Results 221-240 of 9,823 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: It has not said it in the motion. Fine Gael should make it clear to the people where the party stands on this because it is speaking from two sides of its mouth at national and local level.

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: That is commonplace but, unfortunately the issues are serious. That is best illustrated by this new NERA company, the Fine Gael "super quango", as I call it. The party wanted to abolish quangos, some of which do good work, and establish a super quango instead. It wants to privatise some of our most important State assets, and I assume the Labour Party will not support that. Privatisation...

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: The Fine Gael motion refers to "a possibility of non-critical State assets being sold at a future date". That is privatisation from Fine Gael.

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: We have serious difficulties in this country. I agree with the Fine Gael motion where it asks the Government to open a real and constructive dialogue with the Opposition on how best to proceed. However, how can one do that when the leaders of both parties come in here and raise unsubstantiated rumours about golden circles and the Anglo Irish Bank ten? We had to listen to that for weeks and...

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: The Opposition has to get real and consistent. We have a serious responsibility with so many people unemployed. Many things are happening. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, who is doing a fantastic job, has outlined many of them in the energy and infrastructure fields. Our general infrastructure has improved substantially and there is...

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: We are already spending a massive amount of money and I do not know, given the large social welfare bills that we, unfortunately, must pay, where we will get the rest. I do not believe in the Fine Gael proposal for the super quango that will have to go out and borrow more and more. We already have to borrow for NAMA, a crucial initiative. I compliment the Minister for Finance because it...

Infrastructure Stimulus Package: Motion (Resumed) (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: On this side of the House we know our responsibilities, which are major and unprecedented. First, we have to get on with the job of stabilising the public finance system and the banks. We have to maintain a pro-enterprise, competitive taxation system. I would like the Commission on Taxation to examine ways we can maintain a low tax system with taxes adjusted to best attract jobs and...

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (29 Apr 2009)

Thomas Byrne: Question 139: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [16871/09]

Leaders' Questions (6 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: There is no need to be bringing up that old one.

Leaders' Questions (6 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: We all know the problems.

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (6 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: Question 270: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [18032/09]

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (6 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: Question 597: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the plans to develop a new school (details supplied) in County Louth; and when he expects construction to commence. [17646/09]

Written Answers — Hospital Waiting Lists: Hospital Waiting Lists (7 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: Question 66: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the patient waiting times for MRI scans; and the actions she is taking to reduce these waiting times. [18276/09]

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (7 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: Question 151: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress of a proposed extension at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and when he expects construction to commence. [18391/09]

Leaders' Questions (12 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: What does the Deputy mean by "cleaned up"?

Leaders' Questions (12 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: There are no details. It is all bluff.

Banking System: Motion (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: Deputy Flynn observed that we are all seeking the same objective, but when the Government side of the House proposes a solution we do not hear rational argument. Instead we hear of builder bailout and bank bailout. That does a disservice to the debate on one of the most serious issues the State has faced. While Deputy Gilmore's assertion, based on an article in The Irish Times, that this...

Banking System: Motion (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: I agree with Deputy Beverly Flynn.

Banking System: Motion (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: The Labour Party wishes to get construction workers back to work. The reality is we must get some builders back in business.

Banking System: Motion (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Thomas Byrne: The builders are now up in arms about NAMA. This is far from a builder's bailout as the Labour Party has described it.