Results 201-220 of 10,962 for speaker:Timmy Dooley

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I ask the Leader to organise a debate as soon as possible on the Government's jobs policy. It is important that the efforts and successes in creating jobs in recent years are recognised.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: While it is unfortunate that certain jobs have not materialised because of world economic conditions, it is important that the contribution of the Government to job creation in the last seven years is put on the record. In the period before the election many jobs did materialise and it is important that we make that clear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: We have not achieved that yet.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I join Senators Tuffy, Norris, Hayes and others in the expression of sympathy to the families of those affected by the horrific bus crash at the weekend. Two investigations into the accident have been set up and two reports will be produced. As a member of the transport committee, I have asked the chairman that the committee considers those reports when they are issued. I ask the Leader to...

Seanad: Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (24 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I wish to share my time with Senator Kitt.

Seanad: Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (24 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I welcome the Minister of State. The report was compiled in recognition of the difficulty of the impending liability associated with public service pensions. It has been well discussed and has informed this Bill. It is important that the issue is dealt with now, well in advance of when it will impact on the economy. From discussions in the House on the economy, Members are well aware of the...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: —notes the Government's intention to introduce draft legislation in relation to Dormant Accounts; — welcomes the proposal to retain: —the Dormant Accounts Board, —the Dormant Accounts plan and —the underlying objectives of the legislation which target persons who are personally,...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: The terms "smash and grab" and "slush fund" have been heard in the Chamber. I could understand this outcry if the Government had decided to move the moneys into the Exchequer and make it part of day to day budgeting.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: The Opposition has awoken to the fact that it is not in Government and, therefore, not in a position to manage the economy. In recognising that it will not be in Government for a while, there is this outpouring of grief.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: My good colleague on the Labour benches has indicated that there is a necessity to introduce this Bill because Fianna Fáil will lose so many seats in the local elections. I wonder if this is a recognition——

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: ——on the Opposition's part that its only opportunity is to rule by committee. It must be accepted that our system of government means that the Executive manages the economy.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: The dispersal of funds or the management of those functions are purely the function of the Government. While the Oireachtas and different agencies have a role, the Government is there to manage. While this situation is a change in the direction of the Government——

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: ——it is a recognition of what needs to be done. It fits clearly into line with every other aspect of governmental management. I am delighted that this decision has been taken. Why does the Opposition want a different process for the dispersal of these funds?

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: Far too much authority is delegated to State boards and agencies.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: The Opposition will be aware that this is a catch-22 situation from its time in Government because it is damned if it does and damned if it does not. The Government will be blamed for the agencies' decisions. It will be blamed if it interferes with what is set down in statute and regulation, such as an independent commission that might have the power to disperse funds. If the Government does...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: One Senator made the point that it was obvious the advice that would be given would be considered unimportant. I argue that the advice will be well-used and recognised by the Government. I welcome the underlying objectives of the proposals that target persons with personal and educational difficulties and those who are socially disadvantaged. The principles behind the board's establishment in...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: That is not true as it will be involved in the preparation of the plan. It will prioritise areas of funding and will assess the impact of the spending of the money.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: It will even help the Opposition in doing its job in assessing the spending of the funds. I am sure Opposition Members will come into the House, waving its report. The Government is helping the Opposition to do its job. The proposals on the governance and the organisational arrangements are important and will ensure enhanced accountability to the Oireachtas and the Committee of Public...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I am somewhat concerned that I will not get the chance to say everything I want. I am delighted with the commitment that the spend will be additional. The money is not coming back into central funds. It will not substitute for spending that is already there. It is an addition and while it is difficult for the Opposition to accept this, we will be in a position to resolve many of the problems...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts: Motion. (25 Feb 2004)

Timmy Dooley: I will be delighted to hear the Opposition's views on that. It will be a transparent and open process by which applications——