Results 4,541-4,560 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Government has not committed to enter a facility but there are serious market disturbances that jeopardise not just Ireland but threaten the eurozone. It is essential we address these structural problems and deal with them. Those with funds on deposit in Irish banks can be assured we have the stability and support of the ECB. It is important that structural problems identified in the...

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I take his point that it was an observation, not an accusation.

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Any statement that might have an effect on markets must be framed in cautious, if not moderate, terms.

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: An artificial distinction was made by one or two Members, to the effect that civil servants only engage in discussion on technical issues and policy issues are reserved to elected politicians. I am surprised that this comes from anyone who has experience of Government. That is highly schematic. Final decisions on policy issues should be made by the Government or Ministers but it is...

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The current head of the IMF is Dominique Strauss-Kahn who is reputed to be a potential Socialist candidate for the French Presidency.

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: My final point relates to the question of confidence that has been raised in many if not all Opposition contributions.

Bank Guarantee Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: On that front, notwithstanding my profound respect for various Opposition spokespersons, there is much evidence that public confidence in the Minister for Finance is greater than that in any of the likely alternatives.

Flood Relief (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Deputy for giving me an opportunity to update the House on the flooding issues in Skibbereen since I last spoke in the House on the matter in October. In the wake of the flooding of November 2009, I travelled around the Cork area to see at first hand and discuss the impact of the severe flooding. I visited a number of locations in the county in January, including Skibbereen....

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works are considering the future use of the premises in question.

Written Answers — Site Acquisitions: Site Acquisitions (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Discussions are continuing between the Office of Public Works and the Department of Education and Science in respect of the premises in question.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Amendment) (No. 2) Scheme 2010: Motion (17 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Senators for their contributions on this important motion. I have been briefed on some of the points raised. I begin by making one or two general observations. To remove the bank guarantee at this point would be folly. I am not sure any party in the House wants to do so. It is all too clear that this State and the eurozone as a whole are experiencing extreme financial...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (18 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: 2057The Office of Public Works has met with the Mayo County Council engineer in question on a number of occasions regarding the flooding problem at the location referred to by the Deputy. The problem was found to be caused by an inadequate surface drainage water system. Mayo County Council are liaising with the local landowners in an effort to identify measures to alleviate the problem. The...

Seanad: Value-Added Tax Consolidation Bill 2010: Fifth Stage. (18 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: For the information of Senator Alex White, the Seanad was represented when the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Bill 2010 was considered by the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills. As a consolidation Bill, special procedures applied and it was dealt with by an ad hoc committee. I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Bill 2010, which has now...

Seanad: Value-Added Tax Consolidation Bill 2010: Fifth Stage. (18 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I would like to say a few words in response to the short debate. I admit to Senator Alex White that this is the first time I have come across this procedure but I am sure we all come across new things from time to time. The revenue raised by VAT was referred to by Senator Bradford. It is now one third of our revenue. In the halcyon days of three or four years ago, it might have been closer...

Corporation Tax Rate: Motion (23 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The current corporation tax rate reflects the evolution of policy over 50 years. If I recall correctly, export sales relief was introduced by the interparty coalition in the mid-1950s in the form of a tax exemption for exporting companies. Subsequent to our entry to the EEC, it became a 10% rate in 1980. Questions later arose about whether the rate discriminated between companies and in...

Corporation Tax Rate: Motion (23 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: It was the inter-party coalition.

Flood Relief (23 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the opportunity to discuss this evening the matter put forward by Deputy Mc Cormack on the flooding problems in the Claregalway and Carnmore area and the environs of the Clare river. I am pleased to say that during 2010 considerable progress has been made in Galway in addressing the many flooding problems which have afflicted the area over recent years. Following the November 2009...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (23 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Work has been completed at the new Garda Station and Department of Social Protection buildings in Buncrana since late 2009 and the Main Contractor for the development, M/s Michael McNamara Ltd (in Liquidation), has recently completed its final obligations on this project in respect of residual contract matters, rectification of defects, etc. The Main Contractor has, as is normal, recently...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (23 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The property in question is currently the subject of litigation between the Commissioners and the occupant. Accordingly, it is not considered appropriate to comment any further at this stage.

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (23 Nov 2010)

Martin Mansergh: In the absence, until recently, of a public transport service from Dublin to Trim at a time that would allow staff to attend for work at the normal time of starting work in the morning, transport was provided by OPW for this purpose, for those who required it, using an OPW owned transport vehicle, and OPW employed drivers. The vehicle was also used for delivering post and other materials...