Results 1,801-1,820 of 25,732 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: We referred briefly to this last Friday. We proposed inserting a new section in the Bill but it was ruled out of order. It would have allowed early access to tax free cash for funded pension schemes. I believe there is merit in that proposal. I am aware from our discussion on Friday that the Minister intends to bring forward more substantial pension legislation and we welcome that. We...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Leader for outlining the legislative programme. Last week, I asked Senator Bacik in her role as Acting Leader about the timing of the referendum campaign. I welcome this and all of us as individuals or as members of our parties should use that week to canvas in a very constructive manner for a "Yes" vote. I commend everyone who contributed to the debate on the Social Welfare and...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: This is not the way. The Minister stated a "No" vote in the EU treaty referendum will mean a "dramatically more difficult" budget in December. This is not the case because we are in the programme and the budgetary process has been set. I have stated consistently that if we speak about the treaty we should speak about its merits-----

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: -----and the treaty itself and the fact it will give us economic stability and access to funds should we require it. The Government should not be threatening people-----

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: -----by stating if there is a "No" vote they will pay more tax and have more cuts and austerity. While I have much regard for the Minister, this follows other comments made by the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, and the Minister, Deputy Coveney. With four weeks to go, I ask the Government very simply to be aware the treaty itself has many merits and we should stick to these. We should...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Sorry, but I feel very strongly about this. Whether the Leader agrees with the Minister for Finance or not I ask him to bring back my view on this as someone who is very positive towards the treaty and who will vote "Yes". I will also write the Minister for Finance on this. The Government needs to get the information campaign up and running. When will it begin? When will the citizens of...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: That is not true.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Can one not be both?

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: That is not correct for this year or next.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Minister for Finance should temper his remarks.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I am advising the Minister to be careful of what he says.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I am glad to hear that.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The NPPR has a compliance rate of 95%, by the way.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It is more than can be said of the household charge.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Minister will attend the House this afternoon for our statements on patronage and pluralism.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: There are always a couple in every party.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: We did not get metro north but we got the model railway.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: My party would agree but we must first examine speaking time. The legislation introduced by Senator Power, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, is well thought out and I hope that the Government will accept it. Having two senior Ministers present today is a good departure. It is either a feast or a famine but we are more than happy to have them here to discuss the legislation introduced by...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: What did the Senator tell the people in Carrigaholt when the Garda station was closed?

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: He is well able for it.