Results 26,421-26,440 of 26,762 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: We used to be on the other side of the fence.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I realise it well.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: In fairness, Senator Byrne is responding to a comment made by the Minister of State.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I agree with the main point made by Senator Byrne, which is that this needs to be tracked. The Minister of State cited a response from the Department, suggesting it would be difficult to do so. We are able to get regular updates on progress on the Croke Park agreement, a matter which is important and which we discussed this morning. It seems in that instance when we are looking at savings...

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I appreciate what the Minister of State is saying and we will be debating this. However, it concerns me. The Government is looking at a tax measure over four years of €1.8 billion. The Department of Finance would not be happy to know that we are raising a significant €470 million a year on the basis of the levy and will not be able to track the output of it. I understand the Government...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Last week in the House my colleague, Senator Mark Daly, indicated that he had information to hand suggesting that, in some instances, developers were in a position to purchase back discounted loans from the National Asset Management Agency through offshore companies. On the Order of Business yesterday the Government Chief Whip, Senator Paul Coghlan, stated his view that Senator Daly had...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Parts of it.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: The principle, yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: On what basis?

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I do not wish to be difficult, but more to the point, an accusation was made that Senator Daly effectively abused the privilege of the House. It was put up to him by the Government Chief Whip to make those comments outside the House, which he did. He was raising a concern that the Taoiseach has also raised. I am not talking about the overall issue, but I think it was something that should...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I know that.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Second Stage (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: After it was done.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Second Stage (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Lean ar aghaidh.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Second Stage (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Afterwards.

Seanad: Death of Former Minister: Expressions of Sympathy (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: We had an opportunity to say a few words yesterday. I hope Members will understand if there is some repetition today. I thank the Leader for his kind words and the Government for the assistance it gave to Brian Lenihan's family. I refer to the preparations for the funeral and the opening of books of condolence, for example. My wife's family comes from Dublin West. When I went to Laurel...

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Second Stage (15 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, and wish him the best of luck in his endeavours over the next few years. I am pleased to be here discussing this Bill. A couple of items on the pensions levy were discussed in this House only a couple of weeks ago. Some of the charges with regard to how this is paid for have been discussed in the House previously. However, there are...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: This is a very sad day for my party and all of us in this Chamber. We have lost a great friend and colleague in the late Deputy Brian Lenihan who was laid to rest today. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group in the Seanad, I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife, Patricia; his son, Tom; his daughter, Claire; his mother, Ann, and his extended family. His aunt, former Senator Mary O'Rourke,...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: That would be greatly appreciated. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I convey my sympathy to Brian's family. He fought the good fight. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I welcome the change to the number of Adjournment debates proposed to the House today by the Leader. It is important that there would be four Adjournment matters allowed every day as it would allow more Senators to raise issues that are of concern. On the agreed motion on Bahrain, it is a well-worded motion that has been agreed by the House today. I thank Senator Crown for his work in that...

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I would not bother.