Results 1,201-1,220 of 25,732 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: The Leader is incorrect and he knows that. The deal stated the rate should rise 1% in 2012 and another 1% in 2013, not 2% in one year.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes, it is.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: The Minister wishes.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Cé mhéid nóiméid?

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I appreciate the allowance of contribution time for this debate. The 20th amendment to the Constitution is supported by my party and we will support this Bill. A number of amendments have been listed in the Dáil and I have some questions. With regard to the referendum, concerning which we may have an opportunity to talk to the...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes. I welcome the measures on pensions, in particular those which most people would agree are considerably above the norm, namely, pensions for senior members of former Governments, senior civil servants, members of the Judiciary, and so on. I wish the figure provided by the Minister of State's was actually €400 million because a saving of €400,000 is minimal. I believe he will agree...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I was coming to that. I could come into the Chamber and shout and roar at the Minister of State. However, he knows my point. This is wrong. It is wrong that these posts are not advertised. It was wrong when it was done by previous Governments-----

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: -----and it is wrong now.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: There are more and more of these posts. In the Taoiseach's office there are four such appointments, at a cost to the taxpayer of €440,000. I want to know if these people are qualified. The Bill is important. It reaffirms the wish of the people concerning the 29th amendment to the Constitution but it does not go far enough in cutting pension payments to former officeholders and former...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I agree.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Leader for acceding to the request yesterday to resume Committee Stage of the Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 today and to continue considering the legislation tomorrow. There should be adequate time this evening to deal with the remaining amendments. I thank the Leader sincerely for taking on board the views of the House in this regard. He has done so on a couple...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: She just dismisses pay caps.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Get over it.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: He is able to take it better than Senator Bacik.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Perhaps the Minister, Deputy Burton, will do something about it.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: That is very good of the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: At least we have it done before the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Has this Government reintroduced it?

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Who promised to restore them?

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Darragh O'Brien: Was she for us or against us?