Results 2,061-2,080 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I would like to read a paragraph on the reason NAMA was established: NAMA has been set up to cleanse bad loans from banks so they can start to lend again to small-medium sized family businesses. This is about getting the banks to a position where they can start lending to these businesses and this is essential if we are to protect and create further jobs. Every Member on all sides of this...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, we will. It is too important an issue for the people, the future of Ireland and us as parliamentarians who are responsible to the people, and I guarantee that the Minister will be present here for all the spokesperson's contributions at the beginning of the Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Minister for Finance.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It will be the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Last week, Senator Leyden made a statement to the House which we were all very concerned about. I congratulate the Senator on bringing it to our attention. I am pleased to see there was a successful outcome and that there is a humane section in some of the banks regarding the issue that was brought to the attention of the House. This shows the importance of the House in matters of urgency,...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Coffey called for a debate with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on entitlements and particularly the long wait and queues by unfortunate people for the dole. The Minister is doing everything she possibly can in her power in this regard. Yesterday's initiative to retrain and upskill 18 to 24 year olds is essential. This is another very important issue on which the...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re European Commission proposals on Schengen evaluation mechanisms; No. 2, statements on the organic food industry; No. 3, Companies (Amendment) Bill 2009 - Order for Committee Stage and Committee Stage; and No. 31, Private Members' motion No. 31 re overseas aid. It is proposed that No. 1, motion re adoption and application of a proposal relating to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I join with the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the former Senator Martin J. O'Toole to the Visitors' Gallery. I had the great pleasure of spending 12 years in an office with him and I learned much of what I know from the wisdom of his experience. It is lovely to see him here all the way from Louisburgh in County Mayo. I do not know whether there is a connection but perhaps the present Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I presume he is no relation.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: With regard to the Private Members' motion, it has been pointed out to me by the Clerk that it will be taken from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the permission of the House. Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Prendergast, Norris, Mary White, McFadden, O'Donovan, Mullen, Callely, Glynn and Feeney expressed their serious concerns about the forthcoming report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. As...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: -----are being followed by our EU colleagues and throughout the world.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I am uplifted by Senator Ross's compliments, because he has more experience than most of us in these areas to be able to express wholehearted opinion, as he did yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We speak too negatively when things are not successful but when things are good we should be open-minded and congratulate those making these achievements possible. Senator Prendergast expressed her concerns for those unfortunate people who suffer from epilepsy. I fully agree with her sentiments and those of Senator Feeney about the hard work of the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney,...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We know about the massive overcrowding in Mountjoy Prison and the 400 new places in other prisons, as Senator MacSharry pointed out. We welcome that also. In the value for money area, the increase of 30% was because perhaps the specification had to be improved

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: A 30% increase is substantial to say the least. The Government is looking for value for money; more for less is the motto. At the end of it all, there is no reason why this is not the opportune time to get better value for money and we will wait to see what progress takes place. I will ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House so colleagues can make...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It is the life blood of the economy. I congratulate Senator Mary White on her determination that the Government should pay its bills 15 days after they are due. That will be enormously helpful. Senator Quinn, the most successful person in this House by a mile, has outlined to the House the importance of extending VAT payments by 30 days. I fully support his request and agree with him. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Butler asked about energy costs, particularly those of ESB and Bord Gáis. They have not passed on the reduction to industry and those in the hotel or manufacturing sectors. This is regrettable because these areas employ huge numbers of people. Jobs are the priority we are told but where are ESB or Bord Gáis playing their part in sustaining jobs? I have no difficulty in having...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Yes.

Seanad: European Council Regulations: Referral to Joint Committee (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option, provided by Article 3 of the fourth Protocol set out in the Treaty of Amsterdam, to notify the President of the Council that it wishes to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: a proposal for a Council Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation mechanism...

Seanad: Companies (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (20 May 2009)

Donie Cassidy: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.