Results 561-580 of 2,137 for speaker:Jerry Cowley

Housing Policy: Statements. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: The Minister has one minute remaining.

Housing Policy: Statements. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Continue, Minister. Time is moving on.

Message from Seanad. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Seanad Éireann has passed the Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005, without amendment.

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: I ask the Deputies to address the Chair.

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: The Minister had his time, Deputy Gilmore had his time, we must let Deputy Cuffe have his time.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Question 90: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the exploration licences to oil and gas companies that have been awarded in the recent past; the licences he is awarding at present; the licences he intends to award in the future; the number and location of these licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34532/05]

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: We have heard the pantomime story of Jack and the Beanstalk, which is occurring here. For a handful of beans the Government gave away our natural resources, including those we do not even have. Like foolish Jack, it took the beans and did not expect to get anything from the deal. Unfortunately, this is not a fairy tale. We are the ones who are suffering. People are lying on hospital trolleys...

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: We can surely do something. There is no need to tie the hands of the Dáil for 15 years. If the companies are cute, this is exactly what they will get. They may even get 19 years. We are giving them something for which they need not do anything except promise to drill. Even after this, they do not need to drill. Why not give them licences for only five years as, at present, they do not need...

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Why did the Minister not give five-year licences, which would have been rational?

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: The companies are holding on to them.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: I remind the Minister that is the story they give him when the beggars come looking for another licence. That is the line they give him when he and the Department know well there is much more out there which they are not saying anything about. That is the reality. The oil companies are playing ducks and drakes with the Department and the Minister. They welded together 1.5 km of pipe without...

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: They are playing ducks and drakes with the Minister. How can he trust them? I suggest he give them the licence for five years. Some might ask why give it to them at all. Technology is advancing all the time. Why should the Minister tie his hands for more than 19 years? I ask him to be rational.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: The Minister should limit it to five years.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Will the Minister agree to limit it to five years?

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Why should the assets be tied up by giving companies 19 years? There is no rationale for that.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Why not just give it to them for five years and take it back if they do nothing with it?

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: Why should the Minister give them a licence for 19 years?

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: The Minister should consider the facts. He is giving it to them for 19 years. We will be 19 years without resources.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: The rational thing to do would be to give them for five years. Why should the Minister give them for 19 years? They are so cute and they will have them for 19 years. Why not give them for just five years? If they do nothing with it then it should be taken back.

Prospecting Licences. (16 Nov 2005)

Jerry Cowley: I have listened to the answer but it is not making sense.