Results 1,881-1,900 of 26,396 for speaker:David Cullinane

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (19 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: That is contained in its commentary. It then goes on to mention the property tax. Before doing that it states that the average income for the top 20% of households is more than five times the average income of the poorest 20% of households. This means that for a budgetary package to impose an equal percentage burden on each group, for every ¤50 million taken from the lowest income group,...

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (19 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: The citizens in the North would disagree with that. Many studies have been done which show that is not the case. Actually more money leaves the North than what we get.

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (19 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I will not take lectures from somebody who wears a number of hats. The Senator says one thing while wearing one hat and something else when wearing a different hat. She has no credibility whatsoever.

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (19 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I certainly will not take lectures from that particular Senator who has no absolutely no credibility. Perhaps I can finish on one issue. As high as the rates are, at least there is one charge, it is a rate, for which one has one's water paid for, one has free health, including free school, free books, free meals, free education and roads are repaired. We know that the average local...

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (19 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: A regressive property tax.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I wish to be associated with the words of thanks expressed by the Leader and previous speakers to all staff at all levels in Leinster House. I say the same to the Leader, the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, all those who sit in the Chair from time to time, the group leaders, the Whips and all other Senators for their contributions in the course of the year. No doubt next year will...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I move amendment No. 1: In page 3, line 5, after "WELFARE" to insert ", PENSIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS".We discussed the matter to which this amendment relates on Committee Stage. I listened to what the Minister and those on the Government benches had to say in respect of it. We must remind ourselves of the matters on which we are voting in the context of the contents of the Bill....

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: That is a welcome commitment and the House should follow up on it. I have no doubt the Minister will return to us next year with legislation in which she will be seeking to take further moneys from social welfare recipients. I want to take part in constructive and helpful discussions during which we might consider where savings can be made, not just in the area of social welfare but across...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: There are many elements of the budget which we as legislators will not be in a position to properly scrutinise. That is regrettable, but it is a matter for the Cathaoirleach. I accept that this is more of a procedural problem than anything else. I strongly disagree with many of the provisions contained in the Bill. However, I acknowledge the contributions made by Senators on all sides...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: The Leas-Chathaoirleach is being challenged.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: Hear, hear, well said.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I am glad we did.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I do not agree with the Minister's-----

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I do not agree with the Minister's view. I hold to the view that the Title of the Bill should be changed. It is regrettable and outrageous that we have to use this provision to have a discussion on the Bill on Report stage, but that is where we have ended up because of the technicalities which may not be particularly relevant. I hope that, as we progress the debate, the Minister will...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: No, I am not. A colleague reminded me that my duty in the Chair was to ensure speakers stuck to the amendments. As we progress discussions on the Bill, it is in the Minister's interests to listen to what Members have to say, take off the blinkers and not repeat what Members did not say.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Report Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I withdraw my amendment for the same reasons.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Fifth Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Cullinane: I wish to make a final contribution on the Bill. I deeply regret the cuts which have been imposed on social welfare recipients.