Results 11,141-11,160 of 50,453 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: -----his general articulation of the need for debate and so on.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: I am just making the point that there has been an extraordinary pattern of guillotining Bill after Bill in this House, and a lot of optics going on in-between. The once-a-month Fridays, for example, are a bit of a joke in terms of the Government's contribution.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: What we are getting here is optics in terms of the substance of Dáil reform. The Government should facilitate a proper debate on this in the schedule.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: You have got too comfortable, Pat.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: There is actually a law in force called the agency directive that has no legislation at all until after Christmas. Work that one out.

Order of Business (Resumed) (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: As this is my last opportunity to speak on the Order of Business this session, I thank the Ceann Comhairle and all the staff of Leinster House, including all the ushers, for their co-operation and courtesy throughout the session. On behalf of my party I wish them and all the Members a very happy, restful and reflective Christmas. We should take the opportunity to remember all former Members...

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: Last week's meeting of the European Council was one of the most critical in the history of the European Union. This summit was charged with providing a final and decisive answer to a crisis that is hitting all 17 states in the euro and is a direct threat to the wider European and global economies. It was the fifth time this year that leaders met determined to draw a line under the crisis by...

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: No, I am talking about the study on what was agreed. The Taoiseach, along with others, adopted a tough series of commitments relating to structural deficits and the reduction of debt. The enforcement procedures are such that these rules will effectively set the entire economic framework for the future of this country. Not one person in the Council chamber last week could say what would be...

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: I said it is a mystery why the Taoiseach agreed to his appointment. I am not talking about last Friday. He was appointed on the nod, with no discussion about the mandate of the ECB and its role in the crisis. That is my point. The Taoiseach had a say in that and he did not even question him about the policies or the ECB's approach.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: I spoke to the Taoiseach yesterday and the Taoiseach said that he made it clear. My point is that there was no idea of addressing the central role of the ECB or changing its mandate. There was not, and the Taoiseach should not pretend there was.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: Yes, and I have articulated them in my speech. Everything I am saying is quite correct and accurate.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: The point is that the summit did not address the mandate of the ECB, which is the crucial issue, or the capacity of the ECB to be the lender of last resort.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: It concentrated on the German agenda of fiscal rules alone. This is a bank that raised interest rates after a recession had started and risked creating a depression by raising them before it was over. It is so obsessed with the idea that targeting an inflation rate of close to, but below, 2% is the answer to every problem that it has even produced an iPhone application in which hitting this...

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: -----particularly President Sarkozy.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: Last Friday, the Government was eager to push the idea that there is nothing to be worried about. The Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, said on "Morning Ireland" that corporation tax was not on the agenda at all.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: In spite of this, and in spite of the Taoiseach saying just now that it is correct, page 3 of the summit communiqué states explicitly that leaders discussed the co-ordination of tax policies and how tax policy can support economic policy co-ordination and contribute to fiscal consolidation and growth.

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: I repeat that page 3 of the summit communiqué states explicitly that leaders discussed the co-ordination of tax policies and how tax policy can support economic policy co-ordination and contribute to fiscal consolidation and growth. It was discussed. Given that yesterday the Minister of State referred insultingly to many journalists having been too lazy to read the summit communiqué, she...

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: What does the Taoiseach know about the reports that certain EU leaders have reservations or difficulties about the far-reaching pact that has been arrived at between EU countries? It was reported overnight that the Dutch, Belgian and Hungarian Governments are in difficulty on this matter. The Czech Government has said we are starting from "a blank sheet of paper". The issue is that the bar...

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: There is an argument about the Anglo Irish Bank debt given that some of the bondholders are unguaranteed and unsecured. The ECB is forcing the Government to pay them. Did the Taoiseach flag that issue during these talks?

European Council Meeting: Statements (14 Dec 2011)

Micheál Martin: Why did they not sign up for that? Why did the Taoiseach sign up for that on Thursday without getting that agreement?