Results 9,561-9,580 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Cabinet Committee Meetings (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: Yes, but it was changed in September.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Cabinet Committee Meetings (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: It is an important point. Since August last year, the Department of Finance has published regular reports on what is happening here, engaged with the banks and processed that information. The figures produced in November this month, drawn from the six main banks, account for approximately 90% of the mortgage market. That information indicates that progress continues to be made. The data...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Cabinet Committee Meetings (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Adams mentioned small and medium-size enterprises and the facilities available to them. With regard to mortgages, at the end of August 2014, which is the end of quarter 3, there were 691,434 mortgages or mortgage accounts. The total number of accounts not in arrears at the end of quarter 3 2014 was 595,319. That means the total number of mortgage accounts in arrears from one day...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Cabinet Committee Meetings (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The situation concerning distressed mortgages has improved from what it was just a couple of years ago. The Government then had to act to provide a range of opportunities both for lenders and borrowers in order that they could sit down to work out solutions to the problem of mortgage arrears. The central principle was that the loss of a home should be the very last resort. For instance,...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The answer to the Deputy's question is "No." The Government's first action on its election was to reverse the cut to the minimum wage which applied to so many people who were on lower incomes.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The Government reversed the two lower levels of the universal social charge on lower income families and did not cut any of the core rates in social protection payments.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The Government increased the level at which people paid the higher rate of tax, taking thousands out of the income tax net. It reduced income tax at the highest level. The return in income tax which will take effect in pay cheques in January will, in one year, far outweigh the contribution to be made to Irish Water. Deputy Mick Wallace referred to protests. I would have thought the...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The Government, through the people's sacrifices, has brought about an income tax reduction for the first time in years. Starting in January 2015, the reduction will far outweigh any water charge during 2015. It will be repeated in 2015 for 2016 and beyond, if the people decide to re-elect the Government. This is where we need to be, investing for the future. I agree that access to water...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: It is time to fix all of it and invest for the future. That is the purpose of Irish Water, to be able to borrow off Government balance sheet and provide for the future for the very many people who do not have the facility now.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The majority who walked recently in respect of Irish Water and water charges carried out their protest in the way one would expect, perfectly legitimately and peacefully. They made their point and the Government has listened to the concerns and anxieties they expressed.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: I thank the Garda for the restraint it has shown in the face of unmitigated viciousness. I saw people attempt to kick gardaí, knock them down and steal their equipment.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: This was not a peaceful protest and, as I witnessed last night, not in keeping with what the leaders of the protest group said to gardaí. Tomorrow the Minister will announce the formal Government decision on these matters. We have listened to the people and will act accordingly. The Government has provided €2.2 billion in next year’s budget for the provision of social...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: Everybody will gain from the reductions in income tax levels.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: The tax reductions and benefits people will receive will far outweigh the contributions they will pay for water.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: I deplore the Deputy’s comment on the person appointed as chairperson of the independent policing authority. That person has an outstanding record, is beyond repute and will make an outstanding chairperson of the interim policing authority.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Cabinet Committee Meetings (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. The Cabinet sub-committee on mortgage arrears and credit availability last met on 29 May. In September the Government made a number of changes to Cabinet sub-committees, including the establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee on Construction 2020, housing, planning and mortgage arrears. The sub-committee has met three times to...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: No, I will not support the Sinn Féin Bill.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: Last week the Tánaiste gave Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, who I do not see in the House today, a very direct answer to her question. Whatever planned diversionary tactics Deputy Adams and his colleagues came up with at their meeting last week were employed here. The Government will not support the Bill produced by Deputy Brian Stanley because the first part of the Bill would create a...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: Furthermore, some uncertainty could arise for privately owned group water schemes, which receive considerable State funding, as to whether their status is changed or not. The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann and specifies that it should conform to the conditions set out in the Act and be registered under the...

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Adams asked whether I will support the legislation put forward by his party. The answer is "No" and I have given the reasons. The Deputy commented on the situation in general. Only a few weeks ago, he was advocating the payment of water charges and saying he would advise supporters of his party to make their contribution to investment for the future. The Deputy changed his mind...