Results 1,741-1,760 of 2,099 for speaker:Ivor Callely

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: -----in particular in regard to its programme on the Berlin Wall which Tony Connolly presented last night. He gave a particular perspective on the Hungarian issue which warrants acknowledgement. I refer to Senator Regan's comments on what Senator Harris said. This country recognised it faced serious difficulties in 2007 and in 2008 we recognised there was a need to resolve them.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: We are now in the last quarter of 2009 and we have had protracted debate on associated issues. People now want us to get on with the job, to deal with the difficulties, to get the banks-----

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: -----to provide credit and to engage in job creation.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: In the light of what has been said, it is important to wish the Taoiseach well in his endeavours and determination to address public service reform and associated issues such as the public service pay bill. Those who have been listening will have heard him set out his stall. I wish him well, especially in the next fortnight.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: I endorse what Senator Hanafin said about European history, particularly in the past 20 years. I congratulate our national news network, RTE, on its piece on European history in the past 20 years. It is presented by Tony Connolly and we enjoy it every day on "RTÉ News: Nine O'Clock". It is worth anybody's while to watch it and the research and broadcasting are excellent. There has been...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: They have been good to the system and the financial institutions. They should not be disbarred from appointments just because they have come through the system.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: The National Asset Management Agency Bill is critical legislation at this time. The economic and financial policies we apply in the next period will have far-reaching implications for all of us and the generations to follow. The country is in a deep state of economic depression and the outlook is bleak but there is an opportunity to turn matters around, despite all attempts by certain...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: That might sound like a correct political line but people do not want to hear political jargon. They want to hear that their bank manager will now give them the money they require, whether for a small purchase or to meet a bill that they are not currently able to manage. It does not matter whether it involves the individual or a small or medium-sized business. The Minister is a good friend...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: I should not respond to that ball bouncing but I would love to see some Members being subject to an acid test on private business. A serious national challenge was identified by the Minister and his officials in 2007-----

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: -----and I understand in the first quarter of 2008 the solution was placed on the desk by the informed authorities. In the last quarter of 2009 we are talking about putting the solution in place. The Senators who heckled me on that point should put the matter in a private business context and see how long they would last. In fairness to the Minister, the draft business plan is a substantial...

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

Ivor Callely: I will take the opportunity, because the time is short and we will not be getting in and out-----

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

Ivor Callely: I congratulate the Minister on his work to date and on his endeavours. On the purpose of the Act, we all are aware this is a complex area. I spoke following Senator Burke on the same issue yesterday. The language we all are getting to know about performing and non-performing assets, loans and transfers, SPVs and other stuff is quite complex. In amendment No. 3, on restoring confidence in...

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

Ivor Callely: On a point I raised earlier about the purpose of the Bill, and moving on to the code of practice which is before us, will the Minister of State confirm there will be no practices applied that would be different to the original business practice entered into by the loan applicant and the financial institution? I understand new terms may be agreed mutually but I ask that there would be no...

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

Ivor Callely: I did not hear the comment.

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

Ivor Callely: I ask the Minister of State and his officials to be on guard with respect to the other players involved. The mechanism we are putting place can be used as a tool by various players participating in this regardless of what capacity they may be playing at. For example, it may be purposely beneficial for valuations to come in at a particular level. If we take the 30% that is within the body...

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

Ivor Callely: We may see further developments in this area. I do not want to put the Minister of State on the spot. I do not believe he will be able to clarify these issues.

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

Ivor Callely: I did not ask. I said I wanted to put the Minister of State on guard, and I repeat that. If he can respond, that would be brilliant, but it is something we will have to monitor closely as this issue progresses.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: I join other Senators in congratulating those who secured the release of Fr. Michael Sinnott. I concur with those who commented on the work of our missionaries overseas, and the work of those in Ireland who support those missionaries. I support Senator Mary White's call for a debate on export-led growth. This is crucial and a number of days should be identified for holding such a debate....

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: Many comments have been made regarding the position of our banks. I congratulate the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on all he has done to correct our banking system and the manner in which he has diplomatically and correctly gone about assisting in changes in the management structures, given the hamstrung position in which he finds himself. It is important that we have...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Ivor Callely: Hear, hear.