Results 3,961-3,980 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Bilateral Relations and the Activities of Boko Haram: Ambassador of Nigeria (4 Feb 2015)

Jim Walsh: I thank the ambassador for her comprehensive response. I realise the situation is difficult but the central question I was putting to her concerned the fact that there is criticism that the current Nigerian Administration under the President is not sufficiently determined to resolve the issue of Boko Haram. There does not seem to be any offensive operation. I take the ambassador's point on...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2015)

Jim Walsh: I concur to a degree with Senator Michael Mullins and it is appropriate that we remind ourselves that St. Patrick's Day is about more than just tourism, although tourism has become an important part of it. We could renew some of our Christian values which St. Patrick bequeathed to us. There is a need for it in society across Europe and Ireland. Will the Deputy Leader invite the Minister...

Seanad: Private Rental Sector: Motion (11 Feb 2015)

Jim Walsh: I second the amendment. I compliment the Labour Party on tabling a Private Member's motion on a most important topic for our people. I concur with Senator Hayden that there has been a failure of policy over many years. We have reached the stage where there is over reliance on the private sector to resolve the issue. That is not going to happen. We should examine the past to see where the...

Seanad: Private Rental Sector: Motion (11 Feb 2015)

Jim Walsh: We must get back to the position in which people can move on to tenant purchase and, when they get a little better off as their economic position improves, move to private housing schemes. In the 1980s in my town we licensed a developer to build on land the council owned and sell the houses. The council played a part in ensuring the prices were affordable. Many of these issues that could...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Priorities of Latvian Presidency of European Council: Latvian Ambassador to Ireland (11 Feb 2015)

Jim Walsh: I join in the welcome to the ambassador and wish Latvia well with the Presidency of the European Union. I apologise for my late arrival but I have read his presentation which is interesting. I was particularly struck by his comments with regard to strengthening the Eastern Partnership. He also included the engagement with central Asian countries, some of us hope to be there later this...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: I suggest to some in the Labour Party and Fine Gael that they replay the record of their statements in the House. Last night, a very good Bill, the Family Home Mortgage Settlement Arrangement Bill 2014, was introduced in the other House by Deputy Michael McGrath, on which I commend him, which would have removed the bank veto.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: That Bill would have solved some of the problems which were identified in this House at the time the then Minister, Deputy Alan Shatter, was ramming through the insolvency legislation. It was obvious at the time that its provisions would neuter any effectiveness the Bill should have had. In Wexford 13.09% of people with mortgages are in default. The level of arrears ranges from 10.2% to...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: I am asking for a debate on the issue. I hope Deputy Willie Penrose will bring forward a Bill, or if not, the Opposition will do so, to reduce the terms for bankruptcy from three years to one year. In normal circumstances I would not support such a Bill but we are not in normal circumstances.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: Senator Conway is right that we are in extraordinary circumstances. As a consequence of all of this we now have people who are suffering enormously and who have no hope for the future, neither for them nor their families. There is an opportunity for us to set this right.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: It is easy to talk. What we need is action. We have introduced the action.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: We had introduced the Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: The code of conduct on mortgage arrears was voted through in this House-----

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: -----and actually ensured it was easier for the banks to repossess.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: Rather than cry crocodile tears-----

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: -----the Government should be honest with people and take action on the issue. The Minister with responsibility in this area is in the other House ramming through legislation which will have serious ramifications for children.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: She is ramming it through in the same way as the insolvency Bill and the water services Bill were rammed through.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: We have seen the consequences for people of doing that.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: Believe me, there are political consequences which the Government will be exposed to in the next 12 months for its failure to act in these areas.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order-----

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2015)

Jim Walsh: It is important that we do not abuse the privilege we have in this House.