Results 1,201-1,220 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I move amendment No. 73: In page 145, line 41, to delete "shall" and insert "may". This amendment relates to the issue we have just been discussing in part 8 of the Schedule to which the Minister referred. I understand and agree with the rationale for what is being proposed in the round. It may be, however, that I have not followed the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill as closely...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I move amendment No. 7: In page 24, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: 8.-The following shall be added to paragraph 1(2) of the First Schedule to the Freedom of Information Act 1997- "NAMA, a NAMA group entity or a valuation panel under the National Asset Management Act 2009"." The amendment deals with the proposed application of the Freedom of Information Act. I made the...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: It is.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: It makes sense that it should be grouped with the other amendment. I made the point last night to one of the Minister's colleagues that I take the view, I am not sure whether it is shared by the Minister, that the Freedom of Information Act is vitally important legislation that applies right across the public service and that a strong and compelling case needs to be made where it is proposed...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: We want information about it.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: The former Taoiseach was part of and a supporter of that trend.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: The Minister's observation that it would be a burden on NAMA is neither acceptable nor adequate. Of course it would be a burden. The Minister is obliged to shoulder certain burdens but these are legitimately carried by him and shared by others. It would be extraordinary if the fact that something might be a burden were the only reason for its exclusion. I have sympathy for the civil...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: Absolutely.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I move amendment No. 11: In page 50, line 30, to delete "Éireann.", and substitute the following: "Éireann, save that such evidence shall not include questioning or expressing an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government or on the merits of the objectives of such a policy.". This is a proposed amendment to section 58. The matter was ventilated in...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: It concerned the issue of the chairperson and chief executive officer of NAMA and the extent to which they ought to be restricted or constrained in what they say before the Committee of Public Accounts and what type of evidence they are entitled to give, as well as the level, basis or extent of the nature of the questioning that is entitled to be permitted. The Minister for Finance last...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: That is a very disappointing response and it is not convincing. With regard to the contention that the provision represents standard practice, it emerged in the debate last night that provisions such as this appear in some Acts but not in others. It is clear it is not a universal provision affecting the types of officeholders in question. I accept the provision is included in some...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I am not yet finished but will not be much longer.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: The House has not heard-----

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I am not yet finished but I am almost finished. The House has heard very few speeches from the Labour Party benches for the past six hours. Perhaps the Acting Chairman will indulge me in regard to the two or three amendments which we will be pressing. I would like to finish the point I was making in regard to Dr. Somers. I note RTE has stated that Dr. Somers is to leave his post next...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: -----including those who are calling for a shortening of the debate.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: On a point of order, before Senator Norris leaves the House, I wish to inquire, in terms of the business of the House, whether if the Labour Party amendment is pressed the outcome of that vote will in any way affect the possibility of Senator Norris's amendment being put to the House.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I would not like to deprive Senator Norris the chance of pressing his amendment if the Labour Party amendment is defeated.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: We have another amendment-----

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: What happens if the amendment is defeated?

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Alex White: I second the amendment.