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<title>Michael McGrath - 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=2009-03-25.223.0&amp;m=543#g225.0">
	<title>Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.223.0&amp;m=543#g225.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to make a contribution to this pre-budget debate in advance of what must be one of the most important statements of fiscal strategy by any Government in this country,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="225.1">I welcome the opportunity to make a contribution to this pre-budget debate in advance of what must be one of the most important statements of fiscal strategy by any Government in this country, which we will see on 7 April.  It is important for a number of reasons.  In my view, the budget, which will be introduced in less than two weeks’ time, must achieve a number of objectives.  We must restore Ireland’s credibility on the international market and among investors and we must show that we are in control of our public finances.  We must set out a clear, coherent and achievable plan for the next three years if we are to bring order to the public finances.  We must also rebuild confidence among consumers and the business community in Ireland that we have an economic future.  We must take the correct decisions now to allow us to once again return to economic prosperity.  We must be set out a clear and understandable strategy that people can buy into.  We, in this House, share a collective responsibility to ensure that the steps taken on 7 April are sufficient to put Ireland on the road to economic recovery, thus benefiting everyone in the country.</p><p pid="225.2">The current crisis is often characterised in this House and in the media as an Irish problem.  That is not the case.  Global trade will contract in 2009 for the first time in 60 years.  That is a fact.  Economies such as China, Singapore, Dubai and so on, once the shining lights of the world, are also suffering.  Let us for a moment consider the profile of the Irish economy.  We are a small open economy, heavily reliant on exports and international trade with a limited domestic market and a population of in excess of 4 million people.  When one considers that profile, one quickly realises we are very much at the mercy of the global economic environment.  It is true that we had a particular reliance on the construction sector during the boom, a boom which ended abruptly.  However, we are at the mercy of international conditions and must work within that template.  We cannot revert to the old model of protectionism.  We must remain fully involved in international trade because the model of opening up the country, attracting inward investment and encouraging indigenous investment is what worked for us.</p><p pid="225.3">As public representatives, we all know that the recession in Ireland has manifested itself in a number of stark ways, including the dramatic increase in the number of people on the live register, which last month stood at 354,000.  We have all seen in our constituency offices the human price being paid during this recession.  There will be a sharp contraction in our economy this year, namely, in excess of 6%, with a further contraction likely in 2010.  Our public finances have deteriorated rapidly, with a deficit of €20 billion or more in 2009 if corrective action is not taken immediately.  As stated by Deputy Lynch, confidence has been drained.  Even those who have money are not spending it because they are afraid of what is around the corner.  For this reason, it is essential the strategy put forward on 7 April is credible and restores confidence among people that there is a road map to economic recovery.</p><p pid="225.4">We must face up to the stark reality of Ireland in 2009.  As policymakers, we in Government must, as we have been doing to date, rise to the challenge on 7 April, which is a critically important day for this country.  The reality is that the gap between current expenditure and tax revenue needs to be bridged.  Addressing this €18 billion to €20 billion gap which is staring us in the face is too large a task to tackle in one, two or even three years.  This is the reason the Government set out in its submission to the European Commission a five-year plan to return us by 2013 to the 3% deficit under the Stability and Growth Pact.  In setting out that strategy, we are trying to restore credibility among the international markets and investors.  The facility to borrow internationally is not one we can take for granted.  We are competing with almost every other developed country in the world and do not want to be charged punitive interest rates in the bond markets because we have not demonstrated a capacity to get on top of our own affairs.</p><p pid="225.5">There have been some positive signs.  Members may have read in today’s <i>The Irish Times</i> that the National Treasury Management Agency raised a further €1 billion yesterday on the bond markets bringing the total raised to date to €11 billion.  The Government will probably have to borrow approximately €25 billion this year.  The key issue is what will be the cost of that debt.  It is true that we have been paying a premium for our borrowings because of the state of our public finances.  For example, the gap between the Irish and German ten year bonds widened last week to 284 basis points, its widest level in ten years.  However, yesterday this returned to 249 basis points.  I make that point simply to highlight the fact that there is an added cost in respect of our borrowings owing to the state of our finances, which we must get to grips with on 7 April.</p><p pid="225.6">We have to show that we can take the tangible steps required to get our affairs in order; otherwise, the cost of borrowing will be even greater in the months ahead.  In making the fiscal correction between expenditure and revenue, we will have to strike a balance between taking the steps required and ensuring that we do not take too much out of the economy in one year, thus sending it into a complete cycle of depression which could result in the recession lasting longer than it otherwise might.  We must get that balance right.  A question arises as to over what period of time the deficit should be addressed.  I welcome that the EU Commission has approved the Government’s submission in regard to the 9.5% deficit which it hopes to achieve in 2009 and to restoring the 3% deficit by 2013.</p><p pid="225.7">It is important to point out that other significant players in the European Union, including Britain, France, Spain and Greece, have also been given additional time by the European Commission to correct their growing budget deficits.  While general government debt in Ireland stood at 41% at the end of last year, it remains well below the 60% EU average.  However, we will probably breach that percentage in the next 12 months because of the scale of deterioration in our public finances.  We must borrow sensibly and we must ensure that we are not borrowing in the long term to fund current expenditure as that is simply not sustainable.  There is a need for stimulus measures in the budget.  We do not have the facility available to the Obama Administration of being able to print an extra trillion dollars.  However, there are measures we can devise, including enterprise supports.  The Acting Chairman, Deputy O’Flynn, made some positive suggestions in regard to keeping people at work.  We must embrace some of those ideas.  We must think outside the box if we are to get through the current difficulties.</p><p pid="225.8">I watched with interest George Lee’s programme “How we blew the boom”, which was shown on RTE during the week.  While the title was provocative and created an impression of what the programme would be about, those who watched it will know it was a sensible and responsible programme.  We need to put on the record how the fruits of the boom were utilised. For example, the national debt was reduced to historically low levels; we invested significantly in the National Pensions Reserve Fund, which will now be used for other purposes; we created enormous levels of employment and had 2 million at work; we invested in capital infrastructure; and we improved social welfare payments to a level not imaginable a few years ago.  That is what we did during the boom.  However, we are in a completely different environment now and must respond accordingly.</p><p pid="225.9">It is essential we remain at the heart of the European Union.  The support we receive from the European Central Bank is critical to our strategy to restore our public finances and to achieve economic prosperity.  For this reason, I hope people will when voting for the second time on the Lisbon treaty ensure Ireland remains at the heart of Europe, economically and politically.  We must take the opportunity — it is an opportunity — presented by this recession to restore our competitiveness.  We must aggressively drive down costs right across the board.  If we are taking more money out of people’s pockets and are reducing their disposable income, then we must, if there is not to be a relative deterioration in our quality of life, reduce the cost of living.  We simply must achieve this and must emerge from this recession more competitive and in a better position to take advantage of the global upturn when it comes.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.949.0&amp;m=543#g985.0">
	<title>Public Finances: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.949.0&amp;m=543#g985.0</link>
	<description>I very much welcome the opportunity to support the amendment.  Yesterday the Government took an important decision to provide certainty that the deficit in the public finances in 2009 will not be...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="985.1">I very much welcome the opportunity to support the amendment.  Yesterday the Government took an important decision to provide certainty that the deficit in the public finances in 2009 will not be allowed to exceed 9.5% of GDP, as set out in the stability programme submitted to the European Commission in January.  Clearly, staying within the 9.5% deficit will require enormously difficult decisions to be taken but it is not sustainable to have Exchequer deficits of between €18 billion and €20 billion, which will increase if corrective action is not taken.  The national debt expanding at its current rate and the collapse in taxation receipts are unsustainable.  In 2007, tax revenue was €47 billion.  In 2008, it fell to €41 billion.  It is estimated that tax revenues in 2009 will amount to €34 billion or €35 billion, possibly less depending on which commentator one believes.</p><p pid="985.2">This financial and economic crisis represents the single greatest challenge to the well-being of our Republic since its foundation, so grave and serious is the situation.  However, the crisis presents an opportunity for us to show that the political system can work and has the capacity to bring the country through the turmoil that has affected almost every family we represent.  The bottom line is that we have no choice but to face up to our problems.  There is no bottomless pit of international debt of which this country can avail.  We are competing with almost every other country in the world for a limited pool of available debt on international markets, which will judge us harshly if we fail to take control of the public finances.  The markets are ruthless and we must stop believing that the world owes us something.  We must resolve this situation ourselves, a process that must start in the House.  If we do not resolve it, others will do it for us on terms that are far more unpalatable than those introduced by the Government in the first week of April.</p><p pid="985.3">The Government is prepared to make tough decisions with no regard for the consequences in terms of electoral popularity.  We have been elected to govern in bad times as well as good times, and govern we will.  However, not only the Government has a responsibility at this time.  As Deputy Thomas Byrne stated, the Opposition has been elected by the people and must stand up to show what it is made of.</p><p pid="985.4">This morning during Leaders’ Questions, when the Taoiseach announced that the supplementary budget would be introduced in the House during the first week of April, howls of derision came from some Members across the floor.  It was suggested that introducing the budget on Wednesday, 1 April would be some type of April fool’s joke.  People are losing their jobs in their thousands.  The least that they expect of us as their leaders is the capacity to deal with the crisis with a degree of political maturity.  The Opposition can take the easy option and be all things to all people, which it has done since this crisis unfolded.  The income levy was opposed, as were the public sector pension levy and the recapitalisation of the banks.  The Labour Party even opposed the bank guarantee scheme that saved the banking system from collapse.  The fact is that every Government initiative to get to grips with the economic and financial crisis has been opposed.</p><p pid="985.5">Like everyone, I recognise the fact that there are people on all sides of the House who have expertise and experience that can help us at this time.  I welcome the approach taken by the Minister for Finance in bringing in the Opposition spokespersons.  This crisis is beyond party politics.  If we do not demonstrate that we have the courage, ability and intelligence to deal with it, confidence in the entire political system will be demolished.</p><p pid="985.6">We will need to show leadership in the way in which the Houses do business.  The number of Oireachtas committees, the system of Members’ expenses and the number of Ministers of State must be examined.  We cannot with any credibility tell people outside the Houses that they must accept pain while we fail to reform the political process designed to serve them.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.343.0&amp;m=543#g390.0">
	<title>Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.343.0&amp;m=543#g390.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill.  We must recognise the integral importance to the economy of a properly functioning banking system.  We cannot have economic recovery...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="390.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill.  We must recognise the integral importance to the economy of a properly functioning banking system.  We cannot have economic recovery unless the banking system works for its customers and is in a position to lend credit to personal customers, to small and medium-sized enterprises and to large companies.  The success or failure of this recapitalisation proposal will be measured by the extent to which it allows credit to move through the economy again.  As part of the proposal, the lending capacity to small and medium-sized business is to be increased by 10% and an additional 30% capacity for lending to first-time buyers will be provided in 2009.  It is one thing to provide capacity for extra lending but this does not necessarily equate with actual additional lending.  I ask the Minister to ensure there is follow-through on the extension of credit to ensure the extra capacity translates into credit being extended into the market.  Judging from the advertisements in the newspapers from institutions it is quite clear they are now more enthusiastic about taking in deposits than in providing credit and this has to change.  It is to be hoped that this recapitalisation initiative will help to achieve that result.</p><p pid="390.2">I met a motor dealer recently who told me that a couple of years ago the refusal rate from car financing houses to personal loan applicants was in the region of 20% whereas now it is up to 65% to 70% refusal rate.  Many of these applicants are legitimate with no bad credit history and would be in a position to meet the repayments but it is clear there has been a shift in thinking and in the practices among the institutions regarding the availability of credit.  The recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland will have to result in credit being extended to our economy again so that we can work our way through the current recession.</p><p pid="390.3">There has been much comment as to whether €7 billion is sufficient and from reading the various articles which were provided by the research service of the Oireachtas Library it is clear there is a divergence of opinion as to whether €7 billion is sufficient and whether the entire principle will work.  It is clear that the Minister has taken this decision very seriously and has consulted with the appropriate authorities such as the Central Bank and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and has had extensive negotiations with the institutions over the past number of months resulting in the Government decision to proceed with this recapitalisation.  I welcome the code of practice on business lending and mortgage arrears which is being finalised.  I look forward to a more understanding attitude by the main banks towards personal customers who run into difficulties with repayment of mortgages which were secured at highly inflated values in recent years.</p><p pid="390.5">It is essential that confidence is restored in the banking system and this must be a national political priority.  Since the outset of the global financial turbulence, the Minister and the Government have made it clear that the Government will stand behind the main financial institutions which are of systemic importance to our economy.  The Minister has made it clear on many occasions, including in his speech on Second Stage, that the Government will not allow any institution of systemic importance to fail.  This is an important statement from the Government and it will help to reassure investors and the markets that the Government is serious in its intentions.</p><p pid="390.6">Deputy Rabbitte referred to the hybrid regulation system where the Central Bank has certain functions and the regulatory authority has other functions.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-03T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-24.489.0&amp;m=543#g507.8">
	<title>Banking System: Motion. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-24.489.0&amp;m=543#g507.8</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the Government amendment to this motion. Those responsible for inflicting such serious damage on the Irish banking system in recent times must be...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="507.2">I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the Government amendment to this motion.</p><p pid="507.3">Those responsible for inflicting such serious damage on the Irish banking system in recent times must be held to account before the full rigours of the law.  Based on what has been publicly disclosed, the events at Anglo Irish Bank are nothing short of a national scandal.  These events included the concealment of the directors’ loans, the deliberate propping up of the share price following the unwinding of the contracts for difference, as well as the €7 billion window dressing of its customer deposit base at year end.  During the Celtic tiger years, the Irish banking system was run by a small number of elite executives, who often put self-interest ahead of the country’s interests.  In refusing to accept the resignation of its chief executive following exposure of the bank’s role in boosting the deposit base of Anglo Irish Bank, the board of Irish Life & Permanent displayed the type of gross arrogance and appalling lack of judgment which has characterised the top echelons of our banking system in recent times.</p><p pid="507.4">It is essential that the investigations being undertaken by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Financial Regulator are completed as a matter of absolute priority.  The only way national and international confidence can be restored in our banking system is if there is full accountability for the actions of senior executives involved.  I welcome today’s searches by gardaí attached to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and I look forward to the completion of these investigations and appropriate action being taken.  Deputy Thomas Byrne and I recently wrote to the Garda Commissioner asking that additional resources be made available to assist the director, and I am pleased that eight additional officers have been made available.</p><p pid="507.5">It is clear that some of the transactions at Anglo Irish Bank were completely unethical and, in my view, fraudulent and illegal.  Those responsible must be pursued vigorously.  The competent authorities must do the job they are empowered to do and conclude definitively on these matters.  One measure that would help rebuild confidence in the banking system would be to take a tough line on the level of executive pay.  Imposing a 33% reduction does not go far enough; the Minister must impose an actual cap in pay at a level to which people can relate.  It is not acceptable that senior banking executives are allowed to live in a parallel universe and earn extraordinary amounts of money at a time when the Irish people have come to the rescue of the banks.  The oversight committee is reporting on 5 March and I look forward to the recommendation of the committee and the Minister’s final decision on the issue of executive pay.  I am sure he will apply common sense to the level of executive pay and bonuses, which will be capped following the deliberations of the committee.</p><p pid="507.6">It is clear that there needs to be a fundamental overhaul of our regulation system.  The reform of the regulation system needs to be brought forward urgently.  The current system has been exposed as flawed and inadequate.  For example, the Financial Regulator’s office seriously mishandled the Seán Fitzpatrick loan scandal at Anglo Irish Bank.  In spite of the fact that members of the authority had a series of meetings with Anglo Irish Bank in January 2008, we are led to believe that the chief executive of the authority or any member of the board was not made aware until December 2008 when the Minister informed him.  That is completely unacceptable and shows a serious lack of controls and procedures in place at the offices of the Financial Regulator.  The authority investigated this itself and the resulting report was a whitewash.  I welcome the Minister’s intention to bring plans for regulatory reform to the Cabinet, and I believe that the board should be removed as part of that reform.</p><p pid="507.7">During the Celtic tiger years, the Central Bank time and again highlighted the risks for the Irish economy arising from excessive lending, particularly in the property market, yet the advice provided by the Central Bank was not implemented by the Financial Regulator in its dealings with individual financial institutions.  The role of the regulatory authority is to ensure consumer protection and to foster sound, growing and solvent financial institutions.  The regulator has clearly not implemented the economic policy advice from the Central Bank.  The answer lies in consolidating the functions of the Central Bank and the regulatory authority under a new financial watchdog.  I look forward to reading the Minister’s proposals on reform of the regulation system.</p><p pid="507.8">Ireland needs to have a strong banking system in order to come through this economic recession.  A new banking system needs to emerge from this crisis, and that system needs to be led by executives who recognise their responsibilities to their company, their community and their country.  We need people of principle and conviction at the top echelons of our banking system.  The banks and the Irish economy have a mutually reliant relationship.  We need to get credit back flowing through our economy, and we need to restore trust and confidence in our banking and regulation system as a national priority.  I fully support the Minister in his efforts to achieve that end.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-24T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-26.634.0&amp;m=543#g712.0">
	<title>Small and Medium Enterprises: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-26.634.0&amp;m=543#g712.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Government amendment to the important motion before us.  Small and medium sized businesses in Ireland are the lifeblood of the economy, with more than...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="712.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Government amendment to the important motion before us.  Small and medium sized businesses in Ireland are the lifeblood of the economy, with more than 250,000 of them employing more than 800,000 people.  SMEs are owned and controlled by people deeply committed to their business and to the well-being of our country.  We welcome the progress in foreign direct investment in recent years, and the contribution of multinationals to our country but we are at the mercy of decisions taken at corporate headquarters of these multinationals in New York and Tokyo.  As an economy, we can never allow ourselves to become overly reliant on multinationals and we must place an emphasis on supporting SMEs in any practical way we can.  Access to credit is essential to SMEs in our economy.  Otherwise, they will not survive and the consequences for our economy will be devastating.</p><p pid="712.2">For this and other reasons, the Government introduced the bank guarantee scheme and subsequently the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Bill, which was approved and enacted.  The full details of the scheme were published subsequently.  One of the purposes of the scheme was to support SMEs by protecting the stability of the financial institutions they rely on for credit and by maintaining the overall stability of the financial system in Ireland.  The guarantee scheme has been successful in restoring access to normal liquidity levels for the banks.  The scheme gives the Minister significant powers in respect of the lending practices of the banks, the appointment of representatives to the board and the credit committee of the institutions concerned.  By virtue of the scheme the State has greater control in terms of the operation and practices of the banks.  In the public interest, the Government must ensure the banks are not engaging in reckless lending, which perhaps happened in recent years.  On the other hand, the Government must ensure the normal lines of credit essential to SMEs are open.  The Minister made it clear that further steps would be taken, if necessary, to achieve these objectives.</p><p pid="712.3">That is why we have had the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, following the examination of the loan books of the banks and the capital adequacy provisions.  Arising from the report, the Minister has been in detailed discussions with the financial institutions covered by the scheme discussing, among other issues, the possibility of consolidation of financial institutions in Ireland.  While the PricewaterhouseCoopers report found that the capital adequacy requirements of the six banks covered by the scheme in Ireland meet the requirements of the regulator, the reality is that the international wholesale markets have set a different barometer in respect of capital adequacy requirements for institutions to whom they wish to lend.</p><p pid="712.4">Some economists have pointed out that we will revert to a more traditional banking system in Ireland, whereby banks will rely on the deposits they have on hand rather than accessing credit on the interbank markets.  If that were true, short-term credit may not be as freely available to SMEs in the period ahead as it once was, when banks were overly reliant on accessing credit on wholesale banking markets.  The banks have been vilified recently, and some of the criticism may be justified, but without them there would be no economy because the wheels of commerce would quickly grind to a halt.</p><p pid="712.5">The motion refers to the European Investment Bank facility of €30 billion which the banks in Ireland can access but that relates to medium and long-term capital requirements and not to working capital.  ISME and other representative groups have pointed out that it is the lack of working capital or cash flow that is causing serious difficulty for businesses.  We want the six banks to access that €30 billion and provide the funding to small and medium enterprises for medium and long-term projects but it will not solve the immediate issue of working capital, and we should be honest about that.  There are some important initiatives in the budget to support SMEs.</p><p pid="712.6">The public sector reform initiative announced today will be of benefit to SMEs also because every small business interacts with local authorities, the Revenue and Departments.  A leaner, more efficient public service will benefit SMEs along with every citizen in the State.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-26T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=543#g506.0">
	<title>Gangland Crime: Motion: (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=543#g506.0</link>
	<description>I very much welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of the Government amendment to the Fine Gael motion on gangland crime.  I accept we must tackle, and are tackling, the root causes...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="506.1">I very much welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of the Government amendment to the Fine Gael motion on gangland crime.  I accept we must tackle, and are tackling, the root causes associated with gangland criminal activity, namely, social deprivation, poor planning, lack of community facilities, the need for urban regeneration and access to education, to name but a few.  By their nature, those measures have a long-term focus and will not solve the immediate problem of vicious gangland activity.</p><p pid="506.2">The common denominator in gangland criminal activity is drugs.  The drugs industry is an evil menace that poses the most grave threat to society.  As long as there is a demand for drugs, there will be a corresponding supply, despite the best efforts of the authorities.  The demand for drugs is an essential ingredient of gangland culture.  Every drug user must accept some responsibility for the actions of the criminal gangs who service their needs.  The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, has a huge responsibility in drafting the new national drugs strategy.  I very much support him in that work.  I applaud the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing and Threats initiative to which Deputy Costello referred.</p><p pid="506.3">It is with regret that I say many of our judges are completely detached from reality.  It beggars belief that persons with multiple previous convictions who commit a further crime get light sentences in court.  Soft sentencing undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system, affects Garda morale and encourages criminals to take the risks associated with crime.</p><p pid="506.4">Sentencing will form part of the forthcoming White Paper on justice and I am sure the public will clearly express its views on sentencing policy when the time comes.  I welcome the fact that, by virtue of the legislative amendments introduced in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007, as interpreted currently by the Judiciary, there has been a doubling in the mandatory sentences for certain drug offences in 2007 over and above 2006 levels.  That is a step in the right direction.  I would like to see the Judiciary implement mandatory sentences in far more cases.  As we know, the mandatory sentence for murder is life, but the average length of time spent in jail for a life sentence is approximately 15 years.  Those who commit murder, who wilfully go out and take the life of another human being, deserve to be put away for a very long time.</p><p pid="506.5">I commend the Minister on the work he and his predecessors have done in terms of a legislative response to the problems we face.  In recent days he announced the covert surveillance Bill.  That is an especially important initiative to assist the Garda in its work.  The criminal procedure Bill will also be introduced, bringing an end to double jeopardy and enshrining victims’ rights.  The Minister also plans to introduce a DNA Bill and has provided funding for the initial steps to be taken to put that process in train next year.  Those measures, in addition to the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007, will significantly enhance the capacity of the Garda to do its work and will assist the DPP to secure convictions.</p><p pid="506.6">If tackling the evil menace of gangland crime involves the loss of some of our civil liberties, then that is a small price to pay.  At times when we introduce legislation we put so many safeguards and checks and balances in place, sometimes at the behest of groups such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Human Rights Commission, that the purpose of the legislation itself can become ineffective.</p><p pid="506.7">As a country, we have a fundamental decision to make as to what direction we want to take in terms of handguns.  If one has a liberal licensing regime for handguns, one must accept the consequence of those guns getting into the wrong hands.  The Minister has instigated an urgent and intensive review of firearms legislation and that review is approaching its conclusion.  I am sure he will make brave, courageous and perhaps controversial decisions on the outcome of the review.  Those decisions will be necessary.</p><p pid="506.8">We must continue to follow the money trail in tackling gangland criminal activity.  The Revenue and the CAB must redouble their efforts.  We must hold the criminals to account for the wealth they have generated.  The stakes involved are very high.  The overt manifestation of criminal gangland activity we have seen in Limerick and Dublin will spread to other parts of the country if we fail in our duty.  This is one battle we cannot afford to lose.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-19T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=543#g504.0">
	<title>Gangland Crime: Motion: (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=543#g504.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputies Charlie O&acirc;��Connor, Thomas Byrne, Ciar&Atilde;&iexcl;n Cuffe, Margaret Conlon and Niall Collins.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="504.1">I wish to share time with Deputies Charlie O’Connor, Thomas Byrne, Ciarán Cuffe, Margaret Conlon and Niall Collins.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-19T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-30.256.0&amp;m=543#g264.11">
	<title>Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed)  | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-30.256.0&amp;m=543#g264.11</link>
	<description>I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in support of the Government amendment to this Private Members&acirc;�� motion on education.  In political commentary here it is often said that three...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="264.2">I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in support of the Government amendment to this Private Members’ motion on education.  In political commentary here it is often said that three areas should be protected — social welfare, health and education — but that analysis ignores the fact that those three Departments account for 78% of current gross Government expenditure.  The reality is that it is impossible to bring the public finances under control without addressing these Departments but notwithstanding that, the Government, in extremely difficult fiscal circumstances, has safeguarded them to the greatest possible extent.  They are the only three Departments that have secured an increased budget for next year.  Education has been prioritised.</p><p pid="264.3">Every Member in this House is at one on the importance of education in our society.  All of our experiences of the education system have shaped us as individuals but the debate on this motion cannot be detached from the reality of a €13.41 billion deficit next year or a €4.7 billion deficit on the current side.  That must be addressed.</p><p pid="264.4">The Government cannot sustain a situation in the coming years where we have a deficit of 6.5% of GDP.  We have no choice but to tackle the issue, and every area will have to make sacrifices, but the Minister has done remarkably well to shield the education sector from the worst of the cuts that were necessary.  The education budget is increased by 3.2% or €302 million and by any objective measure, investment in our education system in the past ten years at primary, post-primary, third level and in the emergence of fourth level has transformed the educational landscape for the better.</p><p pid="264.5">I am proud of the in-class supports we are providing to special needs children in mainstream schools.  A total of 19,000 adults now work solely with children with special needs in our schools.  There are 10,000 special needs assistants compared to just 2,000 in 1997.  Those supports are unrecognisable from the time I and many Members were in the primary education sector.</p><p pid="264.6">Class size is probably the most emotive issue that has emerged in the debate in recent weeks and this covers the decision to increase the ratio from 27:1 to 28:1.  My son is in primary education, in first class.  He is in a class of 30 and is one of only 20% of pupils who are in classes of 30 or more.  That is not ideal.  Like every other parent I would like my children to be in the smallest class size possible but I would prefer my son to be in a class of 30 than for this Government to take out a mortgage on his future and the future of every other child in the primary education sector because we did not have the political courage to confront the grave economic situation that persists.</p><p pid="264.7">I had occasion recently to visit my former primary school in Passage West.  When I was in the school there were 35 students in my sixth class; it was a multi-grade class.  The Minister has stated on the record that when resources permit, the Government will review the situation and reduce class sizes further.  It is disingenuous to suggest that the enormous progress we have achieved since 1997 is being undone in this budget.  That is untrue.  The staffing schedule changes that have been announced reverts us to the situation that prevailed in the 2006-07 school year.</p><p pid="264.8">The Minister put it on the record last night, and I do not believe it was a political point, that when the Opposition was last in power the pupil-teacher ratio was 35:1.  That is not a criticism because ten years ago Ireland was a very different country to what it is today.  In the past ten years we have reduced that ratio to 27:1 in very good economic times but we are now faced with a crisis in the public finances and a modest adjustment is being made, increasing the ratio back to 28:1.  In the circumstances, that is not an unreasonable sacrifice to ask to be made.</p><p pid="264.9">On the primary sector, it has been clarified that 900 new posts will be created for the next school year, with 1,100 being removed by virtue of the measures announced in the budget.  There will be 200 fewer primary school teachers on the payroll next year, as there is this year.</p><p pid="264.10">I welcome the commitment the Minister has made on the capital budget — an increase of 11% to €889 million.  I also welcome his commitment to restore the summer works scheme, review the language support teacher provisions on a case by case basis, and the increase in the capitation rate to €200 per pupil.</p><p pid="264.11">Our duty to the children of this country is not limited to the time they spend in our education sector.  There is an even greater duty on us as public representatives to ensure we do not cripple their future by allowing the public finances spiral out of control, which would condemn them to a future of high taxes to pay the debts we have generated.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-30T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-30.256.0&amp;m=543#g262.2">
	<title>Education Cuts: Motion (Resumed)  | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-30.256.0&amp;m=543#g262.2</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and Deputies Blaney, Gogarty, Cregan and Fahey.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="262.2">I wish to share time with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and Deputies Blaney, Gogarty, Cregan and Fahey.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-30T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-15.626.0&amp;m=543#g627.8">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis Services. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-15.626.0&amp;m=543#g627.8</link>
	<description>Ireland has the highest rate of cystic fibrosis in the world and one of the lowest life expectancy rates for cystic fibrosis patients.  While there is no official data on life expectancy of...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="627.2">Ireland has the highest rate of cystic fibrosis in the world and one of the lowest life expectancy rates for cystic fibrosis patients.  While there is no official data on life expectancy of cystic fibrosis patients in Ireland, it is clear that we lag behind many other developed countries in life expectancy for cystic fibrosis patients.</p><p pid="627.3">In an effort to change this, family and friends of cystic fibrosis patients in Cork and Kerry founded a group called Build4Life.  The aim of Build4Life is to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis in the region and to raise over €1 million for a dedicated adult cystic fibrosis treatment unit at Cork University Hospital.  I am pleased to say that after an enormous amount of voluntary effort, the Build4Life campaign has already raised over €1.3 million.</p><p pid="627.4">A statement of need for the provision of these dedicated cystic facilities has been passed by the executive management board at Cork University Hospital, and it is now up to the Health Service Executive to progress the project.  It is expected there will be 150 adult cystic fibrosis patients in Cork and Kerry alone by the end of next year.  I understand the statement of need provides for an adult day centre for adult cystic fibrosis patients and 11 isolated units for patients.</p><p pid="627.5">I emphasise that the multidisciplinary medical team is already in place for the treatment of adult cystic fibrosis patients at Cork University Hospital.  Dr. Barry Plant, a respiratory consultant with particular focus on cystic fibrosis, is driving the initiative within the hospital for the provision of dedicated facilities for cystic fibrosis patients.  The team also comprises a paediatric respiratory consultant, adult and paediatric nurses, physiotherapists and dieticians.  In addition, the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland is funding a registrar post at Cork University Hospital this year and, hopefully, next year as well.  Essentially, the multidisciplinary team is already in place and the patients are being treated, but not in a suitable and appropriate environment.</p><p pid="627.6">The Build4Life campaign is calling on the HSE to identify an area within the hospital campus which would be suitable for the provision of these dedicated cystic fibrosis facilities.  This is absolutely essential because cystic fibrosis patients are at serious risk of cross-infection on an ongoing basis, which results in many visits to hospital.  At present, cystic fibrosis patients must be admitted to hospital through the accident and emergency department, which leaves the patients exposed to infections which can be life threatening, given their condition.  One in 19 people in Ireland carries the cystic fibrosis gene.  If two persons with the gene have a child, that child has a one-in-four chance of having cystic fibrosis.  There are many families who have more than one child with cystic fibrosis.  I believe that the HSE has an obligation to respond to the extraordinary voluntary initiative taken by everyone associated in the Build4Life campaign in Cork and Kerry, and I ask the HSE as a matter of priority to identify an area within Cork University Hospital where these facilities can be provided.</p><p pid="627.7">The Pollock report of 2005 demonstrated clearly that the majority of adults with cystic fibrosis in Ireland are being treated in facilities that are dangerous.  The report was extremely critical of the lack of segregation and isolation facilities throughout the country.  The report recommended the development of a small number of dedicated cystic fibrosis centres around the country.</p><p pid="627.8">Life expectancy for cystic fibrosis patients in other European countries and in the United States is in the 40s and 50s, with many patients living with cystic fibrosis and leading healthy and productive lives well into their 60s.  As the country with the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world, we should become the world leaders in services and facilities for cystic fibrosis patients, and I hope that the Minister will have a positive response on the development of such facilities at Cork University Hospital.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-15T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-09-25.197.0&amp;m=543#g248.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-09-25.197.0&amp;m=543#g248.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of the Government amendment to the motion before us.  We are now in a changed economic world.  What has happened in global financial markets in recent...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="248.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of the Government amendment to the motion before us.  We are now in a changed economic world.  What has happened in global financial markets in recent weeks is without precedent in modern history.  The proposed $700 billion rescue package for the financial institutions in the US is ten times what our public expenditure, current and capital, is likely to be in 2008.  The state of health of the global financial markets is directly linked to the strength of the US financial institutions, so it is in all of our interests that stability is restored to these institutions as quickly as possible.</p><p pid="248.2">As a small open economy, the fortunes of the Irish economy are inextricably linked to the global economy.  When I was studying economics in college, companies like Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns and AIG, were world leaders in their field.  Today, Lehman Brothers is no more, AIG has been rescued by the US Government, Bank of America has taken over Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns has merged with JP Morgan.  Events such as these would have been unthinkable just a few short months ago.  The bottom line is that there are no certainties anymore either for the global economy or for the Irish economy.</p><p pid="248.3">However, unlike many of our European neighbours, we have entered this so-called “economic perfect storm” in a comparatively good position.  As a country, we have come through a period of remarkable economic growth.  No one can question that as a country we have made tremendous strides on the back of the economic boom of the past decade or so.  The Ireland of 2008 bears no resemblance to the Ireland of the 1980s, despite what some commentators and even politicians might wish to portray.  Contrary to the Opposition motion before us today, it is clear that fruits of this boom have been put to good use.</p><p pid="248.4">We have seen a dramatic reduction in the national debt as a percentage of our economic output.  The Government has established a pensions reserve fund to provide for future pension liabilities.  We significantly increased investment in public services with more gardaí, teachers, and health professionals than ever in the country’s history.  In addition, we have rolled out an enormous programme of capital investment to improve the country’s infrastructure.  However, that is not to underestimate the challenge before us, which is immense.  We can exercise no influence over some of the determinants of our economic performance.  Exchange rates which have been unfavourable for exports with the weak sterling and US dollar, interest rates now set by the ECB, and oil and commodity prices, to name but a few, are all important instruments outside our control.</p><p pid="248.5">At a time when all the external factors are unfavourable, it is even more important that we manage well those factors under our control.  Public sector pay and private sector pay to a lesser extent must be kept under control.  I congratulate the Government and social partners on achieving a draft national wage agreement in recent weeks.  I hope the various unions will support the draft agreement so that it can be implemented.  We can control our taxation policy and the parameters of public expenditure.  I welcome the Minister’s commitment, which he reiterated last night, to weed out any examples of inefficient spending and poor value for money in the public sector.  The recently published report of the Comptroller and Auditor General highlighted a number of such incidents that must be addressed urgently.  It is important that we also continue to pursue a strategy of managing inflationary pressures in our economy.</p><p pid="248.6">The Government has taken control of the situation and has made a number of important decisions in recent weeks.  Savings of €440 million are being implemented up to the end of this year, which only represents a start.  The deposit guarantee scheme has been increased to 100% up to a value of €100,000 to restore confidence in the banking sector.  This decision was essential in recent days when considerable uncertainty had emerged in the media regarding the stability of the banks and the Minister acted decisively and underlined the strong capital base and liquidity of the Irish banking system which is quite distinct from the US system in terms of the retail banks here.  Most important of all, budget day has been brought forward to 14 October.</p><p pid="248.7">The next three weeks provide the Opposition with a glorious opportunity to present a full budget as an alternative to the Government’s.  It should flesh out the details and show us its proposed expenditure, the areas it would cut and the areas it would prioritise.  The budget next month will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most difficult that any Government has had to introduce in recent years.  Difficult decisions will need to be made and we cannot be all things to all people.  Public expenditure will need to be seriously restrained.  While we have a low debt to GDP ratio that allows us to borrow for capital purposes, it is an unsustainable position for any Government to borrow to cover current expenditure.  I am sure the Minister will ensure we do not pursue such a course of action.  I am sure there will be a number of initiatives to stimulate the economy.</p><p pid="248.8">Agencies that are not performing or whose functions are unclear or overlap with others should be sacrificed.  It is my view that much of the work performed by agencies should be brought back into Departments under direct ministerial control.  The primacy of Government and the elected Member should be restored in our democracy, and this is the time to do it.  The public now have an appetite for reform.  They know that unpalatable decisions will be taken and sacrifices will need to be made, and I believe they will support the Government in the steps that will need to be taken.</p><p pid="248.9">We need to place even more emphasis on entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, with the formation of a specific business start-up incentive package.  The types of incentives could include an exemption from local authority rates for a two-year period, a discount on electricity and energy supply for a defined period, and greater assistance in achieving compliance with revenue and regulatory requirements.</p><p pid="248.10">It is important that the State would treat people who have lost their jobs in recent weeks compassionately and that every arm of the State would make every possible effort to support them in their hour of need.  I have full confidence that the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has the ability and the courage to introduce the measures required in the next budget.  On this side of the House, he will have our full support.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-09-25T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=543#g540.0">
	<title>National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=543#g540.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the Government motion on the national development plan and the economy.  The sharp deterioration in the public finances during recent months was...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="540.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the Government motion on the national development plan and the economy.  The sharp deterioration in the public finances during recent months was crystalised last week by the publication of the mid-year Exchequer returns.  It is clear the expected shortfall of €3 billion in tax revenue poses significant challenges for the public finances and these challenges are being faced in a decisive fashion by Government.  The announcement yesterday, with further details today, is intended to achieve savings in public expenditure of €1.44 billion to the end of 2009.  These savings are necessary to ensure the public finances are managed on a sustainable basis.</p><p pid="540.2">Comparisons were made between the position we are in now and that of 1987.  There is no valid comparison.  The Ireland of today, by any objective measure, is unrecognisable from the country of more than 20 years ago and we will not go back to the failed approach of managing the public finances in an irresponsible fashion, thereby causing long-term damage to the economy.  The steps being taken by the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Government are necessary and appropriate.  International conditions will improve during the next 18 months and we must be ready to take full advantage when they materialise.</p><p pid="540.3">The credit crunch in the US triggered a period of sustained turbulence in international financial markets with consequences for every open economy in the world.  The unprecedented surge in oil prices and the weakness of the dollar and sterling further impacted negatively on trading conditions.  The sharp downturn in residential construction after years of remarkable boom has directly reduced our GDP output by several percentage points.</p><p pid="540.4">Against this backdrop, it is testimony to the resilience of our economy that economic output this year will be on a par with last year, give or take less than 1% in either direction, depending on what economic forecast one believes.  This is in the context of our economy having doubled over the past ten years.  It is vital that we keep public finances under tight control, spend wisely and target priority areas which will maintain the standard of essential public services and help restore confidence in the economy.</p><p pid="540.5">The 3% reduction in public sector pay by the end of 2009 which the Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, alluded to is achievable.  Managers in Departments and State agencies must step up to the plate, make difficult decisions and identify areas for efficiency improvements without affecting front-line services.  It is right and proper that health and education are protected as part of this process.</p><p pid="540.6">Controlling public expenditure will not in itself reposition the economy for future growth.  It is now clear the next budget is an important opportunity to continue with tight fiscal management and include measures to stimulate economic activity and restore confidence in the economy.  The issue of confidence is a critical intangible and is having a negative impact on the economy at present.  Every Deputy knows people in business, buying their first home or moving up the property ladder who are waiting for the downturn to bottom out.  They have the money but they are waiting because the confidence is not there to invest at this time.</p><p pid="540.7">It is essential that we rebuild confidence among consumers and in the economy generally.  Every initiative we take should be focussed on generating more economic activity.  In making public expenditure decisions, focus should be on projects and programmes that would make a practical contribution to the economy.  We must encourage investment and reward risk takers.  I am disappointed to see some suggestions by commentators that we increase taxes.  This would be the wrong road to go down.  The burden of small and medium-sized businesses in terms of administration, regulation and costs must be addressed.  We cannot have over-reliance on multinationals.</p><p pid="540.8">Many fundamental positives still prevail in the Irish economy, such as low levels of public debt, the low burden of direct taxation, improving infrastructure, a skilled workforce and more than 2 million people working.  We must take the necessary steps to ensure that when the upturn takes place, we are well positioned to avail of it and return to a period of growth.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-09T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.620.0&amp;m=543#g744.0">
	<title>Hazardous Waste: Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.620.0&amp;m=543#g744.0</link>
	<description>It was about full remediation.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="744.1">It was about full remediation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-02T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.620.0&amp;m=543#g734.0">
	<title>Hazardous Waste: Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.620.0&amp;m=543#g734.0</link>
	<description>I will be brief.  I thank the Minister for coming into the House and discussing this in an open fashion.  There are a couple of main points.  One immediate issue is the need to reassure the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="734.1">I will be brief.  I thank the Minister for coming into the House and discussing this in an open fashion.  There are a couple of main points.  One immediate issue is the need to reassure the general public in terms of any potential health consequences.  Can the Minister, Deputy Gormley, set a deadline for the presentation of the White Young Green report at the earliest possible date?  This will allow him to give a categorical assurance to people that there is no health risk.</p><p pid="734.2">The Minister should commit to full remediation of the site and I hope he will bring proposals to Government at the earliest opportunity.  Will the Minister make a commitment to full remediation on-site?  Finally, I welcome what I hope is a commitment that he will proceed with a baseline study of the harbour area.  This will set the parameters for any future measurements to be undertaken in terms of health affects.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-02T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-01.807.0&amp;m=543#g855.0">
	<title>Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-01.807.0&amp;m=543#g855.0</link>
	<description>I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for agreeing to share his time with me and I welcome the opportunity to contribute on Second Stage of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008. We must acknowledge there is a...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="855.1">I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for agreeing to share his time with me and I welcome the opportunity to contribute on Second Stage of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008.</p><p pid="855.2">We must acknowledge there is a problem in this country with regard to the abuse of alcohol.  I emphasise the word “abuse” because there hundreds of thousands of people who consume alcohol in a responsible fashion on a regular basis.  They get enjoyment from it and do so without causing harm to themselves or a nuisance to anyone else.  It is important we put the debate in context.  Notwithstanding this, we need to be honest with ourselves and acknowledge there is a problem with widespread abuse of alcohol in society.  Some of the implications of the consumption of alcohol in an abusive manner, as the Minister outlined in his Second Stage speech, are a wake-up call, if one were needed, about the negative consequences of this problem.  For example, he mentioned that alcohol is a factor in 28% of all attendances at accident and emergency departments in our acute hospitals, that alcohol is a contributory factor in 36% of fatal road crashes, that 46% of those who commit suicide are intoxicated at the time, and that alcohol is involved in 25% of domestic abuse cases.  The abuse of alcohol also has a negative effect on the economy.  It contributes to absenteeism and leads to poor performance at work.  If we were to calculate the effect in monetary terms, although it would probably be impossible to do so, it would run into billions of euro.  However, the personal costs are incalculable.  If we consider some of the results of alcohol abuse, such as road crashes and domestic abuse, we can see that the fallout in society is very serious.  This makes it all the more important that the House treat this Bill as a priority and ensure its passage at the earliest possible time.</p><p pid="855.3">People living in communities throughout the country are terrorised by the anti-social behaviour sometimes associated with the abuse of alcohol.  Every politician in this House is contacted on a regular basis by constituents who are dealing with that in their daily lives.  We must accept in this debate that our love affair with alcohol, as a country, is not without consequence.  Gardaí have an extremely difficult job in dealing with the abuse of alcohol and its fallout in society.  There is nothing we can do in this House that will in itself resolve the alcohol problem in Ireland, but there are measures we can adopt which will help the Garda in carrying out its difficult task of managing the fallout of alcohol abuse.  These measures must, in line with this Bill, deal with two issues: public order and controls on the environment in which alcohol is sold in both the off-trade and the on-trade.  I commend the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and his predecessor, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on the speedy adoption the report of the Government alcohol advisory group.  The report was submitted, as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle knows, at the end of March.  The general scheme of the Bill was published in April, and we are here now, sitting late, to deal with Second Stage.  It is to be hoped we will move towards the final adoption of the Bill in the days ahead.</p><p pid="855.4">I welcome the contribution made by the Bill in curtailing the consumption of alcohol in public places and that it allows gardaí to seize alcohol from persons who are under age.  I was mistakenly of the view that the Garda already had this power.  Many gardaí have already been exercising it without it being in statute form.  They did so in a discretionary manner and they will continue to use the power wisely.  In Cork county and city, as Deputy Noel O’Flynn pointed out, specific by-laws are already in place prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places.  I know from my experience in Cork county that this works quite well.  It varies depending on the level of enforcement by the Garda, but my experience is that these measures are helpful and that young people fear the seizure of alcohol and the consequences of being caught drinking in a public place as it will be brought to their parents’ attention.</p><p pid="855.5">It is important to point out that the new measures put forward in this Bill are additional to all of the existing powers of the Garda Síochána.  They are not in themselves the answer to the problem but if used judiciously by the Garda they will help to deal with the problem of alcohol abuse.  They will also facilitate early intervention.  If a garda identifies a group of people drinking in a public place early in the evening he or she can intervene and possibly prevent problems that might arise three or four hours later when a lot more alcohol has been consumed.</p><p pid="855.6">I welcome the Minister’s statement in the House that he is willing to consider a code of practice to be put forward by the retail trade with regard to the structural separation proposed in section 8 of the Bill.  If a proper code of practice is introduced by the sector, provided it is subject to independent audit and verification, and if the evidence on the ground is that retailers are acting responsibly, the Minister will give them the benefit of the doubt and will not invoke the provisions of section 8 on structural separation.</p><p pid="855.7">I welcome the restrictions on the hours in which alcohol may be sold by the off-trade.  They are sensible and helpful.  It is important the measures we put forward are meaningful and effective and contribute in a tangible way to dealing with the fallout of alcohol abuse.  When we were discussing this in the Fianna Fáil justice policy group, many of us made the point that controls at the point of sale are what really count.  When a person approaches a counter with alcohol, what checks and balances are employed by the person behind the counter?  Does he or she ask for identification?  How does he or she ensure that the person is not intoxicated and is over 18 years of age?</p><p pid="855.8">I welcome the broadening of the scope of objections that can be put forward by residents and the Garda when applications are made for off-licences.  That residents feel the demand for the off-trade has already been met in an area will be a justifiable reason to submit an objection to the issuing of a licence.  It is important that the penalties we impose for recurring breaches of this Bill and previous Acts are serious and feared by the trade.  The fact that a premises may be shut down for a minimum of two days is an important step forward.</p><p pid="855.9">Much has been said in this House and outside about the move from the on-trade to the off-trade and the consequences for rural Ireland and alcohol consumption generally.  This is a fundamental point because when alcohol is consumed in a public house controls are in place.  The majority of public houses are owned by an identifiable person who has an interest in ensuring the establishment is well run and does not get a bad name or attract attention from the Garda.  The shift from the on-trade to the off-trade has meant more alcohol is now consumed in an uncontrolled environment, often at home or at parties.  The same controls are not in place and this may account for some of the problems that have taken hold in the past number of years.</p><p pid="855.10">With regard to special exemption orders, I welcome that a condition can be imposed that, on the granting of such an order, a closed circuit television, CCTV, system must be installed by a licensed premises.  The Minister should further extend this and require certain licensed premises to install CCTV in the surrounding area, perhaps covering up to 100 m either side of the premises on the street outside.  In the event of problems spilling onto the street the Garda would have the resource of CCTV to avail of in a related investigation.  I also welcome the fact that the District Court must be satisfied that all fire safety standards have been met before granting a special exemption order.  I welcome the tightening of provisions relating to theatre licences and the fact that they will be subject to normal licensing hours, as will any other public house.</p><p pid="855.11">Some issues outside this Bill must be highlighted, particularly parental control.  Many of the problems in society relating to alcohol abuse are associated with young people, under age in many cases, consuming alcohol in an uncontrolled fashion without supervision.  No law can be passed in this House that will solve the issue of the abuse of alcohol; parents can achieve far more by working on the issue and I encourage them to do so.</p><p pid="855.12">The secondary purchasing of alcohol is already illegal but we should send out a loud and clear message that it is highly irresponsible of any adult to buy alcohol for an under age person.  Many adults do so at a profit, which is a disgraceful thing to do, and we should not be shy in condemning the practice.  Alcohol is now so cheap that we must put effective controls in place.  Section 13 allows for test purchasing, that is, the Garda using an under age person to attempt to buy alcohol.  Such sting operations have a much greater role to play, not just in terms of under age drinking but across a range of areas in criminal law.  I welcome this provision and hope the Garda use it.</p><p pid="855.13">I look forward to more progress in future on traceability and ID.  I welcome the fact that the Bill allows for the introduction of regulations dealing with alcohol being sold at promotions in a cheap and irresponsible fashion.  I congratulate the Minister on bringing forward this Bill.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-01T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25.693.0&amp;m=543#g712.0">
	<title>Victims&acirc;�� Rights Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25.693.0&amp;m=543#g712.0</link>
	<description>I very much welcome this opportunity to speak on this Bill proposed by Fine Gael during Private Members&acirc;�� time.  I wish to make a number of main points which are relevant to the debate. There is...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="712.1">I very much welcome this opportunity to speak on this Bill proposed by Fine Gael during Private Members’ time.  I wish to make a number of main points which are relevant to the debate.</p><p pid="712.2">There is a need for a serious rebalancing of rights in the criminal justice system away from the criminal and in favour of the victim.  That should be our starting point and the central point of the debate on some of the detailed proposals made by Fine Gael Members and by the Minister in his announcement last week.</p><p pid="712.3">The principal right that victims should have is for the perpetrator of a crime against them on conviction to be given a fair and just sentence appropriate to the crime he or she has committed.  In my view and in the view of many victims too often that is not the case and sentences do not match the severity of the crime that has been perpetrated.  When victims see criminals with multiple previous convictions for serious crimes receiving suspended or very short sentences, many of them lose faith in the criminal justice system.  It is not the function of this House to determine sentencing policy except where legislation provides for minimum, maximum or mandatory sentences in certain cases.  I feel compelled to make that point because many victims’ dissatisfaction with the criminal justice system lies in the sentences being handed down by the Judiciary.</p><p pid="712.4">I welcome very much the Minister’s justice for victims initiative, which he announced last week and which I genuinely believe is a more comprehensive, reforming and far-reaching response to the needs of the victims of crime than the Bill before us.  No political party has a monopoly on concern for the rights of victims, whether it be Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael or any other party.  It is open to any party in our democracy to put forward proposals for victims’ rights.  Fine Gael has tabled this Bill, the Minister outlined his detailed proposals last week and the House will decide on the Bill tonight.</p><p pid="712.5">I support very much the Minister’s proposal to introduce a substantial legislative reform package next spring based on the 2007 report of the balance in the criminal law group, also known as the Hogan report.  Many of the initiatives that are required urgently to assist victims can be implemented without legislation and may proceed now.  That is the route we should follow.</p><p pid="712.6">The administrative package the Minister is proposing, in line with the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime’s framework document, will be implemented prior to legislation, including the new executive office in the Department to support crime victims, the reconstituted Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime and the victims of crime consultative forum.</p><p pid="712.7">The Minister’s proposal to end double jeopardy makes eminent sense, particularly where evidence emerges of interference in the trial process or where new evidence can emerge a number of years subsequent to a trial, which changes the whole interpretation of the evidence that was put before a trial.  We have seen the emergence of DNA technology and the improvement in the assessment of evidence and we should incorporate that into the trial process.</p><p pid="712.8">I welcome also the victim impact statement reform that the Minister will introduce and the right of a next-of-kin in homicide cases, for example, to issue a victim impact statement as part of the trial.  Victims should be given more information before their case is even sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.  As Deputy Rabbitte argued earlier, more information must be provided to victims while crimes are being investigated and before they reach court.  People find it frustrating when they report a crime and cannot subsequently obtain any information on the processing of their complaint.  This issue must be addressed.  I agree with Deputy O’Connor’s remarks on the National Commission on Restorative Justice, which will report next year.  Restorative justice is an evolving area which we must examine closely.  I look forward to a comprehensive debate on penal reform.</p><p pid="712.9">As legislators, we would be perpetrating an injustice towards victims if we approved an incomplete and inadequate response to their needs, as represented by this Bill.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-06-25T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-06-18.173.0&amp;m=543#g199.0">
	<title>Lisbon Treaty: Statements. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-06-18.173.0&amp;m=543#g199.0</link>
	<description>I thank Deputy Dooley for agreeing to share time on this debate.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to a debate on the Lisbon treaty referendum result last week.  Like the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="199.1">I thank Deputy Dooley for agreeing to share time on this debate.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to a debate on the Lisbon treaty referendum result last week.  Like the majority of my Oireachtas colleagues, I am acutely disappointed by the result of the referendum last week.  However, the people have spoken in a democratic fashion and, as the Taoiseach noted, one must accept and respect that decision.  It is important to point out that people voted “No” for a disparate set of reasons in this referendum.  The issues have been well-debated and well-rehearsed and include the issue of corporation tax, which was dealt with comprehensively by both the Taoiseach and the Referendum Commission.  As for the issue of neutrality, despite Ireland’s constitutional prohibition from participating in a common defence, the “No” side continued to trot out the line that in some way, we would be compelled to participate in common defence, even though the country’s position in this regard has long been clear.  The issue of abortion, which was drawn into the debate, was completely irrelevant.  When the “No” side continued to put forward arguments that clearly were disingenuous, when they misled people on issues of fact, when they put forward notions and sowed the seeds of doubt in many people’s minds on sensitive issues, they did the Irish people some disservice.  This will become clear over time.  They often spoke during the debate about unelected and unaccountable people, but the vast majority of the proponents on the “No” side were themselves unelected and unaccountable.  It was open and free to them to put up whatever they wished on posters and polls and nobody could ever hold them accountable for what they were saying.  The majority of them never campaigned or fought for Ireland in any sense of the word.  The research by the European Commission following the vote highlights some of the points that I am making.  Some 70% of the “No” voters thought a second treaty could be renegotiated easily.  The majority of people who did not understand the treaty voted against it.  There is a lesson for us to learn in any future votes that we hold in this country.</p><p pid="199.2">There were two subtle undercurrents in the campaign and it would be remiss of us not to mention them.  The first is the issue of immigration, which was lurking in the background and which influenced voters who have a negative perspective on the impact of immigration in Ireland.  We would be unwise to ignore that.  It is an issue that must be addressed apart from this referendum.  The second undercurrent was the emergence of voting trends along class lines, probably for the first time.  We must recognise that there is a suspicion among some working class communities of Europe and the impact it is having on their lives.  That is something which we must ensure is fed into our domestic policies.  These two issues are intertwined.</p><p pid="199.3">The requirement for equal coverage in the broadcast media is a crude instrument and it contributed to widespread confusion about the treaty among many people.  Many news clips featured comments from the “Yes” side or the Referendum Commission which were completely contradicted, falsely in most cases, by the “No” side.  This left the electorate utterly confused, which appears to have been the legacy of that particular provision.</p><p pid="199.4">The way forward today is unclear, but over time a consensus will emerge.  During the period of reflection, we must consider where we want to take Europe and Ireland’s role within Europe.  If the remaining 26 countries proceed to complete the ratification process and if they want to move ahead with the reform of the Union, Ireland will indeed be in a very difficult predicament and will face a fundamental political choice.  In that scenario, it will be our right, based on the democratic vote last week, to be the sole country on the lower tier of Europe.  The question facing our people at that stage may well be whether we are on board the train that is leaving the station.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-06-18T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-13.237.0&amp;m=543#g246.0">
	<title>Nomination of Comptroller and Auditor General: Motion. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-13.237.0&amp;m=543#g246.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on the nomination by the D&Atilde;&iexcl;il of Mr. John Buckley to the important Office of Comptroller and Auditor General, as provided for by Article 33 of Bunreacht na...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="246.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on the nomination by the Dáil of Mr. John Buckley to the important Office of Comptroller and Auditor General, as provided for by Article 33 of Bunreacht na h-Éireann.</p><p pid="246.2">I pay tribute to the work of Mr. John Purcell, the outgoing Comptroller and Auditor General, who has held this post for the past 14 years.  He carried out his functions with professionalism and competence during the course of that period.  During that time, Mr. Purcell has overseen very significant changes in auditing techniques, with a growing emphasis on technology and computer systems auditing.  The workload and responsibilities of his office expanded significantly in that time and the office has responded well to these demands.  The work of the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General should challenge all of us in public life to work towards the highest standards of financial probity among all public sector bodies.</p><p pid="246.4">I wish Mr. Buckley every success in his new post.  He is well qualified for the position and has accrued a wealth of experience in his time working at the office.  I know that he will have the full support of the Oireachtas in carrying out his important functions.  The expenditure of public funds must be fully accountable and transparent in all respects.  Value for money must be the cornerstone of all expenditure decisions.  While the work of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has become synonymous with ensuring value for money in recent times, the auditing and oversight role of the office is equally important.  The office audits over 350 public bodies, with 142 non-commercial State bodies being the largest bloc.  It carries out an enormous amount of work in auditing alone every year, not to mention value for money and special reports.  My background is in auditing, accounting and finance and I appreciate the importance of examining and reporting on the books and records of an organisation but also the financial processes and systems used, which are constantly evolving.  The auditing function can lead to real improvements to the financial administration of organisations by identifying system weaknesses and recommending improvements.  Thereby, it can save money for the taxpayer if public sector bodies can implement improvements.  It is essential that proper internal controls are designed and implemented.  The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is placing particular emphasis on this, particularly in recent times.</p><p pid="246.5">In the private sector we have seen the growth of importance of internal controls, having checks and balances so that deficiencies are identified prior to the annual statutory audit.  Departments and public sector bodies are now operating in an environment where compliance is increasingly important.  The requirements for proper risk assessment, compliance with modern corporate governance and legislative requirements are placing a serious onus on all budget holders and Accounting Officers in the public and private sectors.</p><p pid="246.6">Public bodies should not view scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General as a burden but as an opportunity to improve the way they do business.  They may identify steps that result in improvements in service efficiency and financial administration.  The work of the Comptroller and Auditor General should not be seen as a bulwark of bureaucracy and procedure for the sake of it.  The public service should not be bogged down in form filling and requisition reports and lose sight of the real role it has, serving Irish citizens.  Embracing the spirit of the work of the Comptroller and Auditor General means that those benefits can be tangible and can deliver real improvement to the people.</p><p pid="246.7">Value for money is at the centre of the work of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, particularly in recent times.  Some of the speakers on this motion have alluded to the significant reports on that area.  It is essential that all public sector bodies ensure that value for money is the number one priority.  I welcome the value for money and policy review initiative of the Department of Finance.  Some 92 reports were completed in 2006-08 and by the end of 2008 a number of significant additional reports will be completed on mental health services, the efficiency of long-stay residential care for adults, special needs assistants and grants to first and second level schools.  This work will be undertaken under the value for money and policy review initiative, which underlines the value of the work done under this initiative.</p><p pid="246.8">The Department of Finance has established the central expenditure evaluation unit, which will carry out important work on expenditure on a range of projects.  I recognise the important role of the Committee of Public Accounts in liaising with the Comptroller and Auditor General in scrutinising his reports, along with the value for money reports and the special reports.  He has completed important work on a number of special reports and one recent report, Special Report 10: General Matters arising on Audits — Non-Commercial State Sponsored Bodies, Health Sector Bodies, Vocational Education Committees, is an example of the importance of the work of the office.  The Comptroller and Auditor General was critical of the fact that expenditure of some public bodies was done without the necessary agreement of the relevant funding Department.  This is a fundamental issue, picked up on by the Comptroller and Auditor General in the report, which also identified shortcomings regarding procurement, governance and financial management.  The Comptroller and Auditor General has done us great service by identifying these issues but it is important that the recommendations are embraced and changes implemented to improve the efficiency of the way they do business and provide services to the public within a financial framework that is efficient and ensures value for money.</p><p pid="246.9">In the private sector, where an external auditor issues a management letter to a company arising from an interim or final audit, one of the first things the auditor will do when he goes back the next year is to check that the recommendations have been acted upon.  I hope a similar approach will be adopted in a rigid manner by the public sector.</p><p pid="246.10">I am pleased that the new Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, identified public sector reform as a priority for his Government.  I welcome the publication of the OECD report on the public service, commissioned by the Government.  I believe it will implement the recommendations arising from it.  The Taoiseach will appoint a task force on public service reform shortly.  This was an important step in moving to an era where value for money is at the centre of all public expenditure decisions.</p><p pid="246.11">I wish Mr. John Buckley every success in his new role and I look forward to interacting with him as a public representative.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-05-13T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-30.437.0&amp;m=543#g501.0">
	<title>e-Government Services: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-30.437.0&amp;m=543#g501.0</link>
	<description>I am pleased to have an opportunity to contribute to this debate.  I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, and Deputy Coveney, on agreeing to the motion, which is the correct way...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="501.1">I am pleased to have an opportunity to contribute to this debate.  I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, and Deputy Coveney, on agreeing to the motion, which is the correct way to approach this issue.  There is no need for it to be adversarial because, essentially, it is about improving the quality of services we can provide to the people we represent.</p><p pid="501.2">It has become clear that technology will be at the very heart of the provision of public services in the future as it has become increasingly important in recent years.  In embracing technology, it is essential the systems and services we set up on-line are flexible and can adapt to the changing nature of technology and that we can change them to respond to new needs and demands which will emerge from time to time.</p><p pid="501.3">As Deputy Cuffe said, many commercial organisations have done great work in providing services on-line.  Websites such as <i>Ryanair.com</i> and <i>eBay.com</i> have become part of everyday life in Ireland and around the world.  Banking and shopping on-line are part of people’s everyday experiences.  It is important we make a distinction between the provision of information on-line and the provision of public services on-line.  There are many fine examples of the provision of information on-line by public bodies.  The Citizens Information Board website is an outstanding resource which is widely used by the citizens of the State and which provides a wide range of information.  The Basis website for businesses is very beneficial to anyone in business or considering starting a business.</p><p pid="501.4">In terms of the provision of services, as a chartered accountant, I know from talking to colleagues regularly that the Revenue on-line service has transformed the way they do their work.  Revenue has enjoyed real benefits in terms of efficiency.  It is probably the single most successful e-Government initiative which allows Revenue to administer the business of twice as many taxpayers with fewer staff.  That should be noted.  Motor taxation was mentioned.  As a former member of Cork County Council, Deputy Coveney will remember seeing people queue outside County Hall in Cork to renew their motor taxation at the end of every month.  Thankfully, that will never be the case again.  One can view real time air quality monitoring in one’s area on the Environmental Protection Agency website.  The Companies Registration Office also has an excellent website and many services are available on-line on the national car test website.</p><p pid="501.5">The way the Oireachtas does its business has changed for the better and it has really embraced technology in recent times.  For example, replies to our parliamentary questions are on-line.  However, we can all do more.  Many Deputies, including myself, do not have websites and we need to change that, if we can.  Departments have taken very important steps to provide services on-line but I would like to see us do more.  For example, I would like the Department of Social and Family Affairs to accept applications on-line.  I agree with Deputy Cuffe in regard to local authorities.  There is much room for improvement there in terms of accepting housing applications, applications to register to vote and planning applications on-line and posting information on road programmes, road works, etc., on-line.  Many local authorities do not provide a staff directory and one cannot find the person to contact on-line to deal with a particular issue.</p><p pid="501.6">Data protection and identity theft are serious issues which will increasingly come to the fore as we embrace e-Government in the way we do our business.  I agree with Deputy Ferris’s point that we must ensure equality of access to services, that people who do not have access to computers, broadband and the Internet are not discriminated against and that we continue to provide the traditional services on a one-to-one basis which many people enjoy.</p><p pid="501.7">Again, I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, and Deputy Coveney on agreeing to the motion.  I look forward to the revised e-Government action plan due to be published in July.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-04-30T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-23.110.0&amp;m=543#g116.0">
	<title>Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-23.110.0&amp;m=543#g116.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy Se&Atilde;&iexcl;n Connick. I am pleased to contribute to the debate on the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008, which sets out the legal basis of the Lisbon...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="116.1">I wish to share time with Deputy Seán Connick.</p><p pid="116.2">I am pleased to contribute to the debate on the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008, which sets out the legal basis of the Lisbon treaty referendum, which will be put to the Irish people on 12 June.  I acknowledge the importance of Ireland’s participation in the EU since 1973 and the enormous contribution that membership and participation has made to Ireland’s social and economic parameters since 1973.</p><p pid="116.3">Listening to Deputy Ó Caoláin state that the “Yes” campaign has been characterised by deception is rich coming from him and Sinn Féin.  That party has opposed every European treaty referendum to date.  For the argument on the Lisbon treaty to have any credibility, Sinn Féin should have the courage to say that it got it wrong in the past, that it underestimated the importance of Ireland’s involvement and participation in the European Union and understated the benefits that Ireland has derived from membership and participation in the Union.  Its arguments would have greater credibility if it acknowledged it got it wrong many times in the past in terms of Ireland’s involvement in the European Union.  If there has been any deception to date in this campaign, it has been on the “No” side, which has been characterised by conspiracies, falsehoods and ignorance of what the treaty states.  It has completely disregarded the assurances given by the European Commission, the President, individual Commissioners and our Government.  It is a source of great pride to me that it was the Irish Government, which held the Presidency of the European Union in 2004, that successfully concluded the negotiation of the draft constitutional treaty, which forms the basis of the Lisbon treaty as it has emerged.  It has been put on the record by the Taoiseach and others that 90% or more of the contents of the Lisbon treaty derive from the constitutional treaty which the Irish Presidency secured agreement on in June 2004.  That is not something we should hide but rather we should be proud of it.  There have been changes since and those have been clearly articulated in the campaign thus far.  It is important to have this debate in the context of our overwhelmingly positive contribution since 1973.</p><p pid="116.4">I take issue with some of the criticisms that have been made of the Lisbon treaty.  The number of Commissioners will be two thirds the number of member states, totalling 18 Commissioners.  It is an enormous sacrifice for countries the size of France, the UK and Germany to relinquish the automatic right they have to a Commissioner.  It is not very long ago since those countries had two Commissioners each while smaller countries such as Ireland had one.  As larger countries in the European Union, their sacrifice is much greater in that they are agreeing to relinquish their automatic right to have two Commissioners.  The “No” side has consistently ignored the fact that the treaty recognises, for the first time, the role of national parliaments in the conduct of European affairs.  It significantly enhances the role of the European Parliament by providing co-decision making with the Council in a number of areas.  It is important that a President of the European Council will be appointed for a two and a half yearly term, with the possibility of his or her time in office being extended for a total of five years.  This would provide continuity in terms of the European Commission being represented in all its international affairs.</p><p pid="116.5">The charter of fundamental rights, which is being given legal recognition under the treaty, is also a significant improvement and must be commended.  Many of those on the “no” side have talked about the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy, completely ignoring the fact that participation in any mission will be voluntary for every member state.  They ignore the fact that Ireland’s neutrality is copperfastened in this treaty, which provides recognition of our constitutional provisions in this regard.  They also refer to the solidarity arrangements, whereby in the event of a member state being attacked other EU countries have the right, if they choose, to come to its assistance.  I see nothing wrong with that.  If Ireland came under attack at some future date, for instance, we would all like to believe that our neighbours and friends in the European Union would come to our assistance.  The view has long been proffered by opponents of European engagement and the European project that Ireland’s neutrality would end.  I am very proud that our military personnel are participating in humanitarian missions in Chad and are saving lives.</p><p pid="116.6">It should be reaffirmed too that unanimity and the right of veto is retained in all sensitive areas.  Deputy Ó Caoláin was disingenuous in what he said on taxation.  Ireland will retain a right of veto on any proposed changes to corporation tax rates, and to suggest otherwise is wrong.  At odds with the facts also is the assertion that in some way the adoption of this treaty may lead to the introduction of abortion in Ireland.  Members will know that Ireland has secured a number of protocols in previous treaties, which apply to the Lisbon treaty, particularly as regards Article 43.3 of the Constitution.  These stipulate clearly that nothing in the treaties or any Acts modifying or supplementing them will affect the application in Ireland of Article 43.3 of the Constitution as regards respect for the right to life of the unborn.</p><p pid="116.7">On modernising and changing decision-making structures that will be brought about by the adoption of the Lisbon treaty, the double-majority voting system, which will be introduced in 2014, provides an important safeguard for smaller member states.  It effectively means that the large European states cannot gang up on the smaller countries and impose decisions that we would not support.  The requirement for 55% of countries to support measures under qualified majority voting, QMV, representing 65% of the population, effectively means that 15 of the current 27 member states must agree on a particular initiative under QMV before it can be adopted, and those countries must represent 65% of the population.  That is a very important safeguard for small countries. It enshrines the equality of member states in the decision-making process in the European Union and I very much welcome this.</p><p pid="116.8">The essential point of the treaty is that it copperfastens the view that 27 member states, working together and collectively, on issues such as climate change, the WTO negotiations and the security of future energy supplies, are much more effective.  Our bargaining strength is enhanced significantly when we act as a bloc of 27 member states.  The European Union is now a bloc of 500 million people.  The Single Market has allowed us to break free from the shackles of economic dependence on the UK and has provided us with tremendous opportunities which many Irish businesses and entrepreneurs have seized on enthusiastically and with great success since Ireland joined the EEC.  The European Union is the most affluent bloc of consumers in the world, with its 500 million people.</p><p pid="116.9">It is important that all parties play a constructive and positive role in this campaign.  The Joint Committee on European Affairs will be held in Cork on Thursday night next and I encourage as many people as possible to attend and participate in the debate.  I call on the Irish people to vote, as they have done in the past, in favour of the treaty in this referendum, to enhance and copperfasten Ireland’s role as an important member of the European Union.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-04-23T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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