Results 481-500 of 996 for speaker:John Gerard Hanafin

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: We heard this week about a run of people taking food from the shops and worrying whether there was enough currency to meet import bills. This was not in Zimbabwe but in Iceland, a developed economy like our own. People in that country have a very high standard of living in one of the countries of the First World, a major OECD member and a first member of many organisations and groups set up...

Seanad: Unemployment Levels: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, to the House. There is no doubt that governing is akin to paddling a canoe. If one keeps paddling on either the right or left, one moves in circles, whereas if one paddles on both sides, one moves straight ahead. If the financial crisis of recent weeks has shown us anything, it is that State intervention, when necessary, is...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. In framing the budget, the Minister sought balance, equity and fairness. At an unprecedented time in financial markets, the Minister gave a resounding "Yes" to a balanced budget in terms of tax, borrowing and savings. The 1% levy is necessary given the reality of our taxation code, which meant that those on the lowest incomes were not in a...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: In recognition of what was already said in the House by the Opposition about a world financial meltdown, I ask the Leader to convene a debate. Once the scheme of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Bill 2008 has been agreed, the House should discuss the membership of bank boards and whether banks need further capitalisation. Should that be the case, the Government should step in and...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am happy to support the credit institutions (financial support) scheme 2008 and propose its adoption. It was not the Government that got us into this difficulty. As a Member of the Opposition said yesterday, there is a global financial meltdown. This responsible and necessary motion is before us because there was a serious threat to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: I ask the Leader for a debate on fair and progressive taxation. In doing so, I welcome the changes made in the budget, particularly the change to the 1% income levy and the change to the medical card scheme. Any couple over 70 earning €73,000 per annum would have earned over €100,000 per annum during their working lives and this is why I would like a debate specifically on fair and...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: ——the example of the Galway tent.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: I was going to say the example of the Galway tent is used. I am sure the senior Members who used to visit the Galway tent would like to thank the Labour Party for supporting the retention of their medical cards. The Labour Party members are the people who have, for expediency, given up on the principle of fair and progressive taxation.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: The only party representing all the people is Fianna Fáil. Those on the left have been left by Labour but Fianna Fáil will be there for them.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: Following the successful management of the financial crisis——

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: ——and comparing what happened in Ireland with what is happening in Iceland——

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: In Iceland the IMF has moved in — a commentator said this morning that the economy is imploding due to the debt bubble — while all our banks are stable and secure and our economy is being well managed. We should now consider the realities of the current situation and how this House could deal with them. We should take proactive measures, as Senator Callely said, to promote a buy Irish...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (29 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: I share in the calls for a debate on the decision by UCC on embryonic stem cell research. Given that the best possible result would be that the Minister would be present, the Leader might give an undertaking that at the earliest possible date, when the Minister is present, the debate will go ahead. It was very disappointing to see UCC take the opportunity to promote embryonic stem cell...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: In light of the report that Eircom may be the subject of a further bid, the fifth sale of the company since it was privatised, I ask for a debate on the issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: In particular, I call for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to attend. Last week, Gordon Brown made a major speech in which he referred to the Keynesian nature of the future of the British economy. In the past 12 years we have had 11 surpluses. This is the first year in which we have had a deficit. It is standard practice that in times when the market cannot...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: Now, having sold Eircom for such a good price——

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: ——and using the money correctly and investing it for the future, is it incumbent on the State to retake Eircom for the benefit of the nation and develop it as we would wish when we could pick up the company for a reasonable rate? Fianna Fáil has always undertaken what was good for the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: What is good for the country is that the State spends to reactivate and ensure economic activity. I agree with what was said this morning, that one cannot say one thing and do another.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: Those who say one cannot say one thing and do another are the very people who claim to be socialist and want to give medical cards to millionaires.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

John Gerard Hanafin: Purchased.