Results 5,421-5,440 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: Let me quote from the Minister again. Let me further quote the Minister.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: The Minister said that the charging regime was not well understood by the public. That is the most condescending statement that I have heard in this House since I have come here. The public well understood these charges. The public resented the charges. They are in revolt not only against the charges but against the Government and its attitude.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: The important point is that we realise that this symbol has been recognised by the Government in a humiliating retreat. No such retreat has been witnessed under any other Government, even a Fianna Fáil Government, in the past 20 years. These measures are unrecognisable from the Bill that the Government introduced in this House and then guillotined. That is the second thing the people...

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: They are revolting against the fact that the Government has a complete contempt for parliamentary democracy. The Government showed that by guillotining the Bill, which was one of the most important measures introduced in this House. Then, for the Minister to come back to the House and try to say that we need not worry because the people did not understand the changes and that his legacy...

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: That would make a change because this Government has not appointed people of the highest calibre before. The people who started off - we have yet to see who the Government appoints - here were again the usual suspects on the board of Irish Water.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: Let us have a look at them without naming them. The chairman was listed as someone who has been on the board of virtually every semi-State quango going, but she was one of the usual suspects. It is so typical of the way this country is run. Her curriculum vitae in respect of her position on Bord Gáis and the parent company, Ervia, left out one interesting thing: she was on the board...

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: Another person was appointed. I will not mention that name either.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: However, let me say this: someone was put on the board. I rang officials from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I asked them about the person in question on the board of Irish Water. They said they do not know anything about him. That was their answer. Further inquiries about this person have drawn a blank. This is someone who is on the board of Irish...

Banking Inquiry: Motion (25 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: I have no objection in principle to a banking inquiry to find out what happened during the critical period which this inquiry is examining as this could be very necessary and very useful in preventing it happening again. However, I have some serious reservations about this inquiry, its composition and its terms of reference. There are serious credibility difficulties attached to politicians...

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (26 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: I join all the other speakers in expressing sympathy at the death of Ted Nealon to his wife, Jo, his son, Fergal, and to his daughter, Louise. I knew Ted Nealon and was here when he was a Minister and a Deputy. He brought to this House a full and very fulfilled life and, as other speakers have said, a great knowledge of the outside world, which was the basis and foundation of his expertise...

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (27 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: I did not hear that but it is fine.

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (27 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: I do not know. Is it worth hearing?

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (27 Nov 2014)

Shane Ross: We have to accept the difficulties we are creating for ourselves here. Obviously, the conflicting legal opinions create a serious difficulty. We have one solicitor and one senior counsel saying completely different things. I think the idea of getting another legal opinion is valuable. Sooner or later, we are going to have to decide which legal opinion we will take notice of. Nobody else...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: Prior to the summer recess I introduced a Bill to amend the powers and remit of the Committee of Public Accounts. In view of the fact that it has become a matter of greater controversy and that we are getting legal advice which is unwelcome and in conflict with other legal advice, I ask the Taoiseach to provide time for that Bill so that the members of the committee who are worried that our...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: Yes.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: It is hoped that it will be discussed. In the absence of its being drawn in the lottery - it is unlikely to be drawn - would the Taoiseach allocate time for it?

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: I will withdraw it from the lottery.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: Increased.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: We are getting conflicting legal advice, which is confusing our remit enormously. It would be helpful if the Taoiseach allocated time for it. I will withdraw it from the lottery if the Taoiseach will give it time. Would that be fair?

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Shane Ross: It is a serious question.