Results 3,041-3,060 of 21,440 for speaker:Mary Lou McDonald

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: The Commissioner's stated intention is, in accordance with the Croke Park agreement, to initiate reforms, create new efficiencies and maximise service to the public. I am trying to tally this with the intention to eliminate this allowance. Does Mr. Callinan see from where I am coming? Is there an ongoing rationale in respect of continuing to pay this allowance to the 13 individuals...

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: I appreciate that. Perhaps I might approach the matter in a slightly different way. If Mr. Callinan was tasked with identifying eight allowances that might be given priority in the context of elimination, would the eight to which I refer have figured?

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: Okay.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: I appreciate the position in which the Commissioner finds himself. Will he outline the situation with regard to the ministerial pool allowance? What is that all about? I presume it does not refer to a swimming pool for Ministers.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: In 1994.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: What are the costs associated with this allowance? It is stated that there are 34 recipients but in the context of the range of payments involved, the word "variable" is used. Will Mr. Callinan shed more light on the cost to the taxpayer of this driving service?

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: It is No. 18.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: I am just trying to obtain an indication of the costs relating to the allowance.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: I appreciate that. I am seeking to obtain information on the overall cost of the allowance.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: That is a great deal of money, is it not? It is interesting that this allowance is not on the list of eight for consideration.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: I do. I also find it intriguing.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: In the context of the number of these allowances that are active or in payment, the list indicates that there are zero recipients in respect of 35 of the 108 allowances. That is interesting. Nos. 64 and 65 relate to the delegates allowance. I notice that Nos. 97 and 98 on the list also refer to delegates allowances. The rates involved are different. I am seeking Mr. Callinan's assistance...

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: Yes.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: Yes, I appreciate that. The sole abolition for incumbents relates to this delegates allowance. Do Nos. 97 and 98 still obtain? I am aware that there are zero recipients in respect of the allowance. Is the allowance still in place?

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: Okay. That is not clear from the documentation. I thank Mr. Callinan for clarifying the position. Not unlike other entities which have been before the committee, the Garda Síochána is suffering to some extent on foot of the fact that these allowances developed in an ad hoc way. Mr. Stone made his organisation's position very clear, particularly in respect of the rent allowance...

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: Does the Commissioner have a position, in principle, in respect of the matter? Leaving aside its finer details, does he see the sense in consolidating the position?

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: I accept this is not relevant at present because Templemore is not in operation and new recruits are not being taken on. However, where would potential new entrants stand vis-à-vis those who are currently serving members of the force? Does the Commissioner accept that the former would be at a disadvantage in the context of pay?

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: Mr. Callinan referred in his opening statement to the imperative of doing more with less. There comes a point when that argument runs out of rope because there is a stage at which not alone can one not do more with less but one cannot even do the necessities. Therefore, recruitment will be re-opened at some stage. Would it pose an operational difficulty for the Commissioner if he were to...

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: As the person who is in charge of the force and is answerable to Government, from a simple managerial perspective would it not cause Mr. Callinan concern that such a differential would open up? It would certainly complicate his task.

Public Accounts Committee: Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances (1 Nov 2012)

Mary Lou McDonald: None the less, I am sure Mr. Callinan, as the person charged with the most senior management responsibility, would prefer if such a scenario were not to play out.