Results 7,801-7,820 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: On a point of order, a number of speakers from the Opposition spoke about the importance of public transport but I note for the past ten minutes no member of the Opposition has been in the House to discuss this important Bill and the future of public transport in Ireland. Therefore, I wish to call a quorum.

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: At the outset I thank Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin spokespersons, as well as Independent Members, for their support of the Bill. I will address a few points raised by Deputies before I sum up. Deputy McConologue raised the issue of competitive tendering and asked if there is a difference between Fine Gael and Labour Ministers on the matter. Like many issues, there is a diversity of...

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is interesting the plan managed to refer to money for ports, airports and a road but did not make any reference to public transport.

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Half of the funding provided under the Government's stimulus plan announced last year is being allocated to transport, albeit not to public transport for various reasons. Deputy Joan Collins stated the trade unions had co-operated to a point with the necessary changes and reforms in the CIE companies, which is true. She pointed out that she had been in contact with the trade unions before...

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport pursuant to Standing Orders 82A(3)(a) and(6)(a) and 126.

Shannon Airport: Motion (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I move:That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft:State Airports Act 2004 (Shannon Appointed Day) Order 2012,a copy of which Order in draft was laid before Dáil Éireann on 5th December 2012.When I was appointed to the transport, tourism and sport portfolio in March 2011, I made the aviation sector one of my key priorities. One of the issues that needed to be...

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I wish to speak against the Sinn Féin motion and in favour of the Government amendment which expresses confidence in the Government as it deals with the current economic crisis. This is a good Government. As the Minister, Deputy Howlin, noted, it is a Government of national unity and is, therefore, unprecedented. For the first time in the history of the State, the two largest parties...

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Employment in the private sector is increasing. As stated by the Minister, Deputy Howlin, we now have growth as measured by GDP. Believe it or not - one would not believe it if one spent too much time reading the newspapers and listening to the media and I say that as a statement of fact rather than a criticism of the media - retail sales have increased for four months in a row, which has...

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is also important because it has allowed us to become a credible exporter again. Exports have not only recovered to where they were prior to the recession. We are now exporting more than we did before the recession began. That is not to diminish the difficulties which people are facing. When it comes to motions tabled by Sinn Féin Members on this side of the House often, and for...

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It may well be £700 per annum for the average house. The sum of £700 is equal to about €900.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: That fee includes nothing else beyond bin charges. In the Republic of Ireland the property tax on the average house will be approximately €300 to €400 per annum.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I do know my facts.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I know it may be difficult for some Members opposite to understand it but this country is still a democracy and we are allowed to speak in our national Parliament. I did not interrupt any of the speakers opposite nor do I intend to do so as long as I am here for this debate. At the same time, Sinn Féin members here called for a boycott of the household charge and are now calling for a...

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: In which case, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I am happy to clarify the record.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: If the anti-democratic people across the floor would allow me to clarify I would be happy to do so.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: May I speak?

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I have been allocated ten minutes to speak but have not been allowed to do so by the anti-democratic forces in this House. I will clarify what I said. Sinn Féin is campaigning against the property tax and some elected representatives of Sinn Féin are boycotting that tax.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I have clarified the matter. There is no greater act of disloyalty or infidelity to the State than that. These Sinn Féin representatives have no difficulty paying tax to Tory councils in Westminster. They pay Tory taxes on their empty apartments in Westminster and pay rates on their mansions in Northern Ireland yet they will not pay taxes that are due to local government and this...

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: That payment here is more than €200 per week. The State pension in Northern Ireland is £175.45 per week. Here it is €230 per week.

Confidence in the Government: Motion [Private Members] (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As I understand it, based on research I have carried out, there is no respite care allowance in Northern Ireland. One has to apply to one's health trust in respect of a holiday. When it comes to child benefit-----