Results 22,741-22,760 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I recognise that the introduction of a levy will impinge on people, as does every levy. We all understand that. This was made clear by the Minister for Finance that, given the circumstances in which the Government found the country following the recent general election, decisions must be taken that will point the country in the right direction.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: Thanks be to God for the first time in years there are signs of confidence returning both in terms of the international perception of Ireland and the reality at home.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: Yes. I feel for the pensioner Deputy Martin mentioned but this is a temporary levy and its proceeds are used for job creation and getting people off the dole.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: It appears those in the Opposition are under some pressure. At least the information was made available to the Deputy through the freedom of information mechanism and it did not fall behind the radiator like some other documents he saw in the past.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I want the Deputy to understand the difference-----

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: As there is a long session before the Opposition I ask it to calm down.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I will make just one point.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: The difference between this Government and the Government of which Deputy Martin was a member is that we are not afraid to make decisions. Yes, we take responsibility for introducing the pension levy and we make no apology that it is a temporary levy. We do not make any apology for using those resources for job creation initiatives. Of course I understand the impact of any levy on people....

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I make no apology for making decisions that will change the direction or the fortunes of our country which the previous Government funked during the past 12 years.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Government made a series of strategic decisions to restructure the bank system and to recapitalise banks. We are all aware of the numbers of people who are in a distressed condition because of their mortgages. We have set out the issues that currently apply there, where discussions should take place in the first instance between the lender and the borrower. We are waiting for a series...

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: -----but with a direct emphasis on the creation of jobs and initiatives. Deputy Adams is well aware that the extent of investment and investment opportunities from abroad is strong, as evidenced from the trade surplus based on our exports but our indigenous economy is flat and it is there that confidence measures must be placed. This is why the Government reduced the PRSI for employers. It...

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I share the Deputy's belief in the principle of creating the maximum number of jobs that we can. The arguments that we had before the summer recess about the interest rate reduction are not being raised now because it is being applied with great benefit to the country.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Minister, Deputy Noonan, has welcomed the adoption of the proposals by the European Commission today in respect of the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism, EFSM, loan facility. The reduction of the rate is worth about €650 million per year for each year that the loan facility is drawn down.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: In respect of both the EFSM and the European Financial Stability Facility, EFSF, the reduction will be of genuine benefit to the country over the next number of years. The banks have been restructured and recapitalised. As Deputy Adams is aware, €1 billion of private equity has gone into one of those banks. The Government has made the decision to have the portfolio of assets of Anglo...

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: -----and the Government in respect of the budget that must be introduced for 2012. Yes, there are serious constraints, in that a sovereign agreement between this State and the IMF troika was signed off on. We have renegotiated elements of that-----

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: -----but there are clear criteria that we must and will meet. We do not want to focus entirely on those facts, because politics is about people, first and last. The emphasis of the Government, with Deputy Adams's contribution and help if he wants to provide it, will be on job creation schemes, opportunities for personal initiatives and business to get our people off the live register, off...

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Deputy asked a number of questions. The answer in respect of a Government decision about increasing the age of attendance is that no decision has been taken. The answer to the Deputy's question about a Government decision in respect of changing the pupil-teacher ratio is that no decision has been made. I have outlined the situation in so far as SNAs are concerned.

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Minister for Education and Skills held back more than 400 of these appointments so that they could be allocated in cases where they are absolutely necessary. I had occasion to make contact with the Department of Education and Skills recently about two individual cases. As the Deputy is aware, the professional assessor decides on the basis of professional qualifications the needs for any...

Leaders' Questions (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I do not regard education as a charge or cost but as an opportunity and as having potential. It is of great importance to the country. The National Council for Special Education has advised all the mainstream schools of their SNA allocations. Four hundred and seventy-five have not yet received an allocation for particular cases where they are clearly needed. Most of these allocations will...

Appointment of Ministers of State (14 Sep 2011)

Enda Kenny: I wish to announce, for the information of the Dáil, the following changes to titles and functions of Ministers of State in Departments: the Government has assigned Deputy Dinny McGinley to be Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with special responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs; Deputy Michael Ring to be Minister of State at the Department of Transport,...