Results 581-600 of 11,861 for speaker:Brian Hayes

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: I agree with the Cathaoirleach. (Interruptions).

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: I apologise on behalf of our spokesperson, Senator Cummins, who regrets greatly that he is unable to take this important Bill because he has been in hospital in recent weeks. He has asked me to stand in for him tonight and tomorrow. I welcome the Minister and her officials, whom I know very well given that I was social welfare spokesperson for my party for two years in the Dáil. I admire the...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: There are demographic arguments. It is true that we have a considerable number of people in the under-25 category but it is interesting that countries such as Britain, which has quite similar demographics to ours, has much better figures. Historically, Britain has benefited from the national health service and other forms of social expenditure that we have not implemented. We are still rock...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: I wish I had the time. Maybe in a few years' time.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: I suspect there might be a good deal more job satisfaction over there, compared to this purgatory.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: People saw that promise for what it was worth. Many people were bought over by that kind of Ceaucescu type stroke.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: It is not the way to develop public policy. It comes, then, as no surprise that the Government can deliver only 80% of their promises because of the financially changed circumstances. Since we have moved to a higher pay-out for child benefit, we should consider paying it on a weekly basis rather than a monthly basis. More people could obtain child benefit through the electronic mechanism...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: The figure is €10 billion.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: The Senator left herself a bit short there.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: Selling is the Government's business.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: Is that a mortal or a venial sin?

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is shaking as the Senator speak.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: Correct.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: We always agreed with tax credits.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: The difference is that people could afford to buy bread then.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: That is because she is worried about her pension.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: The Government were champagne republicans, which is even worse.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: I am sure the Leader will join me in wishing the Information Commissioner, Mr. Murphy, every success in his retirement. I know there are more Members on the Government side of the House who are happier to see him retire than on this side. He has been a tremendous public official. (Interruptions).

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Mar 2003)

Brian Hayes: He has served the country with great distinction in recent years, particularly in recent months. While we all welcome the Government's appointment of Ms O'Reilly to the new post, we must ask the reason the appointment was not advertised. While the President appoints the Information Commissioner or Ombudsman, will the Leader inform us when the necessary resolution, which has to be put before...