Results 7,581-7,600 of 26,897 for speaker:Richard Boyd Barrett

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Procedures (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: 575. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will investigate the urgent need to reform the small claims court along the lines of its counterparts in Northern Ireland, the UK, Canada and Australia where restrictions do not apply to hire-purchase agreements, breach of leasing agreements and debts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31008/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Eligibility (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: 604. To ask the Minister for Health the reason persons over 70 are means tested for a medical card on gross income while a person under 70 applying for a medical card is means tested on net income; if this constitutes discrimination under equality legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31006/14]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Harbours and Piers Development (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: 792. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of meetings and discussions that have either happened or are scheduled with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council regarding any and all plans for the future of Dún Laoghaire Harbour, including agendas and minutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31484/14]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Pre-Budget Submissions: Discussion (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: When I hear the positions of Chambers Ireland, IBEC and industry as against that of TASC which would come more from the left in terms of its general perspective, I wonder if there is a false dichotomy in that Dr. O'Connor, on the one hand, argues that this is a low tax economy - the implication is that we should increase the overall proportion of tax to fund public services - while the other...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Pre-Budget Submissions: Discussion (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Possibly, yes. Is there not sometimes a false dichotomy in this regard? With regard to business, Ms Burke seems to be hinting at a more progressive rates system. I am in favour of a more progressive rates system that distinguishes between the small and medium enterprise and the big multinational or in parking charges, which are regressive. I agree with her on these points, but I do not...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Pre-Budget Submissions: Discussion (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Mr. Cribben is making a distinction between the plight of the on-trade and independent off-trade as against the big multiples. Would it not make sense to have a progressive corporation tax rate on the multiples in this regard?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Pre-Budget Submissions: Discussion (15 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: An issue about which I am concerned and have flagged at the last two budgets is the attitude to the property sector, particularly real estate investment trusts, REITs. These are contributing to what is now an increasing speculation and pumping up of the property area. Mr. Talbot made a distinction between incentivising active as against passive investment. REITs are a classic example of...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: No.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Amendment No. 23 seeks to ensure any licence granted accords with the principles of sustainable forest management. We discussed at length the need to define clearly sustainable forest management and I contend that the Rio principles on this should guide and inform how we come to that definition, but the Government has rejected my contention. This is unfortunate but sustainable forest...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I thank the Minister of State. I should take up the offer to meet Coillte. I have had some engagement in recent times with some Coillte staff. I do not want to underestimate the value of much of the work done by many of the people who work for Coillte. What I say is not in any sense across-the-board criticism of Coillte. What is important is the mandate of Coillte, and the extent to...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It cannot be moved?

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It was not agreed.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: My amendment is lost even though it was different?

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I move amendment No. 26:In page 10, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following:“8. (1) The Minister should establish a working group based on the Forestry Liaison Group, with balanced representation for the social, environmental and economic stakeholders. (2) The working group may create sub-groups to issue advice on specific areas when required in consultation with the...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: While I appreciate the Minister of State has tabled an amendment to respond to the concerns raised, it is too qualified. I wish to press this matter because it relates concretely to how the Government and the Minister will be influenced by the right balance of stakeholders in forestry. The amendment tabled by the Minister of State states "the Minister shall give due consideration to the...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: As I can only come back once more, I will say my final piece in this regard. I accept the Minister of State's bona fides and that he would seek to so do. That was why he responded to the Committee Stage debate by tabling his amendment. I genuinely accept he would wish to engage in a proper way.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: However, I believe there will be huge pressures on all Ministers, present and future, in this area. Sadly, the media are not terribly interested in this debate as it no longer is controversial because Coillte will not be sold. However, I believe that as a big milestone is the potential merger of Coillte with Bord na Móna and what this may mean. It involves substantial resources, the...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I move amendment No. 28:In page 11, line 11, after “law” to insert the following:“, save where such disclosures may be deemed to be in the public interest, particularly where such disclosures are made in the interests of sustainable forest management”.This amendment concerns disclosures and confidentiality. One could call it a whistle-blower's amendment. Section...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I would like to hear other opinions on this subject. Does the Minister of State mean that if a member of a committee who advises him on forest management hears something that does not concern personal information, is in line with the law and is a cause for serious concern in the context of the public interest and the sustainable management of our forests, he or she will have the legal right...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (16 Jul 2014)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I will press the amendment, although I will not seek a vote on it. I am not terribly happy with the Minister of State's reply because it is somewhat evasive. The Minister of State cannot speak again but perhaps his officials could just nod. If a disclosure is allowed by law and the whistleblower legislation allows for the disclosure, the Minister would not be able to override permission?...