Results 20,261-20,280 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Order of Business (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: Obviously, we have asked a number of questions of the Attorney General in respect of the fiscal compact and we are awaiting the Attorney General's advice on that. I do not have information for the Deputy in respect of the 1926 census but I will ask the Minister to respond to the Deputy. I will mention to the Minister for Finance directly the question of a briefing for the Deputy

Order of Business (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: I have answered that for the Deputy already though he does not want to accept the answer.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: I am awaiting the advice back from the Attorney General in respect of the fiscal compact.

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: There are 30 questions and, to be fair, quite a number of them are in the name of Deputy Martin. The point should be made that the questions are actually more pertinent now than they were earlier because there is the agreed text from 25 of the 27 countries in respect of the fiscal compact and the new treaty. Several of these issues could have been dealt with by way of written question if the...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: No, because it was not necessary. The role of the ECB is not part of this treaty. The issue of the corporate tax rate is not part of the treaty. Nor is the question of a common consolidated corporate tax base part of it. My view is that there can now be a focus on the role, responsibility and future remit of the ECB by the political process, having secured agreement in respect of the...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: It is not relevant to this discussion. Of course the ECB is absolutely central to the future of Europe. Mr. Draghi, as successor to Mr. Trichet, has made changes in the direction and remit of the ECB which have been very welcome in relieving pressure on banks by making unlimited amounts of low-interest moneys available to them. Deputy Martin and I have discussed the question of the...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: The informal meeting took place on 30 January. There is no issue between me and President Sarkozy. The last contact I had with him was when he hit me a tap on the shoulder, in response to which Deputy Gerry Adams said I should not be buddying up to the French President on such matters. I have spoken to the French ambassador about a meeting. It is a matter of finding an opportunity to talk...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: I support the communautaire method very strongly, as does Deputy Martin. I have made the point to him on many occasions that I would prefer to see this process based on the communautaire method. There was a sense of frustration here - to a great extent on the part of some people - that all of these bilateral meetings should take place. I do not object to bilateral meetings, but this is...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Adams and his party, Sinn Féin, have a particular view of Europe, which is their own business. As I said to Deputy Martin on many occasions, we will not develop this country, the European Union or eurozone by following austerity programmes. This must be balanced with a demand structure which allows growth of an economy in terms of jobs and opportunities, such as those welcomed by...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: As stated on a number of occasions, I do not like that we have to pay out that money. The Deputy spoke about democratic principles. The Government adheres to those democratic principles. The question of requirement for a referendum is clear. It is a democratic principle that people expect effective spend for their money. The Government, because the airgead is not as flúirseach as it was...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: It is the same old rant every week.

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: The Deputy should take a train to Dundalk and ask the people there what they think about the decision of PayPal to employ 1,000 people in the town in the coming years.

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett should travel to Westport and ask the people there what they think about the decision of Alllergan Pharmaceuticals to invest €350 million in a new plant, with the associated construction jobs, as well as the opportunity to create several hundred more. He should visit the Shell site, where he would be very welcome, and consider the additional €800 million that...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: I am not going to take any lectures on suicide from Deputy Boyd Barrett. Long before the Deputy became a Member of this House, week after week from the Opposition benches Deputy Neville raised the question of suicide, its impact on people throughout the country and the absolute devastation it visits upon families. It is beneath Deputy Boyd Barrett to attempt to lecture Members as if he...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: Everybody in the House has an understanding of what is happening, as do young people. The issue of suicide relates to the days when the veneer of everlasting wealth obtained during the Celtic tiger era. We know all about that matter.

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: I am glad to point out that this Government actually appointed a Minister of State with specific responsibility for mental health and that it has allocated €30 million in funds which are ring-fenced. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will do a very good job with her brief in so far as is possible.

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: Mr. Krugman is much more capable and learned than I. When he refers to austerity, however, he also states that it is necessary to foster growth and create job opportunities in order to develop the economy. That is what the Government is doing. We changed the emphasis - even with the constraints that have been placed upon us - in both the budget and in the Finance Bill in order that...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: -----is harness these constituent parts and say to young people that this is their country and that the Government will provide them with the opportunity and the platform to live here, if that is what they wish to do. Deputy Boyd Barrett's philosophy of austerity, austerity, austerity will continue to force people down into the trenches of disillusionment out of which he has emerged. In...

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: Kerry here we come.

European Council Meetings (21 Feb 2012)

Enda Kenny: I am not sure that the Deputy's question deserves a reply.