Results 1,141-1,160 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I accept that we got a kick from the electorate in the local elections. However, the Deputy's party did not exactly receive a pat on the back from them.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: It is appropriate that the House is discussing these issues. We have had many debates, in the context of motions of confidence in the Government, on the broader issues relating to the economy. No one has access to a font of wisdom with regard to the suffering people endure when they become unemployed. That is the human face of the recession. It is, to say the least, somewhat disingenuous...

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: -----of the suffering caused by unemployed. As Deputy Tuffy stated, that is the human face of the recession. With regard to the issues raised in the motion, it must be stated that there is still no flow of credit to small and medium-sized businesses. This difficulty continues to manifest itself and Deputies on all sides referred to it. Those on the other side of the House have expressed...

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: It is not a case of propping up the banks or supporting any one sector of the economy, it is about ensuring that we have a stable and functioning banking system-----

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: -----that can provide support to the business sector.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: In that context, the Government has also established a clearing group to monitor the position and ensure that there will be a flow of credit to small and medium-sized businesses. As a result, if blockages are identified, they can be addressed.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: It is happening and there is no doubt we will return to a situation where there will be a flow of credit.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: If we were to take the Deputy's views on board, there would be no banking system and credit would not be available for any small and medium-sized businesses.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: As already stated, a clearing group has been established within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This group has been charged with monitoring the position, providing assistance and identifying and removing any blockages that arise. This will ensure the restoration of a proper, functioning flow of credit to the economy.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I am sure the Deputies in Sinn Féin will adopt a more positive approach to the Lisbon treaty during the next referendum campaign.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: They should take into account that the European Investment Bank has allocated €300 million, through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, to assist small and medium-sized businesses.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: That is fundamentally important.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Everyone is aware that the only way to address this matter is to provide a stimulus to the economy and to restore the flow of credit.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: A major capital investment programme remains in place in this country. Some €6 billion will be spent on capital developments.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: To suggest that we are not making capital investments is fundamentally wrong and factually incorrect.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I just wanted to correct the record because I know the Deputies opposite did not want to intentionally mislead the House.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: As regards training courses for the unemployed, we are facing a crisis situation. We must try to rise to the challenge. Short-term courses are of assistance to those who are unemployed. The Deputies opposite might dismiss the idea of computer or Internet courses. However, such courses are extremely beneficial to those who do not possess computer skills. We do not want to repeat the...

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: -----but we also want to provide them with training opportunities so that they might advance and up-skill themselves in certain areas.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Many people do not have the requisite skills and that is why we are providing training programmes.

Unemployment Levels: Motion (Resumed) (17 Jun 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I commend the amendment to the House.