Results 3,001-3,020 of 4,085 for speaker:Dan Boyle

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I welcome that we will have a debate on public sector reform. I would like to request an additional debate on an issue linked to that agenda, namely, the existence of State agencies and public bodies in this country. The budget process has put in train a rationalisation plan for many of them and contains proposals in regard to shared secretariats for others. Yesterday's document indicates...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: If the House is prepared to provide time for such a debate and to pursue such a role for itself, it could go a long way towards restoring some of the public confidence lost by recent revelations.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: There is a famous quote, although I cannot remember who said it, "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." There are individuals who promote themselves and their love of country as being superior to that of other individuals, whereas real patriotism is about collective action in the face of adversity. There has been much misunderstanding and misreporting in how that term has been used...

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: I rarely forget Cork.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: I am glad to tell Senator Buttimer that Cork is utterly self-sustainable.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: If we are discussing sustainable economies as a rule, it is not just the nation State but sustainable communities and community economics. Encouraging people at every opportunity to spend their money in their immediate vicinity strengthens local and, ultimately, national economies. We have lost sight of this in recent years in trying to meet consumer desire to find what, on the surface,...

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: In terms of the way Government is already structured, there are bodies that can do this job equally well.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: I am just making a mild criticism, Senator. Making that minor point does not undermine anyone's political credibility.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: The current price differential is predicated on the differences in VAT. The reality is that Irish VAT rates do not apply to food or children's clothing. The VAT increase in the recent budget applies largely to white goods, and even luxury goods and services, and is unchanged for most goods and services in this country. The real price differential comes about as a result of the strength of...

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: I am deeply ashamed.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: That is utter nonsense. The Senator has made four mistakes with his economic figures.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: That is not true.

Seanad: Shoppers Task Force: Motion (3 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: The amount will be less than that.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: That is Senator Regan's job.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: Given the amount of briefing material they have to work through from the Department of Finance, I am not too sure whether the Minister for Finance or the Minister of State have had an opportunity to read The Economist world review of 2009.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: It is a publication that has a particular political bend but it is also one that is recognised as getting the fundamentals of economic indicators right. It is framed in a number of sections, part of which is an overview of the global economy. It is a fairly gloomy assessment. It states that for the next few years, the elements that have brought about the worst economic global shock in 80...

Seanad: Regional Fisheries Boards: Motion (9 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: I agree with most speakers who contributed to the debate on the motion that it is regrettable there will be a further postponement of the elections to these boards. This might be the third year for which the reorganisation process has lingered. There is an understanding that reorganisation of the sector is necessary, that it is happening and that it is progressing towards finality. ...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (9 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: In the midst of a very despondent economic position, the Social Welfare Bill should be recognised as a significant treat in trying to meet the needs of the most impoverished in our society. This Bill proposes increases in social welfare payments that are significantly higher than the likely inflation rate next year. It gives further increases over and above the standard rate increase to...

Seanad: Recall of Irish Pork and Bacon Products: Statements (10 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: The crisis that followed the recall of Irish pork and bacon products relates as much to the economy as to food safety. We need to consider the impact on the turnover of pork producers during the worst possible time of the year. Already we are seeing a short-term impact in terms of staff being laid off. Further down the production chain, the impact will be even more strongly felt on...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill 2008: Second Stage (10 Dec 2008)

Dan Boyle: I compliment Senator Regan on producing this Bill. As someone who has introduced Bills in both Houses, I recognise that legislation should come from Members on all sides. It is regrettable that the majority of legislation we pass comes from the Government. In drafting this Bill, the Senator has made the case for investigating this area. The Minister indicated the issues arising are being...