Results 2,261-2,280 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: We want action not idle talk from Government Senators in regard to Ireland's competitiveness challenge. Throughout the country today there is evidence of the closure of industries due to stealth taxes and other charges imposed by this lame Government. It is evident that foreign companies are moving elsewhere.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: Yes, I have an important question for the Deputy Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I would support a debate on job cuts and the high costs to businesses of insurance, levies and other taxes imposed by the Government. This is very serious for businesses employing people in Ireland today. I want to see an end to the stealth taxes the Government has imposed in recent years.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: These taxes are a key factor in——

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: ——the decision to locate elsewhere.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: conscious of: —the Government's failure to live up to its commitment to provide adequate funding for local authorities to make up for abolished local rates; —the impact of stealth taxes; —the severe inadequacy of the current system of funding; —the Government's failure to provide for...

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: Local government should and could be the regarded as the bedrock of democracy, but instead it is the Cinderella of our democratic system. It is left short-changed and downtrodden by central government and with very little input into its present or future activities.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: The danger for local government is the perceived and, I fear, very real erosion of its independence and the persistence of the "Dublin knows best" mentality. Senator Dardis shares this mentality although he claims he is from a rural area. In a democracy, power should be devolved to representatives close to the people, who would address their issues, and those who have power and make decisions...

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I could mention many other problems.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I regret that I do not have more time as I could continue until 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I would not be wasting time.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I would be speaking about the reality of what people think about this Government.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: It is time for the Government to fold up and get out because it has let down local democracy.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: The Government has let down the people of this State.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: It is time for the Government to call it a day and get out.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: I understand that the Taoiseach has made May available for a general election.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: Perhaps the Minister, Deputy Roche, will highlight the fact that he is running out of time at this stage.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: This Government has let down local government after all its years in power. Shame on it.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: The Senator is coming around to agree with the amendment to the motion. Fair play to him.

Seanad: Local Authority Services: Motion. (22 Feb 2006)

James Bannon: The Government will leave those schemes in the bundle.