Results 7,581-7,600 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The ESOP is usually the first target during a takeover. While seen as progressive in some quarters, in others it is not. What are the Minister's views on this aspect?

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The primary function of the company is not to trade in shares. Rather, it is the provision of a utility service. There is a grave danger the company might be distracted by other issues such as the buying and selling of shares and so on. I am totally in favour of the involvement of employees in the shareholding of the company because it gives them a particular or special interest. That has...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I have no problem with updating Bord na Móna, its financial resources and its ability to trade and expand into new markets, providing new services. I spoke about some of the areas into which it is moving. Perhaps the Minister might state to what extent the ESB is committed to Bord na Móna peat contracts and for how many years. For how many years more will reserves of peat be available?...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Or the Deputy himself. There is an absolute necessity to deliver supply, since if it is not delivered, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. I ask the Minister to comment on the development of alternatives as far as the board is concerned. Will this provision be sufficient and adequate to ensure that development and have the targets been set? The Minister will probably refer to his...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister's colleague expressed a view on it.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The amendment is interesting because it addresses a matter that has provided much material for debate during the past year and a half. Our country needs to present itself as a modern, energetic and progressive country capable of developing its resources. Every other country has done so and we do not want to portray ourselves as backwards or ineffective. As I have often stated outside the...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: What about the sequencing of consents?

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: We must spend some time discussing this aspect. An issue like the tax take from the project is not relevant in this context because it is not a planning or health and safety issue.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: With no disrespect to the Chair, it is specific to this particular project. We could not possibly discuss a recommitted Bill without making reference to the project. I am quite sure the Minister is well aware it is going to be discussed. It is important we discuss it rather than shuffling to one side or the other. We should deal with the matter and get on with it. A number of fundamental...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Chair will be glad to hear I am not going into the singing business.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: So many things have been said, and once a situation gets increasingly polarised, it gets worse. I remember suggesting to people earlier in this debate that going to prison was not going to solve any problem. It exaggerates the difficulties and it creates more grievance. I have been in a prison myself, so I know that. I have no wish to go back there, but it is no harm to have had the...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: It should not be concluded, on the basis that it takes me a long time to get to the point, that I will not get to it. I have been here before. In future, the licensing regime should have regard to sustainability, and it should be something we can all stand over. I met with exploration personnel, as I am sure everybody else did, and with Shell. They all agree that the licensing regime and...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Report Stage (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I welcome the amendment as it merits the action taken by the Minister. The long-standing problem at Silvermines was debated on Committee Stage. The mining there was one matter. The aftermath was another. The proposed legislation is an interim measure pending enactment of a comprehensive minerals development Bill. Apropos of the earlier debate on mining regimes and mineral rights, a...

Written Answers — Tax Policy: Tax Policy (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 122: To ask the Minister for Finance if he intends to reduce, amend or abolish stamp duty for first time or other categories of house buyer in line with the views expressed by his colleague to the effect that the revenue accruing from stamp duty was no longer required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33204/06]

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (18 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Question 133: To ask the Minister for Finance the position in regard to the decentralisation programme announced in budget 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33205/06]

Order of Business (19 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: I welcome the Tánaiste back to talkative mode. I am pleased to note he has recovered from the stunned silence that affected him temporarily. We are grateful to have him back.

Order of Business (19 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: A question does arise — if the idea has not receded into the dim distance — on delivering better government. Does the Tánaiste remember that concept? It was big on the agenda a couple of years ago. I refer to this in view of the energy costs that are now affecting us, as referred to by other speakers. In view of the urgency of the situation, something must be done about this before...

Order of Business (Resumed) (19 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: Surprise, surprise. Another outbreak of silence. It is the Government's responsibility.

Order of Business (Resumed) (19 Oct 2006)

Bernard Durkan: The Tánaiste should say "Yes".