Results 3,501-3,520 of 45,510 for speaker:Simon Harris

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: It was not our decision.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Funding (3 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) submitted applications for funding for projects at Askeaton and Ballysteen under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The application for Askeaton sought funding to enable LCCC to engage consultants to survey the existing flood defences and to prepare a detailed design of proposed improvements...

Seanad: Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (3 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I am delighted to move the Second Stage in Seanad Éireann of the Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014. At the outset I wish to acknowledge the all-party support that this Bill received in the other House, which has concluded its deliberations on the legislation. I look forward to the debate on the Bill in this House and hopefully the speedy enactment of what is...

Seanad: Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles Bill 2014: Second Stage (3 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Senators from all sides of the House for their thoughtful contributions to the debate. I look forward to re-engaging with Senators on Committee and Report Stages. I wish to acknowledge, as I did at the outset, the cross-party support which has been received for this Bill in both the other House and, it seems, this House. I am very grateful for this. I echo Senator O'Donovan's...

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Catherine Murphy for tabling this motion. Unlike some of the assertions made, the Government is certainly not embarrassed by it. It is timely, right and proper that the Dáil is debating this issue. It has been a useful debate over the past two evenings and I thank Members on all sides for their contributions on this important topic. At the beginning of the debate...

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: There is also a misconception around the cost of servicing the national debt. The factual position is that of the €7.5 billion in interest payments we face in 2015, when account is taken for the various asset sales and circular flows of income, approximately 10% is banking related. There is a misconception that if it were not for the interest costs, banking related or otherwise, we...

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: These are real Irish families - people getting jobs, getting back to work and spending more money. We have seen an increase in start-ups and have seen our service and manufacturing industries increase. It is not made up although the Opposition has done a very good political job of trying to detach economics from society. Economic benefits and the economic growth we are now seeing represent...

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: Deputy Boyd Barrett should not take my word for it. Just the day before yesterday, the National Treasury Management Agency raised €4 billion through a 30-year bond at a yield of just over 2%. We are not borrowing that money for fun or for the craic but to fund public services. The fact that people are willing to lend to this country again, that we are no longer locked out of the...

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The issue of the UN resolution came up and I think is important to address it. Ireland recognises the importance of an appropriate international agreement regarding sovereign debt restructuring due to its significant economic, social and financial implications. In common with other European member states, Ireland was unable to support the recent UN resolution on a multilateral legal...

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I would like to hear the Deputy's plan. When he gets beyond the rhetoric, he must have a plan.

European Debt: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: That is a fair point.

Customs Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) (5 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I am glad to have the opportunity to take part in the progressing of the Customs Bill through the House. As the Minister, Deputy Noonan, said in his opening remarks, most of the current national customs legislation is old and, in the main, consists of a body of pre-Independence legislation - the Customs Consolidation Act 1876 - which has been extensively adapted and amended on many occasions...

Customs Bill 2014: Referral to Select Committee (5 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Finance pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a).

Topical Issue Debate: Tax Exemptions (5 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I note his comments on the Central Bank's decisions on mortgages. The Central Bank is independent and it, not the Government, has decided on these regulations. The Government accepts them. During the consultation period, the Central Bank took on the concerns of many people, including first-time buyers. The deposit required does not...

Topical Issue Debate: Tax Exemptions (5 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The Deputy's point on thresholds and entry points is valid and deserves significant consideration. The Minister, Deputy Noonan, and I debated it in this Chamber during the Finance Bill debate and the Minister is keeping the issue under review. I will relay the Deputy's views to the Minister. The Deputy pointed out that there is already an incentive in the form of lower LPT on a smaller...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Risk Assessments (5 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: Responsibility for identifying and implementing appropriate measures to address flood risk at Bellurgan, County Louth rests with Louth County Council (LCC) in the first instance. LCC, with the support of funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW), engaged consultants in 2011 to assess the condition of the embankment and to make recommendations for any necessary upgrading. The...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Properties (5 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 150 together. The following shows details of the properties leased by the Commissioners of Public Works in Portlaoise: Name and address of Building Annual Rent Occupancy Unit 11 Clonminham Industrial Estate, Portlaoise 98,133.16 Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Record Office Grattan Business Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise 190,000.00...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Publications (10 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: There is no minimum point size used in printed State publications. The readability of Acts; Statutory Instruments and Reports published by Government Departments; Offices and Agencies is enhanced by the use of twelve point font or greater.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes (10 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: A flood relief scheme which included works in the local authority areas of Dublin City, Fingal and Meath County Councils was carried out on the River Tolka over the period 2003 to 2012. Works in the City area were completed by 2009 with approximately €7.5m expended in the City area out of a total of €19.3m. In general, the works were carried out directly by the Office of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (10 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works assessment of the application from Clare County Council for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to carry out works at this location has been ongoing and I am advised that the OPW expects to be in a position to notify the Council of its decision very shortly.