Results 3,721-3,740 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Minister of State for his comments on the amendments. I would like to ask an overarching question about the spirit of the Committee Stage debate on the Bill. We need to go through a lot of detail in interpreting the Bill, as amended by these 179 amendments. The fundamental question I would like to ask relates to whether the Bill, as amended, makes it clear that the current...

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: That is not my mobile phone.

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: My essential question relates to the application to credit unions of the existing body of Central Bank legislation. Is it made clear in the broad thrust of the amendments being introduced that only those elements of the Central Bank legislation that have related to credit unions up to now will apply as we move forward? Will the Minister of State assure the House that the Central Bank...

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: Take it while it lasts.

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: With regard to the independent review which the Central Bank may require to be conducted in respect of a credit union, who is it envisaged would carry out such an independent review, what would be a competent body to do so and who would pay for it?

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: I concur with the sentiments of previous speakers. This amendment is to be welcomed. It is satisfactory and gives explicit recognition to the possibility of credit unions investing in projects of a public nature, which is something they will welcome. I share Deputy Doherty's view that this option should now be explored fully by credit unions.

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: I welcome the amendments which represent progress and improve the Bill. I welcome, in particular, the amendment dealing with directors who find themselves in arrears. An amendment was necessary in this case. The restrictions are unnecessarily onerous, particularly when it comes to volunteers. It is often the case that the members of a board of directors are mature in years with time on...

Credit Union Bill 2012: From the Seanad (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: This is reasonable. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, made the point a number of times that he wanted to retain the principle of rotation. He has given some ground on the issue of the term limit moving from nine years to 12. Who knows where any of us will be in January 2025? There will be a number of Governments between now and then and this issue can be kept under review....

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Payments (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he imposed a cut of 22% on the sheep grassland payment which is having a negative impact on low income sheep farmers, many farming in marginal land areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55968/12]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Departmental Expenditure (13 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money allocated to his Department in 2012; the amount spent up to 30 November 2012; the amount profiled for expenditure by that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55979/12]

Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010: Motion (14 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Minister for his remarks on the motion and confirm that Fianna Fáil will be supporting it. However, I take the opportunity to make a number of points on the operation of the banking system. It is true to say there are signs of stability within the banking system. The Minister has highlighted that stability has been brought to the deposit base of the banks. As we all...

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: That is very good.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: I wish to share time with Deputy Cowen.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: I reiterate our opposition to the Bill being rammed through the Dáil with such haste. That Second Stage is being guillotined today and Committee and Remaining Stages are being pushed through on Tuesday, which is unacceptable and unnecessary. This tax will come into effect, as such, on 1 July 2013. I see no logical reason for this House not to consider this Bill in its own time in...

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: That is not what the Minister for Finance says.

Other Questions: School Completion Programme (18 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans regarding the school completion programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56703/12]

Leaders' Questions (18 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: The manner in which the Government is seeking to ram the property tax Bill through the House today is ridiculous and unnecessary. Some 88 amendments have been tabled, none by the Minister for Finance. The Government is allowing three minutes of debate per amendment tabled. The tax does not fall due until next July. This begs the question of why the Government needs to use its massive...

Leaders' Questions (18 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: In his Budget Statement the Minister for Finance said that the Irish financial crisis could be summarised in the word "debt", consisting of both national debt and personal debt. For families who cannot pay their mortgage today, the Government's solution is to add more debt to the problem they already face. Only people in certain, very limited circumstances will be given the option of...

Leaders' Questions (18 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: Fine Gael gave an undertaking before the election not to introduce a property tax.

Leaders' Questions (18 Dec 2012)

Michael McGrath: That is not what the Taoiseach said in the election last year.