Results 21,141-21,160 of 26,293 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I have a question on the superannuation of staff who do not fall within the public service pension scheme. We all know we do not actually have a pension scheme as all pensions are paid out of current revenue. I would certainly like this to be changed. That aside, will the scheme that will be set up for staff who do not fall within the public service pension scheme operate on a defined...

Seanad: Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: That is fair enough but I am talking about new entrants. I am not trying to be pedantic or difficult. What type of scheme will new entrants in Sport Ireland join? Will it be a defined benefit scheme or a defined contribution scheme? It is perfectly correct that staff transferring to the new body will keep what they have. Obviously, there will be new staff, such as a new chief executive....

Seanad: Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Minister for the clarification. New entrants to Sport Ireland will come under the gold-plated defined benefit scheme that is not applicable to people such as the Aer Lingus and airport pensioners about whom I have been talking and who have had their benefits cut by 50% or 60% by the Government. I am sure the latter will be very interested to know that new entrants to Sport...

Seanad: Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Are we speaking on the section?

Seanad: Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Minister of State for his answers so far. The Schedule states the board will have a number of committees reporting to it and the members of the committees do not have to be members of the board of Sport Ireland. I wish to ask specifically about the chairpersons of the committees. Does the Minister of State have any view on whether they should be from the board of Sport Ireland?...

Seanad: Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I will be brief because I know time is pressing and the Leader has extended the time already. I would like to make a formal request to the Cathaoirleach and to the Leader. Senator Wilson has raised a very important point here. This item within the Schedule could very well be unconstitutional. On that basis, I ask the Leader not to proceed with the Final Stages of the Bill. I suggest we...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (29 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: That is agreed. I thank the Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: After watching the PR sideshow in the other House, I have concluded that the Government's new initiative of spring statements, which has no substance and is of no consequence, might afford us an opportunity-----

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Those who are struggling in mortgage arrears or paying rip-off rates on variable-rate mortgages, and those whose respite care grant has been cut are being given nothing new. It was a set piece to allow the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, to congratulate each other and say that everything is great. Maybe...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Bill and Ben. It was great television.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Follow their plan.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I am just like that.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Let us call it like it is. The Labour Party followed a plan under which it voted against everything-----

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Anyway, enjoy today.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Fantastic.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Snobs.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: Give me a break; come on.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: It was. We know it was.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: What is the Senator talking about?

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Apr 2015)

Darragh O'Brien: I argued against the pension levy that took €2 billion out of the economy.