Results 1,201-1,220 of 9,753 for speaker:Terry Leyden

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: In December 1983, which is not long ago——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: ——former Deputy John Wilson confronted the then Minister for Finance, Mr. Alan Dukes — the Iron Duke — as to why the decentralisation project agreed in 1980 was being shelved. Mr. Dukes, a Fine Gael Minister, said——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: He said: The results on the concentration of population and the quality of life, both in over-populated and under-populated areas, are matters on which I and many others agree. We can see the ill effect of both situations. The decentralisation programme would have cost a further £45 million and that was a material consideration which had to be taken into account. It was one of the main...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: When Fine Gael went into Government it announced a major decentralisation programme.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: Fine Gael cannot disown its former leader. The party removed him, sacked him and got rid of him, but he said——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: ——"we have decided not to go ahead with the decentralisation scheme".

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: That was said by Alan Dukes and not too long ago.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: I have further quotations. Garret FitzGerald, the man who brought Fine Gael to tax children's shoes——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: He begged Senator Mary O'Rourke to walk down Grafton Street with him to check those children's shoes.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: He said: "Will you come down Grafton Street and work this out?"

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: He went on his knees to the late Jim Kemmy and begged him to keep them in Government at that particular time. I was there. I walked into the lobby with Jim Kemmy and we brought that Government down, thanks be to God. If that Government had not been brought down, the 3,500 jobs that went at that time would still be here in Dublin, thanks to Fine Gael and the little Labour Party that was a part...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: Democratic Left, the Labour Party and Fine Gael went into power in the morning and derailed the 10,000 jobs agreed by the Government.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: In 1992, when I was in the other House, I got agreement to bring the General Register Office to Roscommon town. That was just before the general election.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: It has now become a reality. The Minister will be down in Roscommon to complete the job and open the new General Register Office at the Convent of Mercy site in Roscommon.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: It will bring 230 jobs to Roscommon. We are bringing all the goods together.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: The Minister of State might inform us of the date on which he will be opening the offices. I think it will be in March 2005.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: The General Register Office is a major boost for Roscommon. Garret FitzGerald said it was most unfortunate that decision was ever made because it would be so difficult for those travelling by train, including researchers, who would have to go all the way to Roscommon——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: ——to find out all about the genealogical situation of their ancestry. What a major boost when such people want to research their family trees but the good Garret said "We do not want it going to Roscommon". What a great contribution from the former leader of Fine Gael who resigned some years ago. John Bruton was not in favour of it, as Minister for Finance.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: I beg your pardon.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Terry Leyden: Senator Feighan joined the wrong party when he got into politics. He should have jumped back to Fianna Fáil where he came from.