Results 11,061-11,080 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 109 and 282 together. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the numbers of applications from members of the Garda Síochána to retire, voluntarily or on age grounds, that have been received so far in 2009, along with the numbers of members of the force who retired in each year from 2002 to 2008, are as set out in the table that follows this...

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Can the Deputy remind me what his first question was?

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Every organisation has to renew itself. There is no doubt that new people bring new energy, new ideas and new knowledge.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I refer to the use of technology, for example. I have given the House figures to demonstrate that more people are joining the Garda Síochána this year than are leaving the force. The number of gardaí in the State will reach an all-time high of 14,800 later this year, despite the fact that the number of retirements will be greater than it has been in previous years, as a result of the...

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: It was suggested by the Commission on Taxation - it may have been in the McCarthy report - that in the case of a public sector lump sum of over €200,000, the balance of the gratuity over that amount should be taxed. I suspect that the vast majority of gardaí would not be affected by such a move. It is probable that those at the very top of the Garda are the only people in the force who...

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I do not need Deputy Rabbitte to help me in any shape or form.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Perhaps the Deputy did not read the report of the Commission on Taxation. That report stated that any gratuity in excess of €200,000 should be taxed and that anything less than €200,000 should not be. If the Minister were to implement that, it would not affect any of the gardaí, apart, perhaps, from the Garda Commissioner and a few assistant commissioners.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Perhaps the Deputy should read the report of the Commission on Taxation and not use it as a doorstop.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I did not say that.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I did not say that.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: If the Deputy tables a parliamentary question he will discover that in every division there has been an exponential increase in gardaí, including in the Deputy's constituency. I would put on a bet with him that the numbers have increased in his area.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: The numbers of gardaí this year will reach a record high of 14,800.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: If the Deputy remembers Enda's famous contract-----

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: I am not being allowed to answer, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Enda's famous contract suggested that if Fine Gael got into government it would increase the garda numbers to 15,000 by 2012. We will reach it in 2009.

Garda Strength. (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Rabbitte should go and read that report.

Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Kenny should specify his proposals.

Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Kenny is flying an empty kite.

Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Kenny is saying nothing. He is talking waffle.

Order of Business (10 Nov 2009)

Dermot Ahern: Quivering in their boots.