Results 21,041-21,060 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Banking Sector (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 4. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans for the future of Allied Irish Banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37400/14]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: State Banking Sector (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: The question relates to the future of AIB. I am aware the Department is appointing a panel of financial advisers to advise on the possible disposal of the State’s interests in the banking sector. The purpose of the question is to establish the Minister’s intentions in respect of AIB. I have some views on the matter which I will outline.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Budget 2015 (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: Is that based on the growth estimate?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: I would like the Minister to continue with his answer.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: The Minister was just about to get to the important part. He has restated what was said publicly, that is, a broadly neutral budget will be sufficient to bring the deficit below 3% of GDP in 2015, which is to be welcomed. As he indicated, statistical reclassification has had an important impact on the opening position, but I can only speak for Fianna Fáil when I say that, as we try to...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: It is included in the figure of 0.15% for next year.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: That would be a policy change.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: I understand that, as announced last year and enacted, the pension levy will remain in place at 0.15% for 2015. That has been pencilled into the figures.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: The Minister informed the House that a further 1% reduction in the deficit would mean a fiscal adjustment of an additional €1.75 billion. He has stated publicly today and previously that a neutral budget would bring us below 3% of GDP - the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, has done likewise. However, some estimates indicate a broadly neutral budget...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Budget 2015 (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: That is not the truth. These questions are not being answered.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 1. To ask the Minister for Finance his projection for the deficit for 2014; the adjustment needed to bring the deficit below 3% and 2%, respectively; if a neutral budget will exclude the impact of already announced measures such as water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37399/14]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Government Deficit (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: The purpose of this question is to establish some baseline data for budget 2015. I should not really have to use a priority question to obtain this information, but, unfortunately, I do because we in opposition are still working from a document that dates from last April. We are relying on the odd scrap of information thrown into the public domain by Ministers who are talking in broad terms...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Pensions Levy (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 26. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the additional funds raised from the increased pension fund levy in 2014 and 2015 which in his budget statement he said were required to make provision for potential State liabilities which may emerge from pre-existing or future pension fund difficulties; the circumstances in which such a call would arise; and if he will...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Code (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 28. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of initiatives he has announced which have not commenced as they are awaiting EU state aid approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37056/14]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: NAMA Social Housing Provision (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 37. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason the National Asset Management Agency has not made greater progress in supplying social housing to date; the way this can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/14]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: National Debt (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 38. To ask the Minister for Finance the current status of plans to repay Ireland’s IMF loans early; when the formal process of repaying loans is likely to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/14]

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 48. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing protections for deferred members of defined benefit pension schemes being wound up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37438/14]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Promissory Notes (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 59. To ask the Minister for Finance the book value and market value of bonds currently held by the Central Bank of Ireland as a result of the promissory note transaction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37444/14]

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Legislative Process (2 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: 92. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 will be enacted including the provision which makes changes to the liability of certain sports clubs to local authority rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37601/14]

European Stability Mechanism (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Michael McGrath: I welcome the opportunity to speak on Second Stage of the European Stability Mechanism (Amendment) Bill. Fianna Fail will support the Bill because it is a logical extension of supporting the original ESM Bill in 2012 but for the more important reason, as indicated in the Minister's opening contribution, that it keeps open the possibility of a deal on retroactive recapitalisation for this...