Results 23,421-23,440 of 26,986 for speaker:Richard Boyd Barrett
- Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): European Council Meetings (27 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: To ask the Taoiseach if he intends to raise the issue of growth and jobs at the summit on 22 November 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51354/12]
- Leaders' Questions (27 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: General strikes.
- Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Semi-State Sector Remuneration (27 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide details of the number of semi State and State agency executives and employees on an agency by agency basis that have salaries of more than €100,000 per year; if he will provide this information in tabular form, detailing any additional allowances, bonuses and the annual cost to the Exchequer of any pension packages to such employees, in terms of...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: We will agree to disagree on those issues. At least we have aired them. I will move on to the question of public sector jobs. Despite what the Minister has said about the focus on stimulus, etc., his projections for next year are absolutely flat in terms of jobs. Is that not correct?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: Does it not indicate that whatever we are gaining on the swings, we are losing on the roundabouts?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: The medium-term fiscal framework currently provides for no change in unemployment levels next year. Is the Minister predicting that as a result of measures to be introduced in the budget, we will see an overall net increase in employment, or reduction in unemployment, next year? I do not see how that can be the case if we are simultaneously committed to continuing to reduce public sector...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: I am studying it very carefully.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: More jargon.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: On the macro issues involved and the troika, perhaps I did not hear Deputy Arthur Spring's question fully, but is the IMF stating the multiplier effect was far greater than expected? That is a significant admission on its part. In subsequent discussions was there a rethink on the part of the IMF about the merits of cutting as a means to improve the economic situation and spur growth? The...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: We disagree substantially. People need to know in considering the macro position that of the figure of €15 billion that is always repeated, €9 billion is interest on debt. The Minister should admit this publicly.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: I have looked at them. In 2007 the debt was €47 billion and it is now €196 billion. That huge increase is the direct result of the bank bailout and the economic collapse resulting from the activities of banks and financial institutions. I consider all of it odious and unacceptable debt.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: I accept that.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Service Reform Plan: Discussion with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (22 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: I accept that, but I am making the point that the primary deficit is considerably smaller and that there are other ways to bridge it. I argue that to finance the other aspect of the debt, we are doing things that are preventing us from closing the deficit through the generation of growth. The primary deficit is manageable and we could deal with it through a change in tax policy and greater...
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: The credit unions accept that much of the operational stuff has to be done by the managing director, but that there is a role for a directly elected treasurer who has oversight of the accounts. That seems to be to be a reasonable position and I do not see why the Minister would not see the need at least to take on board what is being said here, as he has been very reasonable on other...
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: This is an important amendment. A convincing case was made to me by the credit unions and the Irish League of Credit Unions to the effect that this threatened the democratic ethos of the credit unions. Whereas the credit unions recognise that certain functions are executive functions, the treasurer is elected directly by the members and is then responsible for preparing accounts and making...
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: The Minister agrees with the principle that there would be such a protocol for how the credit unions-----
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: I presume that the credit unions, as very different bodies to the banks or other big financial institutions that are run by professionals, are worried about a regulatory environment that is extremely onerous on them, given their volunteer basis. If I remember the representations they made to us, that is what they were afraid of. The important point is that we are sensitive, in the drafting...
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: It is not telling the Central Bank how it is to relate to the credit unions. It is just making it a requirement that it has an understanding so that the credit unions know what their potential obligations might be.
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: Deputy Noonan is the Minister. He should decide.
- Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Credit Union Bill 2012: Committee Stage (21 Nov 2012)
Richard Boyd Barrett: Ditto.