Results 19,541-19,560 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: It is proposed to take No. a11, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002 (Section 8(2)) (Conferral of Additional Functions – Renewable Energy) Order 2012, to be referred to joint committee, and No. 1, Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad] - Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing...

Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: When Deputy Michéal Martin referred to pulling the wool over people's eyes, I thought he was talking about the balaclava effect.

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: This is a serious matter affecting everybody in the general economy, as everybody understands. I recall the announcement made by the former leader of a party on this side of the House which led to a complete brake on the movement of houses in the market. As the Deputy is aware, it is not generally the policy of the Government to interfere in the housing market. Let it find its own level....

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: As the Deputy knows full well, intervention in the housing market through various activities was a contributory factor in the country going over the edge. The idea was portrayed that we could continue to provide all the services that the public needed but not pay for them because they would be paid for using the taxes coming in through property speculation. The Deputy states there is no...

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: The Government has reduced stamp duty from 6% to 2% on all commercial properties, removed capital gains tax on property held for seven years and increased mortgage interest relief to 25% for first-time buyers in 2012 and it is to continue it for a period thereafter. We have also had direct meetings with the banks. We received confirmation from Bank of Ireland that it had set aside €1.5...

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: Cork won last Sunday, fair play to them.

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: I met Vita Cortex workers some time ago and the matter was raised in the House on numerous occasions. The workers told me that what they really requested was respect for the long years of committed and diligent service they gave to the firm. I am aware of a number of recommendations that have been made and I understand that even in the past week or ten days, recommendations have been put,...

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: I thank Deputy Adams for his reminder that this is May Day and for his reference to mythology and what it stands for. The Government has considered the Protection of Employees (Amendment) Bill 2012. This is not the best way forward. For that reason the Government will not support what Sinn Féin has put forward as a simplistic solution to this problem.

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Ross is moving around the spectrum. When it became my privilege to attend EU Heads of Government meetings, it was obvious that the issue missing from the agenda was growth and investment. A number of other leaders, as well as myself, have consistently raised this, and that is now a fixed item on the agenda of every Council meeting. That most recent meeting dealt with youth employment...

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: These parties and candidates are entitled to their views. I have said I welcome any political or government leader in Europe who now joins, as Deputy Shane Ross calls it, in the clamour for growth and investment to be included as a fixed item in the Council agendas. In that sense, he is aware that the treaty was signed by President Sarkozy. An addition to the treaty in respect of growth...

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: I remind the Deputy that the Minister for Finance always pointed out that there would be a review of the growth figures as set out. As the Deputy is well aware, these matters are subject to a range of criteria before being finalised. It is also a fact that growth has returned to the economy for the first time in a number of years. The figures for the live register and the Exchequer returns...

Leaders' Questions (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: A "No" vote will undermine confidence, cause confusion and be a step into the unknown for many. I do not want the people to make that decision. I want them to send a message of confidence, courage and belief in the eurozone but, more importantly, in the country that the stream of investments will not be damaged in any way and that as a consequence, the best way of dealing with the deficit...

Educational Projects (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together. The modern languages in primary schools initiative had been a pilot scheme involving approximately 550 schools and had operated since 1998. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment's recommendation that for the present modern languages not be part of the primary school curriculum as an additional and separate subject was...

Educational Projects (1 May 2012)

Enda Kenny: Modern languages are of enormous importance as we move on in a global world. I hear people commenting on the necessity to learn new languages such as Chinese, Russian, Portuguese and Arabic because of the changing nature of the global economies. This recommendation was made by the national council dealing with the curriculum. They recommended that, for the present, modern languages should...

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2012)

Enda Kenny: -----the capacity and the potential of Irish workers by saying that he has no confidence in the country when other people from outside want to invest here because they recognise the potential and the work rate and the productivity of our workforce. We are very happy to support that. The Government will continue to make efforts to stimulate our indigenous economy so that young men and young...

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2012)

Enda Kenny: The Irish people are much smarter than that. In my view, when they are given this information they will support Ireland's future and their own families' future, because that is what this is about.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2012)

Enda Kenny: I read the reports in regard to the matter Deputy Ross has raised. I recall that Deputy Bruton in particular, and members of the Labour Party, for years in opposition were pointing out the dangers of a property bubble and what might happen. Clearly some people in the public service were presenting memos pointing out those dangers. The political leaders of the day chose not to accept those...

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2012)

Enda Kenny: -----in that this Government is very open to hearing the truth of the recommendations that people in the public service wish to make. Deputy Ross asked if there is room for dissent. There is certainly room for an opposing or alternative view. The Government's only focus is to make decisions that are in the best interests of the people and the country. Clearly this was a situation that was...

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2012)

Enda Kenny: I have dealt before with Deputy Ross in respect of the growth estimate of 1.2%. On that occasion, I said that these growth factors take into account a whole range of issues and are periodically reviewed. There is such a review due at the end of the month. I do not want to talk about any individual in the public service. Suffice it to say, however, that the Government is intent on giving...

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Ross used to be pretty bullish himself about the chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank.