Results 35,721-35,740 of 36,321 for speaker:Pearse Doherty

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: The reality is that the Minister has removed the incentive for those who want to go on to third level. Those in receipt of the back to education allowance will no longer be eligible to receive maintenance grants. The maintenance grant for those who are eligible has been cut by 5%. We need to be clear about this. I asked the Minister a question to try to cut through all the spin about us...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: That is not what the Minister said. She said this only affected those who had never worked. That is okay because all of us make mistakes. I made one when I spoke about the circumstances of the 25 year old. People need to have made contributions for two years. They may have worked for a year and a half but will still be treated in this way. There will still be that anomaly between...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: I asked a question on the legal evidence, as the Minister referred to legal advice on the scheme introduced for those aged 18 and 19. Have we got legal advice on this? In my view we are discriminating against those under 25 so have we advice that this is completely constitutional? This is an example of ageism. The Minister's answer is technically correct but it still does not bring about...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: This is a clear question.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: I will keep asking the question until I get a simple answer. It is a "Yes" or "No" answer. Was legal advice sought on this issue of treating those under 25 differently from those 25 and over?

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: Of course it is relevant. If this legislation is tested-----

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: No.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: Of course it is relevant. If the legislation we are attempting to pass could be found unconstitutional, it would-----

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: We are the legislators and we should be informed as to whether legal advice on this issue was sought. It is a simple "Yes" or "No" answer.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: With all the-----

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: In all fairness, I am asking a question of the Minister on the issue of the different treatment of those under 25. Was legal advice sought on this? It is a "Yes" or "No" answer.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: The Minister has not said "Yes" or "No" to the question.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: I oppose this section. It deals with many of the issues we have discussed already, such as medical, optical and dental benefits, as well as the medical appliance scheme. This will cost us dearly in terms of dental hygiene and so on. I have spoken to people who will be directly affected by this. I hope people will get their applications in before the end of the year and before this measure...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: In my initial comments I asked about the cost to the State this section of the Bill will save. The Minister did not outline this or perhaps I missed it.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: We must make decisions and bridge the deficit, as Sinn Féin has acknowledged and has shown how it can be done. Sinn Féin acknowledges that PRSI contributions will be in deficit next year. That is one of the reasons we proposed the removal of the ceiling on PRSI contributions, bringing in €119 million. I know the Minister was uncomfortable listening to my earlier contribution but this...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: On the Minister's last comment, although we have already dealt with competition, the Minister is now saying the State pays a subsidy for extractions, fillings and the other treatment to which people had to contribute, and she said it is up to dentists not to be ripping them off. I take it she claims they are ripping off the client at present through the contribution from the State, and are...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: I have to ask the Senator if he is accusing me of something. Of what are you accusing me? You are attacking children in the budget. You are telling under 25s to head across the sea.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: You have passed a budget that is completely despicable.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: You intervened twice which I believe was wrong of you, but you are allowing your Government colleagues to make accusations such as that against me and my party without even intervening.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Pearse Doherty: I am asking you to intervene in this issue because it is an unfair accusation.