Results 401-420 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: I thank Senators for their contributions. Those which were not enlightening were, in some cases, hilarious. I am sure if they reach "Oireachtas Report", they will make interesting viewing. Senators John Paul Phelan and Feighan started off the debate. I have the height of regard for both young Senators but I thought their contributions were quite juvenile and naive in many ways in terms of...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: That was the Senator's inference.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: He went on at great length about towns with Ministers. Is there a Minister in Longford, Newcastle West, Thomastown, Carrick-on-Shannon, Kilrush, Loughrea or in Portlaoise? I do not believe there is, yet all these towns are in the first phase. I wish to make it clear that the Government is determined to deliver the full decentralisation package. I think Senator O'Toole said it did not matter...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: It was going to put a gun to civil servants' heads and move them to seven towns. We allowed civil servants to apply to move.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: More than 9,000 civil servants have applied to move. Mr. Phil Flynn wanted to assure himself that Departments would be able to operate efficiently and have sufficient people from all grades. That is why he has come forward with the 28 agencies and Departments. He has recommended to the Government — it has accepted the report — that those 28 agencies and Departments move. Some 4,500 civil...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: I might not just have the single poster which got me such tremendous notice around the country and which cost me €16. Senator Browne referred to people bringing politics into disrepute. Neither I nor any of my people knew what was in the budget nor did we distribute any leaflets until after it was announced. That is a fact.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: Those opposite can talk about it forever.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: Senator O'Meara made a number of comments. I recall that when I was in the House the last time, her colleague, Senator McDowell, referred to the decentralisation of Departments to God awful places with dingy pubs around the country. If that is the Dublin and the Labour Party mindset, we have a major problem. In fairness, everyone agrees with voluntary participation in decentralisation. In...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I am glad to be here to outline the provisions of the budget to Senators and to have the opportunity to listen to the debate to come. Most Members have heard what the Minister said in the Dáil and are no doubt forming their initial reactions.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: As an aid to that process, I will highlight some of the more pertinent points. To begin with, we must be clear what exactly it is we are about. The Government wants to continue to ensure that we protect and increase employment in the increasingly competitive environment in which we find ourselves. We must also continue to modernise our economy through major capital programmes. These...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: This will result in stamp duty savings for first-time buyers of second-hand properties and is another measure targeted at the lower end of the market. Changes are also being made to rent relief to help those living in rental accommodation. These improvements will make a real difference to those concerned. In recognition of the cost of third level education, the maximum amount of qualifying...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: It has been demonstrated clearly that there is substantial interest in the programme among civil and public servants and this year's budget contains provision for the property related costs associated with our policy on decentralisation. Considerable progress has been made and the implementation of this multi-annual plan is well on track. I am particularly pleased that the budget contains a...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: It is to encourage competition in the brewing trade.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: It is in the detail.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I am glad to have the opportunity to respond to some of the points made but before I do, I wish to make a number of comments. In the past the Government has been wrongly criticised for not looking after the ordinary man on the street. This budget proves that is not the case and shows the Government's concern for the ordinary man on the street. The budget is focused on lower income households....

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: Every budget that I can remember had a sting in the tail for motorists. That is not the case today. The Government was very concerned not to add to any of the inflationary pressures that exist. Senator John Paul Phelan also mentioned the excise relief for small breweries. If the Senator is pointing to such small details, he must have had to look hard to find an issue about which to argue.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: Small brewers employ some 130 people and are competing against some of the significant players. They do not enjoy the same scale and this provision is an attempt to provide the opportunity for them to compete in the market. We all appreciate the Senator's remarks about the dangers of alcohol and so on. However, this is an equitable measure.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I understand there has been universal approval for the provision of stamp duty reliefs for first-time buyers. The bands account for the houses which the majority of young people are likely to afford. The 2005 budget is about helping and respecting people. It is concerned with new investment in hospitals, schools and roads. It serves to cut taxes, an area in which my party has a strong view....

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2004 [Certified Money Bill]: Second and Subsequent Stages. (16 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I welcome the opportunity to address the Seanad on the Appropriation Bill 2004. In light of the House's busy schedule I appreciate that today's debate will be brief. However, I understand that we will have further opportunity to discuss the matter early in the new year. The main purpose of the Bill is to give statutory effect to the departmental Estimates for supply services, current and...

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2004 [Certified Money Bill]: Second and Subsequent Stages. (16 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I thank Senators for contributing to the debate on the Appropriation Bill 2004. I appreciate how busy the House is and that we will have the opportunity to debate this at greater length in the new year. I listened to Senator John Paul Phelan's points about roll-over relief and I will discuss them with the Department and the Minister. Likewise, I join Senator O'Toole in recognising the astute...