  It is only right and proper that this be done in the interests of the country.  I know these decisions are tough and not all of them will be immediately welcomed by the public.  However, in time, people will see they have been necessary to ensure the future prosperity of the country.</p><p pid="307.15">The Government will continue to work on areas where we can stimulate growth, protect those currently at work and ensure our policies in regard to tax and savings are fair and balanced.  The Government will not shirk its responsibility to its citizens.  I know people will recognise that these decisions, while difficult, have been taken for the good of the country as a whole and for our future generations.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-24T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.949.0&amp;m=633#g979.0">
	<title>Public Finances: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.949.0&amp;m=633#g979.0</link>
	<description>I am genuinely glad Deputy Sherlock asked the House to be constructive and I welcome that.  However, I would further welcome if his party took the opportunity to do that in the coming weeks and I...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="979.1">I am genuinely glad Deputy Sherlock asked the House to be constructive and I welcome that.  However, I would further welcome if his party took the opportunity to do that in the coming weeks and I hope we can take constructive decisions in this House for the good of the country.  </p><p pid="979.2">I am pleased to be given the opportunity to speak in support of the Governmentâ€™s counter-motion.  I commend the Minister for Finance and his Department for the tireless work they undertook in recent months in these very difficult economic times.  The Government has been consistent and decisive in taking measures to protect this countryâ€™s economy.  Since the effects of the global economic crisis were beginning to be felt last year, it has taken decisive action.  We needed to cut Government spending and last July measures to save 3% were announced, acted upon quickly and achieved in 2008.</p><p pid="979.3">As the global crisis worsened and when banks across Europe were falling like skittles and queues of depositors formed outside banks across Britain and the United States, this Government acted and brought in the bank guarantee scheme which guaranteed deposits in six financial institutions in Ireland.  The scheme did not come free and all institutions concerned will have to pay for it over the two-year term which should net the taxpayer up to â‚¬0.5 billion.  The scheme protected normal savers and, just as importantly, the 250,000 people working in the financial services industry.  We were the first in Europe to act and many other countries followed.</p><p pid="979.4">In fairness to Fine Gael, it supported the Government initiative.  What did the Labour Party do?  As always it voted â€śNoâ€ť.  The international crisis continues to change day by day.  When other challenges were faced by Government regarding corporate governance in Anglo Irish Bank, we moved decisively but in a measured way.  The State took the difficult decision to nationalise Anglo Irish Bank and that decision was taken only after detailed due diligence was carried out by two independent financial bodies.</p><p pid="979.5">As I said last week in another debate in this House, I want to put to bed the utter nonsense that is being peddled by certain Members of the Opposition that the Government is simply bailing out the banks.  I remind them that without a stable financial system the ripple effect on the rest of the economy would result in a wave of job losses and a worsening economic situation.  Without a viable and robust banking sector all other areas of the economy are under threat.  The Government has not been engaged in a bail-out of the banks or bankers but in the protection of jobs and the very basis for this country to trade nationally and internally.</p><p pid="979.6">Fine Gael and the Labour Party wanted to shut down Anglo Irish Bank.  I asked them what would have happened in the international markets if an Irish bank defaulted on its international bond commitments.  The fact there now appears to be international interest in purchasing the bank further shows the correct decision was made.  When it became necessary to recapitalise AIB and Bank of Ireland it was done in the interests of the country as a whole and provided a guaranteed 8% return on investment for the taxpayer.  The scheme will also facilitate increased access to funds for small and medium businesses and first-time buyers.</p><p pid="979.7">The figures announced yesterday clearly show that the Government needs to take action once again in the interest of the State.  Measures already introduced by Government, such as additional taxes and savings, have raised â‚¬5 billion towards bridging the budget deficit.  It is clear, based on Exchequer returns, that further measures are needed to ensure we remain within the 9.5% of GDP as agreed with the European Commission as part of our plan for stabilisation of the public finances.  It is only right and proper this is done in the interests of the country.</p><p pid="979.8">I know the decisions are tough and are not all welcomed by the public, but in time people will see necessary decisions have been taken to ensure our future prosperity.  The Government will continue to work on areas where we can stimulate growth, protect the more than 1.8 million people at work and ensure our policies on tax and savings are fair and balanced.  It will not shirk its responsibility to its citizens.  People will recognise that these decisions, while difficult, have been taken for the good of the country as a whole and for future generations.  This country will come through this crisis, of that I am certain.  As the Taoiseach said last week, the common good must be everyoneâ€™s priority.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.949.0&amp;m=633#g977.0">
	<title>Public Finances: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.949.0&amp;m=633#g977.0</link>
	<description>I would like to share time with Deputies Nolan, Cuffe, Byrne, McGrath and Calleary</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="977.1">I would like to share time with Deputies Nolan, Cuffe, Byrne, McGrath and Calleary</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g846.0">
	<title>Banking System: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g846.0</link>
	<description>Has the Deputy anything against the Financial Regulator?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="846.1">Has the Deputy anything against the Financial Regulator?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-25T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g844.0">
	<title>Banking System: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g844.0</link>
	<description>It is at the rate of 8% per annum.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="844.1">It is at the rate of 8% per annum.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-25T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g841.0">
	<title>Banking System: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g841.0</link>
	<description>You did not want us to engage with the social partners at all.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="841.1">You did not want us to engage with the social partners at all.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-25T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g824.0">
	<title>Banking System: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.776.0&amp;m=633#g824.0</link>
	<description>I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in support of the Government amendment to the motion on our approach to the banking situation.  The crisis is not specific to Ireland.  This is a...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="824.1">I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in support of the Government amendment to the motion on our approach to the banking situation.  The crisis is not specific to Ireland.  This is a global financial crisis in which Ireland is affected by what happens abroad and in larger markets.  It is incumbent on the Government to do all we can to protect our banking system and, most important, the wider economy.  </p><p pid="824.2">I want to put to rest the accusation that Government measures, from the deposit guarantee scheme to the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland, and the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank, have been bank bail-outs.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  This misinformation and spin from many in the media, and some members of the Opposition, does great disservice to the public and the country.  More than 250,000 people work in the financial services sector.  The viability and strength of the banking system and the financial services system are interlinked and it is crucial to ensure we retain and grow these jobs and this expertise.  Without a viable and robust banking system all other areas of the economy are under threat.  Government has been engaged not in a bail-out of the banks or bankers but in the protection of jobs, and of the countryâ€™s ability to trade internally and internationally.</p><p pid="824.3">I welcome the Oppositionâ€™s more measured comments this week.  This issue is far above politics and should not be the plaything of party politics.  It is incumbent on us all to ensure our comments are responsible and that we do not make statements that can damage the countryâ€™s reputation.  The recapitalisation of the two main banks to ensure they are robust is crucial to every job in the country.  The main Opposition partyâ€™s suggestion that we let Anglo Irish Bank go to the wall, thereby causing it to default on its foreign bond repayments, was wrong and only made for short-term political capital.  If any Irish bank, including Anglo, defaulted on its debt repayments the consequences would have been catastrophic for the rest of the banking sector and for the country.  We would not have been able to access funds on foreign markets for Exchequer borrowing or would have had to pay a high price for them.  The Government is committed to investing in infrastructural projects under the national development plan by way of a stimulus package.  If it does not access funds this cannot happen.</p><p pid="824.4">The Governmentâ€™s policy on stabilising the banks has been consistent and measured.  Every step of the way decisions have been taken for the good of the citizens.  Deposits have been protected for ordinary savers and outstanding loans will not be forgiven.  The 8% yield on the coupon with AIB and Bank of Ireland is significant.  This type of return on investment for the National Pension Reserve Fund could not be attained anywhere else on deposit markets.  The continuing focus on liquidity and lines of credit for small businesses must continue and further funds will come in as part of this recapitalisation.  We are changing the way the banks are managed, and investigations are under way.</p><p pid="824.5">I commend the Government on taking decisive and necessary action at a crucial time for the country and its businesses, foreign and indigenous.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-25T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g715.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g715.0</link>
	<description>Do that.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="715.1">Do that.</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=633#g713.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g713.0</link>
	<description>Where is the Labour Party proposal?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="713.1">Where is the Labour Party proposal?</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=633#g705.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g705.0</link>
	<description>What would the Labour Party levy do?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="705.1">What would the Labour Party levy do?</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=633#g703.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g703.0</link>
	<description>Who said that?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="703.1">Who said that?</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=633#g699.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g699.0</link>
	<description>That sounds like my speech.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="699.1">That sounds like my speech.</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=633#g697.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g697.0</link>
	<description>As do I.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="697.1">As do I.</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=633#g692.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g692.0</link>
	<description>We are all aware of the sacrifices being made within the private sector where employees are taking pay cuts in order to retain their jobs and where thousands of people have lost their jobs in...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="692.1">We are all aware of the sacrifices being made within the private sector where employees are taking pay cuts in order to retain their jobs and where thousands of people have lost their jobs in recent months, including in my constituency of Dublin North with the announcement of SR Technics earlier this week.</p><p pid="692.2">I am sorry I was so rudely interrupted throughout my five minutes.  I had more to contribute to the debate but I will defer to my Labour Party colleagues and see if they can show us what they would do, and show some bottle for once.</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=633#g689.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g689.0</link>
	<description>She stated &acirc;€śMembers must stand back and be fair when evaluating the strengths and failures of the public sector in Ireland.&acirc;€ť  Is the Labour Party being fair in its evaluation of the pensions...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="689.1">She stated â€śMembers must stand back and be fair when evaluating the strengths and failures of the public sector in Ireland.â€ť  Is the Labour Party being fair in its evaluation of the pensions levy?  It has even stated it would introduce one but it has not produced any figures on what its proposal would save.  Urgent action is needed and the Labour Party appeared to agree with this approach just a month ago.</p><p pid="689.2">The Government is committed to remaining engaged with the social partners over the coming years to bring about the required savings of â‚¬18 billion.  The scaled pensions levy is the fairest way to try to deal with the public sector pay bill, which cannot be sustained at present.  The levy is scaled based on earnings, from 3% for those on â‚¬15,000, to 9.6% for those on â‚¬300,000 and over.  The levy attracts full tax relief at the marginal rate and will also have the effect of securing the defined benefit pensions held by the public service.  A pay cut would have done neither.  It is not a question of singling out the public service.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g686.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g686.0</link>
	<description>On 29 January, the Labour Party&acirc;€™s own finance spokesperson, Deputy Joan Burton, stated the public sector reform issue will form part of the solution.  </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="686.1">On 29 January, the Labour Partyâ€™s own finance spokesperson, Deputy Joan Burton, stated the public sector reform issue will form part of the solution.  </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g684.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g684.0</link>
	<description>The Labour Party, which produced no coherent plan on how it would deal with the economic crisis, has said savings are needed in the public sector.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="684.1">The Labour Party, which produced no coherent plan on how it would deal with the economic crisis, has said savings are needed in the public sector.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g681.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g681.0</link>
	<description>Am I allowed to speak?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="681.1">Am I allowed to speak?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g679.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g679.0</link>
	<description>It did.  It spent over a month doing so.  I did not have an opportunity to interrupt the Deputy yet. As part of the framework agreed in the discussions, the social partners and the Government...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="679.1">It did.  It spent over a month doing so.  I did not have an opportunity to interrupt the Deputy yet.</p><p pid="679.2">As part of the framework agreed in the discussions, the social partners and the Government were at one in agreeing that â‚¬2 billion in additional savings were required this year.  That is a fact.</p><p pid="679.3">What is required to deal with the â‚¬18 billion hole in our public finances is urgent and decisive action. We could wait no longer to bring about these changes for the good of the country and to ensure that these measures form a part of stabilising our public finances.  Even the Labour Party, which has produced no coherent plan on how it would deal with the economic crisisâ€”â€”</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g677.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=633#g677.0</link>
	<description>I am pleased to be given this opportunity to contribute to this debate in support of the Government&acirc;€™s counter-motion to restore balance in the public finances. The Government and I have...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="677.1">I am pleased to be given this opportunity to contribute to this debate in support of the Governmentâ€™s counter-motion to restore balance in the public finances.</p><p pid="677.2">The Government and I have consistently supported the public service over the past ten years.  Our public service performs a crucially important role in this State and it will play a very important part in ensuring that Ireland comes through this global economic crisis.</p><p pid="677.3">Over the past few weeks, I have received many representations from the public sector in my constituency of Dublin North.  The vast majority of these people have said very clearly to me that they are willing to make a contribution towards resolving the current economic difficulty.  They also want to make sure that their contribution is fair and that other sectors within the country pay their fair share also.  This was of no surprise to me because, in my day-to-day dealings with public sector staff, I have found them to be professional and courteous.  At all times, they act in the interest of the State.</p><p pid="677.4">The decision to introduce the pensions levy was not taken easily but in the clear knowledge that it would not be popular initially or be supported by the public sector.  The Minister himself said today that we know the levy will impose a burden on public servants and their families.  Many of my constituents in Dublin North are public servants but I must act responsibly as a Deputy in this DĂˇil to support what will best protect the future of all citizens of the State.</p><p pid="677.5">The Government endeavoured to reach an agreement with the social partners, including the unions.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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