Results 7,421-7,440 of 26,897 for speaker:Richard Boyd Barrett

Other Questions: Tax Code (3 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: We need an honest debate. The bulk of the new burden we propose would be on the 10% or 15% of people on very high earnings. It would finance real relief for the vast majority of people who earn between €30,000 and €60,000. They have been hammered with the universal social charge, property tax and water charges, which are regressive and disproportionately hit people on low and...

Other Questions: Tax Code (3 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: They are not earning €100,000.

Other Questions: Tax Code (3 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: No way.

Oil and Gas Fiscal System Review: Statements (3 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: In so far as there has been any movement on this issue, credit has to go to the people of north County Mayo, the Shell to Sea campaign and the many other campaigners around the country who supported their battle and sought to expose the scandal of what has happened in north county Mayo, Shell's treatment of the people of that area and the scandalous giveaway tax and licensing terms...

Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Fifth Stage (Resumed) (3 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I will be brief as it was unfortunate we could not finish this the other day. I characterise the nuclear industry as humanity's self-destruct button. It is a time-bomb that could go off at any stage. Britain is substantially expanding its nuclear power industry and the nuclear arms industry is a major threat. We are still unsure how to handle the transport and disposal of nuclear waste as...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: House Prices (3 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: 25. To ask the Minister for Finance his views that the continuing dramatic increases in property prices and rents are unsustainable and represent a threat of a property bubble; his further views that Government intervention to prevent such a bubble is urgently needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28539/14]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Education Policy (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: 56. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the integrated model of education, so enthusiastically supported by teachers and parents, is in extreme danger due to the combination of large class sizes, a 15% cut in resource teaching hours, the withdrawal of resource teachers for Travellers and the reduction in language support teachers; and if he will make a statement...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Education Policy (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: One of the groups that has suffered the most and has experienced the greatest level of anxiety is people with special needs and their families. While the National Council for Special Education has produced a review regarding the allocation of resources, the unions, particularly the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, INTO, have indicated grave concern and said that without reversing the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Education Policy (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I do not know if it is a circle which can be squared to say on the one hand that we had no choice but to make these cuts and on the other that we will protect the integrated model of education. Let us be clear that the integrated model of education is of critical importance for vulnerable students, including students with special needs, Travellers, and primary schoolchildren with language...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Education Policy (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The thing about fiscal restraint is that one can cut off one's nose to spite one's face. There is no more important example of that than in the area of education, particularly primary education. Providing the necessary resources for primary school children, particularly those who are vulnerable is vital for them and for the long-term economic future of the country. If one cuts off one's...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Education Policy (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: There are 10,000 more kids coming and the largest class sizes in Europe.

Other Questions: Special Education Review (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Obviously, consultation is good, as is the idea of a model that is more flexible and responsive to need. However, given the oft-repeated phrase "finite resources", problems can emerge. One particular question raised by the INTO concerns the moratorium on posts of responsibility and posts involving special duties, given that schools may have a difficulty in getting what they need and making...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Yes, it is. Multinationals will come in.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It is as privatising as one can get.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Will the Taoiseach meet them?

National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014: Report Stage (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The point has been well made, but I want to give an example and to hear the response of the Minister of State in regard to it. This concerns the agreement the Government made initially in the memorandum of understanding to sell off the harvesting rights of Coillte, which had been agreed with the troika. For a long time we tried to discover what the hell was going on, what analysis had been...

National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014: Report Stage (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The Minister of State did not really respond about the experience in respect of Coillte as an example of what we are discussing. When the Government committed to sell off the harvesting rights of Coillte, NewERA was dealing with that area. NewERA had been charged with the responsibility for managing something that had been written into the troika agreement. The Government's policy was to...

National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014: Report Stage (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Can the Minister of State give an answer? Is he not allowed to?

National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014: Report Stage (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I would like to contribute. I support this amendment. As Deputy Higgins outlined, it is fairly extraordinary that the areas of so-called expertise which are to be required for those appointed to the board of the National Treasury Management Agency are the same as those found among the circle of so-called experts in the areas of investment, finance and economics - precisely the cohort of...

National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014: Report Stage (8 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The Minister of State should read Animal Farm.