Results 1,281-1,300 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Dec 2009)

Alex White: As a relatively new Member of the Houses, at certain times over the past two and half years I have scratched my head and wondered what was the role of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. That is not to criticise the commission or its members. My colleague in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, has made me aware of the extent of the work and its importance. I have concerns that...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Dec 2009)

Alex White: I agree with Senator O'Toole that it does, but it probably applies with even greater strength to a body that is responsible for the "running" of the Houses of Parliament of the people. It is something that bears further consideration. It would be interesting to hear more from the Minister of State on how its accountability will be delivered. He might say it is a matter for the individual...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Dec 2009)

Alex White: We are shuffling through the Bill while looking through the very helpful documentation from the Library and trying to decide whether we are doing the job as well as we should be doing it. Why can we not have a better use of technology by having the principal Act available on screen whereby we could note the sections of it this legislation amends and how it relates to other legislation?...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Dec 2009)

Alex White: Deputy Shatter would give that impression to the public.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Alex White: I remind colleagues, including Senator Quinn, that the Labour Party does not order the business in this House, that is a matter for the Leader. While I have no objection to having a debate on the budget tomorrow or any other day, we have probably the same likelihood of being listened to on the budget as we have on the issue of gift vouchers, that is, somewhere approaching zero. However, if...

Seanad: Budget 2010: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Alex White: I am grateful to Senator Boyle for his acknowledgement, which members of the Government find it difficult to make, that at least part of the problem the Government, and by extension the people, must deal with and the deficit itself are attributable to what has occurred in the banks. That is unquestionably the case. From time to time and mainly in the context of NAMA, Ministers attempt to...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: Senator Donohoe raised the statement by the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Patrick Honohan, before the Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs yesterday in which he argued that an inquiry into recent developments in the banking sector was required. I strongly support the Governor's position. Professor Honohan also stated he was sure the average discount to be applied to the...

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: As is the convention, the Cathaoirleach beat me to congratulating Senator Ó Brolcháin on his election to Seanad Éireann and to wish him every good fortune on a personal level in his time here. I do not want to take from my congratulation of him but listening to his most interesting contribution, none of which I could disagree with, it struck me - as some of Senator Ó Brolcháin's...

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: Is it not the case that the €4 billion is part of the deficit?

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: The madness was of our own making.

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: Will the banks be compelled to comply with the outcome of appeals?

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: That is not compulsion.

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: What is the sanction if the bank refuses to do so?

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: The Government should have thought of that in 2005 and 2006.

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: The figures do not support that contention.

Seanad: Budget 2010: Motion (16 Dec 2009)

Alex White: He is well able for it.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Dec 2009)

Alex White: Other Senators are waiting to speak.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Dec 2009)

Alex White: Senator Norris should show some respect for his colleagues.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Dec 2009)

Alex White: I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on the Bill. My party and I oppose the legislation because we should not seek to have those who earn €30,000 per year or €600 per week take us out of what is, undoubtedly, an economic crisis. That is what we are dealing with. We can talk about ESB craft workers and the belief that talks on public service reform should resume, which I want...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Dec 2009)

Alex White: I am prepared to give way if Senator Harris wants to correct what he said.