Results 13,381-13,400 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Deputy McDonald will be fully aware that I am a strong supporter of the Croke Park agreement. I have published and commented on the two reviews that have been carried out on the agreement to date and I am strongly of the view that it has delivered significant savings to the State, including payroll costs of €1.5 billion and non-payroll costs to supplement that. Equally important is that...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: There is a certain irony in taking lectures on the use of public funds from Sinn Féin right now.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: If Deputies do not mind, this is a democratic forum. I know Sinn Féin Members like to shout people down but we would like to be heard.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: There is a certain irony in Sinn Féin Members lecturing people on claiming expenses or spending public money.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The taxpayer pays out and the highest claimants are in the Sinn Féin Party. We are determined to establish solidarity in the public service. We have made more strides in the past 12 months than in the history of the State. To do this in the context of people's constitutional and legal rights is very difficult. The Deputy is much more attached to the soundbite than the reality. The...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I will repeat myself for clarity. In so far as, and as long as, the public service unions deliver and adhere to their side of the Croke Park agreement, the Government will adhere to its side.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy mentioned that the Taoiseach is on his way to Brussels with the Tánaiste for a very important European summit. The agenda item we have sought for the best part of a year, to refocus the EU commitment to growth and jobs, will be crystallised today with concrete measures to the value of €130 million. That will have an impact on our requirement to stimulate the economy. I will...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The procurement of services is central to the reform agenda of my Department. Areas that were closed shops in the past in terms of audit services and, more especially, legal services are properly tended for so that we get better value. I intend to do that. I have already had discussions with private sector firms that have innovative ways of carrying out the tender process. It will migrate...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: -----of a suite of measures that make it clear that the Government wants people to retain roofs over their heads. We want to ensure there is a sustainable path to pay debt. The Deputy asked whether we have factored in the impact of debt write-off in terms of the recapitalisation of banks. That was part of the assessment by the BlackRock group and others last year. They determined the...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: It is proposed to take No. 15, Companies (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad] - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 6, Microenterprise Loan Fund Bill 2012 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 1, Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 [Seanad] - Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I am very aware of the pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises. Together with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, I conducted a seminar last Monday in my home town at which we met with small business owners and heard precisely what difficulties they face. The Valuation Act 2001(amendment) Bill falls within my remit and I intend to bring it to a conclusion...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: That legislation is proceeding to Committee Stage. The select committee is the appropriate forum for the Deputy to discuss any amendments she may wish to propose.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: That is not a legislative matter. I am sure the relevant committee will raise it with the Minister for Social Protection.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I understand there has been no request to the Whips for a debate. I agree that the report is a matter of great significance and I am sure any such request will be met with a ready ear.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Legislation will be introduced, as is absolutely traditional and routine. The matter has not yet been considered by Government, but it is traditional that the report would not be amended.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I am sorry to inform the Deputy that there is no date fixed for the publication of the criminal justice (victims' rights) Bill and inspection of places of detention Bill. In both cases, the heads of Bill have not yet come to Government. In regard to the National Lottery Act 1986 (amendment) Bill, which comes under the remit of my Department, the current licence for the national lottery...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: This touches on the very fine line between the Executive and the Legislature and I am minded not to trespass on the House's territory. As the Deputy acknowledged, I am very supportive of this innovative committee. However, I shall go no further than to say that I understand these matters are being considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I will certainly talk to the Whip in relation to it.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: That is fair enough. I will talk to the Government Whip on that matter.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I think that is a question for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.