Results 10,921-10,940 of 24,339 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I will put it to one side, the Cathaoirleach is alright. I will actually hide it from him so he will not see it. Brexit is a huge challenge for us. As the Minister said yesterday, we do not have the ability to have a bilateral relationship between the UK and Ireland but under the umbrella of the EU-----

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: -----but it is important that we would all find the common ground and that any negotiation must recognise the importance of the North-South axis in this State and the North's axis with England, Scotland and Wales, and from us as an island to the UK. It is impressive that this report is one of six that have been published. It is one that we will discuss with the Committee of Procedure and...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: First, Ireland does not meet any of the international standards for being considered a tax haven. Second, we are fully compliant with all international best practice in the area of tax transparency and exchange of information.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Does the Senator want me to reply?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Oxfam report includes Ireland's 12.5% rate as one of the factors in calling Ireland a tax haven.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Yes, it does. The Senator should read the report.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That inclusion is in keeping with the Sinn Féin policy of increasing corporation tax and driving jobs out of the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The report also lists Ireland's tax incentives as being a feature of a tax haven, which is simply not true, as the Senators know quite well.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I know it is nearly Christmas week, but can we all just take it down an octave?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Oxfam report lists Ireland's tax incentives as being a feature of a tax haven. That is what the report states, but it is not true.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Ireland has a limited number of targeted incentives that are fully in line with international best practice. I challenge the Senators to come back to the real world and to recognise that we are not a tax haven. We are fully compliant. The House knows from the Minister for Finance, in terms of the knowledge box and the update he published on budget day on Ireland's international tax...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Alice-Mary Higgins raised the issue of climate change and the national cycling strategy. I join with her in congratulating Dublin City Council. I will arrange for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, to return to the House in the new year. I am happy to discuss with Senator Norris the items he raised regarding the Order of Business. It probably will not be...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Victor Boyhan raised the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill 2016. The Bill is scheduled to complete all Stages in the Dáil on Friday. As agreed at the meeting of group leaders on Wednesday, it is the intention to take it in this House on Tuesday afternoon. We can sit from whatever time it comes into us on Tuesday afternoon until as late as we...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I ask that Senator Coghlan allow me finish. As Leader, I have to consider Members of the House, their staff, the staff of the Seanad and those in the Minister's office, which is why we should try to get it done on Tuesday. I believe there is ample time to do it on Tuesday given that the amendments will be presented to the Dáil this week. Those amendments, if passed, will be contained...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: As Members know, all of the amendments will not be accepted or agreed. Neither might all the Government amendments be accepted. In the interests of fairness and not wishing to be obstructionist, we should wait until Thursday morning or afternoon. However, it is my intention, as agreed at the meeting on Wednesday, to bring the Bill to the House to be debated on Tuesday of next week. If it...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Yes. It will be an amended Bill coming back to this House. Senator Colm Burke raised "The Crossing" on RTE last night. I commend the producers and narrators of the programme and pay tribute, on behalf of all Members, to the members of the Naval Service and the Defence Forces on the fine work they do.Senator Burke raised a very important issue and has been a very strong champion of nursing...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I accept that. I understand the relevant Minister is a constituency colleague of the Senator. It is a very interesting point. Senator Gavan referred to the very important issue of Yemen and the loss of life in its ongoing civil war. I have already given him a reply on the use of Shannon Airport. He can submit a Commencement matter to bring the relevant Minister to the House to discuss...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re appointments to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2016 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 3 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the eight Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. I join those who have acknowledged today the centenary of the birth of T.K. Whitaker and I wish him a happy 100th birthday. It is important to acknowledge and pay tribute to him today as a former Member of this House, appointed by both Jack Lynch and Garret FitzGerald, which was a sign of his ability to override political...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: True. That is a fair point. It is important - something we do not do enough in this country - to pay tribute and recognise greatness, no matter who they are. T.K. Whitaker is certainly a person who, for all of us as young people growing up, was the person who we looked up to. He was the architect of modern Ireland. I wish him well and thank him for his service. His life is the epitome...