Results 841-860 of 7,082 for speaker:John Paul Phelan

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: It is the best part of the day in which to raise topical issues.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: In the period between 1982 and 1987 the Fianna Fáil Party engaged in certain activities, particularly in regard to the Anglo-Irish Agreement, which showed distinct partitionism and opportunism. If I was in that party I would not recall that period. I also recall the 1987 election when Fianna Fáil adopted the slogan "Health cuts hurt the old, the sick and the handicapped." As soon as the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: Yesterday we received a series of rehashed broken promises on transport. Senator Bannon raised the issue of agriculture and it is important that we discuss this, particularly in view of the World Trade Organisation talks and Commissioner Mandelson's scandalous approach to them. He seems prepared to raise the white flag even before the talks commence and to think that agriculture can be...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: Rubbish.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: We were creating 1,000 jobs weekly when we left office.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: The Senator's party has claimed it. Having listened to the last two speeches, he and Senator Dardis have claimed it.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: —notes the increase in stealth taxes introduced over the last three years; —expresses concerns at the erosion of our international competitiveness as a result of the increase in our cost base caused by those stealth tax increases; —notes that those on the national minimum wage remain in the...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: There have been reductions in income tax but the myth that this is a low tax economy needs to exploded. This is not a low tax economy; it is low in terms of direct tax but quite high in terms of indirect taxation. Indirect taxation is the most unfair taxation of all. The biggest scandal perpetrated by the Government in taxation policy and public finances is in regard to the tax bands. A...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: Senator Dardis forgot about agriculture?

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: The health boards are still there.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: The health boards are still there, with another layer of bureaucracy added.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: We created 1,000 jobs per week when we were in power.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: Will the Government reintroduce it?

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: Some of them are still hiding.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: The Senator's partners in Sinn Féin are very keen on a few things as well.

Seanad: Sugar Beet Industry. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to the House. Coming from Wexford, he is familiar with the problems that have developed over the last number of years in the sugar beet sector. Many producers in his neck of the woods in Wexford and in my area of Kilkenny and Carlow, have been affected by these problems, not least by the closure of the sugar factory in Carlow. There are a number...

Seanad: Sugar Beet Industry. (2 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: I accept that the Minister of State may not be in a position to respond on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Food but I feel that the presence of the golden share gave her an opportunity to become more involved on the issue of the closure of the plant in Carlow and to ensure that the sector remained viable, rather than raising the white flag, which is what happened with the plant's...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: I agree with my colleagues who have raised the issue of the Shot at Dawn Campaign. It would be appropriate for the House to pass a joint motion, as no political issue is at stake. I am glad that Members on all side seem to be of the one opinion and I hope the motion is passed as soon as possible. Will the Leader arrange a debate on the World Trade Organisation talks? Thousands of farmers were...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: Will the Leader arrange a debate on the Department of Health and Children's report last week on the audit of cleanliness of acute hospitals, which revealed startling statistics concerning a number of hospitals throughout the country and levels of uncleanliness that were shocking? It would be appropriate for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to discuss this matter with the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

John Paul Phelan: It was a scandalous misuse of public funds and completely inappropriate at a time when the Government faces justified criticism for its lack of funding for road safety. It must ensure this does not happen again.