Results 2,761-2,780 of 45,510 for speaker:Simon Harris

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Order for Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The Government's IFSC strategy and the Action Plan for Jobs call for the introduction of a new legal framework for corporate funds. The Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill is the Government's response to that call. I believe that this Bill will allow Ireland better compete for investment with other funds domiciled on an equal...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: It matters a lot to the people who have them.

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I begin by agreeing with Deputy Mathews that we often fail to ask enough questions. He does not need to say that to me, however. I am not glossing over anything. I have been here for the entire debate. I have been here to hear everybody's contributions. I am here now to respond to some of the issues that were raised. It is great to see such a great turnout. This legislation does...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I am going to be up against the clock. Given that Deputy Mathews had 20 minutes, I ask him to give me a moment. We need to make it clear that it is fine for the Government and the public sector to consult. In my view, it is perfectly appropriate to have consultative forums in place. That is what the Clearing House Group is. However, it is on the floors of this and the Upper House and in...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Deputy Mathews made reasonable points about skill sets and resourcing, but this Bill is not about deregulation, which was Deputy Ross's allusion. Rather, the Bill is about asking whether we have the correct structure in place, should we view funds in the same way as stereotypical companies, should we examine what competitor countries are doing or should we stay as we are. This is the...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Deputy Mathews might have an issue with their bosses, but these employees are not faceless people. As Deputy Michael McGrath mentioned, they are not just working in offices in Dublin's docklands or the IFSC, but also in communities in Drogheda, Naas, Cork and Wexford. Let us acknowledge this fact. While mistakes have been made in the industry, many mistakes have also been made in this...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: We are not allowed to name people. Deputy Boyd Barrett was concerned that the Bill was about avoiding tax or regulation. I suggest that he read it in advance of Committee Stage and have an exchange with us then. Some 64 sections give rise to an offence. As to the question of tax advantages for investors in ICAVs, it is important to reiterate that, while investors in undertakings for...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: However, the ESRI this week has produced an interesting report on the issue of corporation tax. I believe it was published with its quarterly economic commentary. It has done some modelling of what would happen, had our corporation tax rate been increased-----

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: -----in respect of an impact on jobs and investment. It makes interesting reading for those who believe that slapping additional taxation on business will somehow not have any impact on jobs and investment. While the Deputy has suggested I should read Timothy Geithner's book-----

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: -----I suggest he have a look at the ESRI report published this week. It is fresh off the presses and the Deputy should read it. I would be interested in his feedback on it. I will conclude by noting there undoubtedly will be an opportunity to discuss the matters raised by Deputies as this Bill continues to progress through the House. I wish to thank my officials and I thank Members for...

Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Referral to Select Committee (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Finance pursuant to Standing Orders 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a) and 126(1) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business.

Topical Issue Debate: Licensed Moneylenders (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and for giving me an opportunity to outline the Government's thinking it. I will deal with some of his requests which were quite constructive at the end of my response. The Government has some concerns about the introduction of a cap. Those concerns include that the introduction of a cap on the interest rates that can be charged by...

Topical Issue Debate: Licensed Moneylenders (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Deputy is correct. The issue that has been raised by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and others about illegal moneylenders is a major cause of concern for people on all sides of the House. We need to examine it. Since persons operating as illegal moneylenders are in breach of the law, it is a matter for the Garda Síochána to investigate their activities. Under section 98...

Topical Issue Debate: Licensed Moneylenders (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I do not have that, because it is a matter for the Central Bank. It is a fair point. We have provisions in the Consumer Credit Act 1995. If the question the Deputy is posing is whether they are adequate or if more could be done, I am willing to explore it with my colleague, the Minister for Finance. I thank the Deputy for raising it.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Drainage Schemes Status (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Statutory Instruments No. 469 and 470 of 2012 give effect in Irish law to EU Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. As the Consent Authority for flood alleviation schemes under Section 7 of the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 – 1995, the Regulations...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: A study completed in 2010 by consultants commissioned by Dublin City Council recommended that flooding caused by the River Wad should be addressed in three phases, with a total estimated cost of approximately €20m. The Council agreed with the Office of Public Works (OPW) that the initial focus would be on Phase 1, which would address flooding in the vicinity of Clanmoyle Estate. These...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: It is a matter for Kerry County Council, in the first instance, to investigate and address flooding issues in the County. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has no flood defence assets in Ballylongford and, therefore, has no direct responsibility for maintaining or improving existing flood defences. However, Ballylongford was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Scheme (9 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The primary control of the risk of carbon monoxide in fuel burning installations must be the provision of adequate ventilation.  This is reflected in the Building Regulations and other relevant standards. Proper maintenance is another factor which reduces this risk.  Carbon monoxide alarms are very useful in ensuring the safety of people where these controls fail.  The current...

Financial Resolutions 2015 - Financial Resolution No. 1: Tobacco Products Tax (14 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: What is wrong with that?