Results 6,301-6,320 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Yes, I did use the word. The manner in which Deputy Burton presented her question would deserve the sobriquet. The matter I was addressing was the increase in oil prices, which is a very serious matter with very serious impacts for the people to whom Deputy Burton referred — I agree with her on that. I was addressing the fact that we have very difficult choices to address in that...

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: That is precisely the point I was addressing in the article and it is all I was addressing. I was in no way lessening the concern I have and that the previous Minister had in regard to those who are most hard-pressed by this. The previous Minister addressed that matter in his social welfare measures in the last budget.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I explained the context——

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Excuse me, Deputy, am I allowed to speak?

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I explained the context in which I used the word.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I indicated that I observe Deputy Burton's injunction not to use it again.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Achieving a moderate rate of inflation is a key economic policy priority given its importance in helping to restore national competitiveness. Due to the relatively high rate of inflation that we have experienced over the past number of years, the price level for consumer goods and services in Ireland is some 20% above the euro area average. In light of this, the Government is committed to...

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Tánaiste has been actively engaged with the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority with a view to taking positive action on this matter.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: A parliamentary question on that matter should be addressed to the Tánaiste. I do not have responsibility for issuing directions to these bodies——

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——but I do share the concerns expressed by Deputy O'Donnell and I have raised them with the Tánaiste. I am sure she will take appropriate action to address the matters raised by the Deputy.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy did not give me an opportunity to reply. I was about to deal with his question. I already dealt with it in the context of Deputy Burton's query and I am quite happy for Deputy O'Donnell to join her on a list of those who objected to my use of the word. If Deputy O'Donnell reads the article, he will realise that I made a point to the effect that we cannot just complain about...

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have a full understanding of the difficulties being experienced by those to whom the Deputy refers. Unlike him, however, I do not just live in a world of politically correct language. I live in a world where people in our economy are experiencing real problems.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I do not believe trading insults in respect of terminology will solve the problem.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The first point I made in the article to which the Deputy refers is that the price of oil is something outside the control of the Government and the Parliament.

Public Private Partnerships. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I presume the Deputy is referring to the comments that Mr. John Purcell, the former Comptroller and Auditor General, made during his recent appearance on a television programme. Speaking after his retirement, Mr. Purcell noted that public private partnerships are not a panacea for all of our infrastructure requirements and that PPP procurement suits appropriate projects. In the 2008 public...

Public Private Partnerships. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The National Development Finance Agency is there to advise us on these and it is linked with the agency which manages our debt. It has a considerable competence in advising us on these matters. On the general abstract issue of PPPs raised by the Deputy, there are advantages in the PPP, as the Comptroller and Auditor General himself accepted in an answer to the Committee of Public Accounts...

Public Private Partnerships. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The approach allows for a number of projects.

Public Private Partnerships. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I will comment. I am giving the Deputy reasons——

Public Private Partnerships. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am giving the Deputy the advantages——

Public Private Partnerships. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I would like to deal with that.