Results 9,001-9,020 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Fundamental to events in the past year was the speed and scale of the deterioration witnessed in this country. It is essential that the Government respond to any deterioration in the public financial position as quickly and as promptly as possible.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since the return of the House a few weeks ago, the Opposition has tabled motions on the economy.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am extending an invitation to Opposition Members to contribute in a constructive way to the resolution of our difficulties by first of all——

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——briefing themselves on the essentials——

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is critical that Opposition Members brief themselves on the essentials of the position, given the serious situation in which the country finds itself.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Opposition is not being patronised in any respect. Rather, it is being invited to participate in the business of the Government by submitting proposals for costing by my Department.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: That submission can be made through the Department's Secretary General, a manner entirely separate from the political process. It is essential that we as a country get real and face up to our current options.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We are devising one.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We are inviting the Opposition to make suggestions. The Government will lead and make decisions, but I will not listen to any more radio or television programmes suggesting that we do not listen to or entertain constructive suggestions from the Opposition. We do and I do.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am giving the Opposition an opportunity to make constructive suggestions, which I will consider with great care. I assure the House that the Government will introduce a plan and whatever measures are necessary to address the current position.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We are not alone in our economic difficulties. Our colleagues in the European Union and countries beyond have been affected. Virtually no economy can remain untouched by this global financial and economic crisis. We are in the international spotlight because of the pace and scale of the adjustment we are experiencing. International markets, on which we are now dependent for borrowing,...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: These savings have been achieved. Furthermore, additional revenue raising measures of close to €2 billion were announced in the budget last October. Despite the controversy surrounding them, they are also being achieved.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In early January, the Government set a five-year framework to restore order to the public finances. This was welcomed by the European Commission. I am glad to hear of support for our actions from Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the European Central Bank, when he visited Ireland last week. He made it clear that he approved of the Government's measures to date and expected and...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: That the Government is doing this is not enough. This is a moment of national crisis. It is essential that the Opposition play a constructive part.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: For that reason, I have extended an invitation to the Opposition. The Commission assessment that has been produced, which concluded that we are in excessive deficit, is reasonable, fair and balanced. The first step of the framework was delivered on 3 February with the announcement of a series of measures to secure further savings of up to €2 billion on a full year basis. This also will be...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In the light of the end-February Exchequer returns, however, further action now is necessary. Accordingly, the Government will consider what additional measures now are required to restore order and ensure that we stick to the agreed framework agreed by all earlier this year. It already has stated that it must restore the current budget position to balance by 2013 in order that it is not...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In addition, I expect the Commission on Taxation to have finished its deliberations by early autumn. I should also add that any future decisions that will be made will continue to be informed by the framework for sustainable economic renewal published in December, which provides a road map for meeting the short-term challenges and positioning the economy in order that Ireland can benefit when...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Agreed. A direct outcome of the capitalisation programme will be improved access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises and first-time buyers, as well as offering safeguards to those homeowners facing difficulties at this time. There is no doubt that the economy has been undermined by the actions of some of our bankers. It has clearly damaged our international reputation with...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The reformed structure is expected to deliver new high standards of banking and financial regulation and corporate governance. It will help restore the reputation of our regulatory regime and rebuild confidence by creating a single oversight institution charged with the important functions of ensuring financial stability, reinforcing prudential supervision and pursuing regulatory integrity...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 114 together. The deduction applies to public servants who are employed by or hold an office or position in a public service body and are members of a public service pension scheme, or in receipt of a payment in lieu of membership of a pension scheme. The definition of a "public service pension scheme" is set out in section 1 of the Financial...