Results 1,321-1,340 of 26,396 for speaker:David Cullinane

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I would change it slightly, in that the empire has no clothes in light of events in Europe. Clearly, we are stumbling from one crisis to another. We have endless EU summits, the pre-summit commentary, which-----

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: -----is concerned with building expectations and hyping considered responses from our European leaders, the inevitable fallout and policies that are being put in place despite their not meeting the needs of Europe or the Irish people. One month after the austerity treaty referendum, we are entering another period of negotiations that, as the Minister of State will accept, will see a shift in...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: This attitude is inherent in the design of the proposed ESM. We should have a financial mechanism on which countries that need help can call for support in difficult times. We also accept that we need a mechanism that protects the integrity of the euro. However, of more importance is protecting the livelihoods and standards of living of ordinary Europeans, be they working or unemployed....

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: A number of weeks ago Members had a debate on the Mahon tribunal in the immediate aftermath of the publication of its report.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: While it was a highly constructive debate, Members must revisit the issue again to have a debate on the planning system. Such a debate must consider the findings of the Mahon report and the need to implement its main findings.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: If the Fianna Fáil Senator is trying to create a link between Oireachtas Members who used their salaries to employ staff-----

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: ----- and to take people off the dole-----

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: -----to compare that to the corruption within Fianna Fáil. I think they are stooping to a new low.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: Those Members who make that claim should be also told clearly that they pocket all of their salaries and expenses.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: We need to move to a situation where we have reduced salaries and fully vouched expenses, which is for what my party has been calling.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I will forgive Fianna Fáil Senators for their interruptions, because I know corruption is a very sensitive issue for them. The issue I wish to raise today, if I can be allowed to do so-----

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I am not wandering anywhere. I am making a point about a court case that took place in Waterford a few weeks ago, where a former Fine Gael town councillor was found guilty of corruption in respect of a planning and rezoning issue in the county. It is important to have an independent, thorough investigation into what happened in County Waterford. It is also important that we move beyond...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: That is dreadful stuff.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: Greedy politicians.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: But they are part of the equation.

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. As I understand it section 2 provides the Minister for Finance with the authority to make payments to the ESM to cover this country's contribution to our share of the authorised capital stock. The amount involved is extraordinary. Section 3 sets out the amount but I am dealing with section 2 which gives the Minister power to do so. The...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: It is important to say from the outset that this is not an abstract debate. In canteens and households up and down this State, and presumably across Europe, families and individuals are discussing the future of the euro and the implications for them of events in Europe and Ireland. We attended a presentation in the AV room today concerning people in receipt of rent supplement and the...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: That is my point. We are constantly told the goal posts are moving. The pot is enough now, but something else will occur. For example, Cyprus is looking towards the pot. Italy may eventually do the same. What happens if France needs a bailout? This process is madness. Direct recapitalisation makes sense. The Minister of State does not disagree. The Government and many others want...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: It does not make sense. We must convince people that there is a better way. I hope this work is ongoing at EU level. There is nothing wrong with Ireland saying "No". One of Europe's main problems, be it in terms of this treaty or a major question, is its claim that, although a solution is not the best one, it is the only one on the table and people cannot say "No". We can say "No". Sinn...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: They might on this issue, but we are normally asked about what we know about the economy. We were right when we consistently stated these plans would not work. We consistently stated that the previous Government's solution for the economy would not work. We have been proven right. The plans are not working in Europe or Ireland. This is not just my party's view. Senator Norris and many...