Results 3,141-3,160 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: All right. Senator Nicky McFadden talked about stopping imported goods. I am not quite sure how that could be done consistent with our EU obligations. I do not believe we should go down a protectionist route. We must make ourselves competitive.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Yes.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: No, I was answering the Senator's final question.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (29 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 43 together. The Shannon Callows are prone to annual winter flooding and to periodic summer flooding, affecting both farming and environmental interests in the area, including EU protected species. The exceptional rainfall in 2008 exacerbated the flooding, which is caused mainly by the extremely flat gradient of the river. This makes it very difficult...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: It was very important that decisions were taken without further delay to start to remedy the gaping hole in the public finances. Ireland's credit worthiness is essential to sustain public services and jobs. The decisions announced yesterday did not just save €1.8 billion this year or €2 billion in a full year, but also provided the first €1 billion savings of the €4 billion that...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: However, the economy cannot function without banks. We needed to nationalise one and support others. I refer to an article in Der Spiegel which states: "Sometimes, unfortunately, it is the case that one must temporarily satisfy private interests to avert far greater damage to the common good". One would like to know what the alternative is or was. How would allowing our banking system to...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Social partnership is a relatively——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: One of the differences between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is that Fine Gael has no real commitment to social partnership. Most of the growth and the doubling of employment was due to social partnership.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: One of the reasons for the failure of the Fine Gael-Labour Government was because it rejected the social partnership model.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I am proud in that respect to belong to what I conceive as the social democratic tradition. I accept there are other traditions. It is perfectly understandable that the Opposition wishes to steer clear of supporting unpopular decisions and to keep its powder dry and I do not criticise it for this. The Government, however, has the responsibility, if necessary on its own, to do what is...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: A previous speaker spoke about reducing the costs of government in general and the Oireachtas, in particular. We plan to reduce the cost of procurement in my area of responsibility. We are also looking at the expenses of this House and, in particular, there will be no capital expenditure on this House, other than essential maintenance. There has been a demand from the other party opposite,...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: That is not true.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (4 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The provision of office accommodation for use by some administrative units of the Garda Síochána currently based in Tallaght Station is being actively pursued.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works are already addressing the issue of flooding at various locations throughout the country. Following a Government Decision in September 2004, the Commissioners have responsibility as lead agency for implementing Government policy in relation to flooding, now including coastal flooding, which was previously the responsibility of the Department of the...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 to 88, inclusive, together. A site has been acquired for the new Garda Divisional Headquarters in Wexford and the design process is being advanced. Construction of the new HQ is dependent on the availability of capital funding. In the meantime, arrangements are underway to provide additional temporary accommodation at Wexford Garda Station to alleviate...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I wish to set out the basis for the Government decisions on expenditure and the economy, announced on Tuesday, and to commend them to Senators for their support. As the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have made clear, we are now living in exceptionally difficult budgetary times, and the measures announced on Tuesday are likewise exceptional. The Government has had to take resolute...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I have done so frequently.

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: No, it is on the record.

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: One never knows. The Senator might be at some time in the future.

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: No permanent civil servants.