Results 841-860 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: As the Taoiseach stated, this is unpalatable but necessary.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: We must be honest with ourselves. We can come in here and speak rhetoric but if the public finances are not addressed quickly they will run into difficulty. It is also appropriate that we examine some of the Opposition proposals. Reference was made by the leaders of the parties opposite that they are willing to engage and put forward positive proposals. However, on the one hand we have a...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: There is certainly no hypocrisy on this side of the House. At least we are willing to make the tough decisions.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Labour Party, through Deputy Shortall, is proposing in the House that only those earning over €150,000 should contribute to addressing the problems.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Deputy should note that many from where I come believe €100,000, never mind €150,000, is a substantial salary.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Bearing that in mind, it is the Deputy's view that is hypocritical.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Government is to borrow €18 billion this year, or €4,500 for every man, woman and child in the State. This is substantial borrowing. If we do not deal with these issues, we will saddle the generations to come with considerable debt. Every responsible political party in the Dáil would certainly not want this to occur. Unfortunately, some parties have not rejected the approach that...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Labour Party sat on its hands——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: ——at a time when we were facing——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: ——a financial meltdown. The party sat on its hands.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Again, when rhetoric met reality, the Labour Party was found wanting.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Labour Party wanted to rob the fund a couple of years ago.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I thank the Senator for raising this issue. While the Government obviously would like to be flexible and accommodating in respect of this Bill, I have consulted the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the advice I received stated the amendments are not to be accepted in the context of that office's drafting practice. While I would have had no difficulty in respect of this amendment, I...

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: My response is similar to that in respect of the previously discussed amendments. I would have no difficulty in accepting this if the advice were to the effect that I could accommodate it. Again, however, this wording is not in accordance with the drafting practice of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and, for that reason, I am unable to accept this amendment.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: These amendments pertain to intellectual property rights affected by section 19 of the 1961 Act. I will clarify the reason for these amendments. Under the Industrial Research and Standards Acts 1961, there is a provision that any discoveries or inventions resulting from research carried out by or on behalf of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards are the property of the...

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The introduction of the additional section to provide for patents and intellectual property issues necessitates amendment to the Long Title. I refer to the amendment to the existing section 5(3). Following the introduction of the proposed new section 5, this section will become section 6(3). It is proposed to amend the wording of the existing section 5(3) as follows: This Act shall come...

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: There will be no particular cost to the Exchequer. Obviously, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland already have the resources. Consequently, no additional cost will arise from the changes this legislation will enact.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: These programmes already have been put in place as part of the national development plan and, every year, such anticipated costs will have been included anyway. Consequently, the effect of this legislation will not place any additional costs on the agencies as such costs already will have been anticipated.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: One has the national development plan as outlined, and every year an Estimate is taken from that, which means that any costs are included and calculated therein. However, I am led to believe no additional cost will be incurred in this regard. Were the Senator to point out exactly where he can discern anticipated costs, I may examine it, but my assumption is that no additional costs will be...

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senators and Seanad staff. I also thank the officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who have been working diligently on this Bill for many long hours. Given the efficiency of the House, I might initiate much more legislation herein.