Results 281-300 of 6,960 for speaker:John Paul Phelan
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I agree with what Senator White said at the end of her contribution and I echo her sentiments. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on the Estimates in the run-up to the budget, which will take place next week. I am also delighted that the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, seems to have come around to the idea of fiscal rectitude. We are all talking about how he is wielding...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I did not hear what he said. For the second consecutive year there is to be a cutback in the funding for Teagasc. This is significant at this time as agriculture is undergoing changes associated with the Fischler proposals. The reduced spending on Teagasc has caused general unease in the farming fraternity around the country. Following last year's â¬17 million reduction, one can only assume...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: The Estimates have been lauded for providing significant increases in funding for education. If one examines where the extra funds are being spent and takes out the elements concerned with pay and the redress board, one is left with a stagnant position for this year, according to the Book of Estimates. Contrary to what we were told about increased funding, it looks as if matters are staying...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: The phrase "locking the door after the horse is bolted" comes to mind. Community employment schemes have been decimated and for this mock indignation to arise within the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party at this late stage is quite disgraceful.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: It does not do politics or politicians any good to act in such a manner. I was particularly interested in the Minister of State's opening remarks. He spoke about the 96,000 people that are now employed providing health services, compared to 66,000 in 1997. He explained there were 6,000 extra nurses and 8,500 extra doctors and dentists. That means, presumably, that 16,000 or 17,000 extra...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I did not expect that to be included. This highlights from the Opposition point of view that the major problem with the health service is not the provision of money. We all accept that vastly increased amounts of money are being spent in this area. However, where is the money being spent? Based on these figures, it is not being targeted on the health service per se. It is being spent on...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I want to refer to an issue raised by Senator Norris, namely the much beleaguered motorist who apparently faces another increase in road taxation, with which I strongly disagree. This is grand in certain areas where public transport exists but down in Kilkenny or Roscommon, where public transport is not an option, the car is necessary. We should look towards the future, putting the emphasis...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: And go on a junket to Portugal.
- Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Potato Production. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Several potato growers in my area, County Kilkenny, have brought to my attention the possible disaster that could occur if the potato disease, ring rot, were to arrive on our shores. The farm in Wales where the disease broke out has been exporting seed potatoes to Ireland for five years. I ask the Department of Agriculture and Food to investigate farms which have received seed potatoes from...
- Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Potato Production. (26 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: My specific point is that this infected farm has been selling seed to this country for five years, according to the growers to whom I have spoken. If the Minister of State cannot answer my question now perhaps he could do so later. The farmer has records of those to whom he has sold seed potatoes. We need to do everything we can to keep the disease out. The Minister of State's answer is...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Nov 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I support Senator Brian Hayes's request for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to discuss the incident that occurred last night. While the Minister is here he could also discuss his proposed reforms of the Garda SÃochána. This has been raised by a number of Senators over the past week but the Leader has not responded adequately. I urge her to invite the...
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Some 200 civil servants will move to Tipperary town.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Absolutely.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: That is an old chestnut.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: They will vote the Government out of office as well.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: The Senator should tell that to the people in Carlow and Kilkenny who lost their jobs today.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I urge Senator Mansergh to take it easy.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: We do not want to have any unnecessary health spending in the Seanad today. I note that the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, has a smile on his face, and why not with the promise of 250 decentralised jobs for Birr?
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
John Paul Phelan: This is proof of the alleged political interference which can occur in these areas.