Results 23,381-23,400 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: He knows Article 15.13 of the Constitution like the back of his hand.

Confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Therefore, the question remains unanswered as to the reason the Minister raised that issue. Did the Minister more explicitly cite constitutional privilege as the reason the garda in question could not follow through fully on what ultimately was a simple road alcohol breath test?

Confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: I support the motion and thank Deputy Niall Collins for tabling it on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party. In his opening remarks last evening he covered many of the policy issues of substance. There is no doubt the Minister will survive tonight’s motion of confidence, the remainder of the Government’s term as a Cabinet Minister and perhaps beyond, unless some revelation...

Confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: In response to the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, it was not the offence given to Deputy Wallace that night; the bottom line was the offence and the potential issues that arise for the Irish people. It was not just about the Deputy, which was mentioned that night. It was a much broader and more important issue than that. At a time when the State is collecting more and more...

Confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: It was reported that the Minister appeared not to make a sufficient effort to complete the breath test and that he drove off without being waved on by the officer. If a newspaper wrongly made those allegations about me I would sue them because either they are correct or the Minister has been seriously defamed. I would let nobody make such allegations about me. That is a decision the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: I am sure Ms Feehily has some views on improvements and changes that could be made to legislation. Obviously, she must work within a statutory framework and I do not expect her to go into any detail today. Will she give feedback to the Department of Finance and the Minister on changes that could be made to improve the process? An issue that jumps out straight away is the fact that people...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: The date will present a major problem for people. Will Ms Feehily give the Minister feedback on that type of issue, which is within the confines of the Act?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Is it March if they opt for a single debit authority?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: That is when the money would come out?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: I welcome Ms Feehily and her colleagues. The high level of compliance that has been achieved confirms that people respect the Revenue Commissioners while fearing it in equal measure. That is borne out by what appears to be a very high rate of compliance before the statutory deadline. The Revenue Commissioners were given a job to do by the Government through the Oireachtas and a good job...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Is there even an estimate?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Returns have been filed for approximately 1.7 million properties, taking into account local authority and social housing, and the total figure is in the region of 1.9 million properties or even a bit more. The estimate of compliance at this stage is in excess of 80%. Is that correct?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Ms Feehily does not know the number of properties in respect of which enforcement will be required.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Ms Feehily has indicated that the May Exchequer returns will include a figure in excess of €100 million which relates to those who have already paid at this stage. Others will pay on 21 July. Is there an estimate of the amount paid and pledged at this stage for the total returns?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: The total is not yet categorised into bands and added up.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: On a related point - I realise Ms Feehily may not yet have this level of detail, although there was a survey published during the week by AA Insurance - can we get a feel for the extent to which people accepted the valuation guidance given by the Revenue Commissioners or how they revised it downwards or upwards? Is there any indication of the percentage of people who accepted the valuation...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Property Tax: Discussion with Revenue (29 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: Ms Feehily touched on the next steps in her opening remarks. She has extensive powers to take enforcement action against people who did not file returns, and the Revenue Commissioners intend to move on that relatively quickly. The options include taking the money from people's pay and ultimately from their bank accounts or any social welfare payments they receive. Is there a hierarchy?...

Other Questions: Student Grant Scheme Payments (28 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: 52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Student Universal Support Ireland grants that were paid to students in advance of the Christmas break; the number that have been paid since the 1 January 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25505/13]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Teacher Training Provision (28 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: 83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts he has made to assist students of teacher training colleges to meet the costs of Gaeltacht placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25492/13]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Fuel Laundering (28 May 2013)

Michael McGrath: 152. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have received a custodial sentence in the past ten years for illegal fuel smuggling activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25233/13]