Results 1,981-2,000 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: Did the Senator dream this up?
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: I saw her voting with the Government today.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: It is a pity the Senator did not see the news programme "Six-one", as there was unprecedented and almost universal acclaim for a tremendous budget. I hope he will get an opportunity to see the news at 9 o'clock.
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: A debate in this House has become a regular part of budget day each year. I thank the Independent Senators for tabling this motion which provides Members with an opportunity to comment on the budget. It also allows the Government to hear those views and, at the same time, to put on record the objectives which underpin budget 2004 and the measures that will deliver them. I begin by reminding...
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: The social welfare package announced today involves the expenditure of a total of â¬630 million in a full year. The Government will continue to evaluate public expenditure in a way which allows it to free up resources to direct them to the areas which are most in need. It has done so today. The level of additional benefits announced today by the Minister for Finance is well ahead of the rate...
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: The old age contributory pension will be increased to â¬167.30 per week. The new rate for the old age non-contributory pension will be â¬154 per week. Widows' and widowers' contributory pensions for those aged 66 and over will increase by â¬11.50 to bring the rate up to the level of the old age contributory pension. The new weekly rate for widows and widowers aged 80 or over will be...
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: Taking into account the need to keep inflation down, the Minister has decided to make only minor changes to indirect taxation. Taxation on cigarettes and other tobacco products will increase by the equivalent of 25 cent per packet of 20 cigarettes. The VAT-inclusive excise duty rate on petrol and diesel will be increased by 5 cent per litre. These increases will take effect from midnight...
- Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: One need only look at news on "Six-one" to see how wise the people are. This budget represents a prudent combination of targeted tax and expenditure measures which will bring real benefits. At the same time, it protects the vulnerable in our society. We have more jobs in our society and a better standard of living for all, especially for those on the margins. We are seeing real benefits in...
- Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Traveller Accommodation. (2 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: The role of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of Traveller accommodation is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial framework in place within which local authorities, including South Dublin County Council, can provide accommodation for Travellers. The Department supports local authorities in undertaking Traveller specific...
- Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Decentralisation Programme. (2 Dec 2003)
Tom Parlon: I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on behalf of the Minister for Finance. I fully appreciate the keen interest in the issue of decentralisation, both within and outside the Houses of the Oireachtas.
- Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Rural Renewal Scheme. (27 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: I welcome this opportunity, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, to speak about the rural renewal scheme in the Seanad this evening. Prior to introducing the scheme in the budget for 1998, the Minister for Finance had been aware for quite a considerable time of the problems of the upper Shannon area and that the area was not sharing in the economic success enjoyed by much of the country at...
- Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Building Programme. (27 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: I am glad the Senator has given me the opportunity to outline to the House on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science the current position regarding the allocation of funding for school building projects. The 2003 schools building programme is on the Department's website and is designed to give the maximum amount of information concerning the schools capital programme to managers,...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: I am delighted to have this opportunity to debate the 2004 pre-budget Estimates in Seanad Ãireann.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: It is on its way. I apologise for the delay.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: There are now about 96,000 staff employed in providing health services, compared to 66,000 in 1997. During this time an additional 6,000 nurses have been recruited, which amounts to 22% of the total increase. A further 8,500 people â over 30% of the increase â have been recruited to the medical, dental or health and social care professional grades. These employees are providing an...
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: It is not applied yet.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: Senator Mansergh covered the issue quite well.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: The figure includes catering and all sorts of care costs.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: There is nit picking and nit picking.
- Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)
Tom Parlon: I listened with interest to Senators' contributions. Despite an offer to be relieved, I was pleased to remain for the full debate. A number of Senators raised the issue of the Stability and Growth Pact. Ireland supports the pact on the basis of sound public finances in the EU. The discipline which has resulted from the pact has been good for Europe and Ireland. Sound public finances are...