Results 5,741-5,760 of 25,844 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes, but I would like to respond to the Minister of State if I may. I completely disagree with the note that departmental officials have given the Minister of State. It does not bear any resemblance to the real situation. It is important to point out that this amendment only relates to one scheme. In that context, how can the Department argue that it would have ramifications for what they...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: That was related to the first amendment.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I appreciate that but the amendment relates to one scheme because it was the first scheme to which this happened. The Minister of State's note also made reference to risk-free defined contribution schemes but there is no such thing. Defined contribution schemes are also at risk. The idea that defined benefit is bad and defined contribution is good is nonsense and officials in the...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: The current President.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: He signed it within three days. All of this was choreographed from the beginning. I have a lot of regard for Uachtarán na hÉireann but I am just saying that it appears that everything was lined up in advance. This amendment will not affect any other scheme. While I thank the Minister of State for responding, I again ask him what is wrong with setting a 90% funding standard which...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I move amendment No. 3:In page 16, after line 35, to insert the following: “26. The State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 is amended by inserting a new section 34A as follows:“34A. The IAS Scheme shall not be allowed to close its pension scheme except where all pension scheme members are treated in an equitable manner on the winding up of that scheme.”.”.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I second the amendment proposed to the Order of Business by my colleague, Senator Marc MacSharry. It is absolutely appropriate that the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, come into the House as a matter of urgency to explain what measures have been taken. Government Members may not be aware that the amount of capital funding for flood defences this year is being cut from the amount...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I refer to respecting people in a republic. The Senator used the word "offend", that is, that religion would offend - she should check the record- that it would be offensive.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I will conclude on this point. I am not offended by anyone's religion and I am not offended if someone decides not to hold any religious belief. However, I must tell the Leader that any proposed deletion of Rule 68 must be debated fully and must not be a knee-jerk reaction to a few hundred parents who have found themselves in a difficult position. What about the millions of people, the...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: As for this idea of welcoming the proposed deletion of Rule 68, I have a final question.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Has the Government agreed to the deletion of Rule 68?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I certainly will not withdraw it.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I just go by the proof of what I see.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I will not withdraw it. She made a charge against me. I am not withdrawing any remark.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Talk to your hierarchy.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Talk to your Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: She is addressing me directly.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: She should address the Chair.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: She is not. She is speaking to me.