Results 701-720 of 3,241 for speaker:Brian Ó Domhnaill

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: The Fine Gael Party will be arguing that it is built into the tax on property in the North, but there is no specific registration fee in the North. It applies in other jurisdictions but not in the North.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: We are speaking about the registration fee.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: We are totally and fundamentally opposed to the proposed introduction of a registration fee. We believe it is unfair and discriminatory in nature. It is a stealth tax being introduced by the Government to bring in €24 million, so that money can be added to the budget. That is the reason the legislation is being rushed. There will be another €24 million available in 2012.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: There was not and there would not be any registration fee attached to any legislation that we bring in. We believe-----

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: -----the people living in rural Ireland deserve the same respect as people living in any other part of the jurisdiction.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: It is important to point out as well-----

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Absolutely. The amendment has been tabled by the Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin parties and we ask the Minister to consider accepting it. I appreciate the need for the registration system but I ask the Minister to consider accepting the amendment and having no fee attached to that process. There might be more of a buy-in to the Bill among the public if there was no registration fee. There...

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: For five years. Regulation, regulation.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: No.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: What the Senator said is a fabrication.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Rinne Seanadóir faoin méid a bhí le rá agam trí mheán na Gaeilge agus go raibh mé ag rá an rud céanna sa Ghaeilge agus a dúirt mé i mBéarla. Ní fíor sin, bhí ag déanamh pointe i nGaeilge agus pointe eile i mBéarla. Ní fheicim cén deacracht atá ann má tá duine ag iarraidh an pointe céanna a dhéanamh i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla. An bhfuil aon rial ina éadan sin sa...

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: It is a nonsense.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Yes. The point I am making relates to the fee. It has been wrongly suggested by those on the Government side that we are proposing a registration fee of €200. That is a total fabrication. Fine Gael councillors are currently in control of Cavan County Council.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: It is a matter for Fine Gael councillors to decide on the level of the fee.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: I will have to take Senator Harte out for a six-mile run in order to expose him to the fresh air. It is getting late and he is becoming weary.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: In the current climate, a €50 registration fee is a burden too many for people.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: The fee was compared with development charges which, I accept, were unfair. The comparison between the two is interesting because people living in rural areas of Donegal paid a €300 sewerage connection fee as part of the development charges imposed on them. Now, they will be asked to pay a sewerage registration fee.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Why is there a need to introduce the €50 registration fee?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: What will the Minister and his Department do if every householder in rural Ireland writes to indicate that he or she wishes to be connected to the nearest sewerage scheme? Why should people living in rural areas not be connected to the nearest such scheme?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: It relates to the fee.