Results 23,701-23,720 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I trust the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to continue his negotiations in respect of the responsibility given to all the Finance Ministers regarding the capacity to have a reduction in the interest rate. However, I will raise the points I have just made at the Heads of Government meeting. I believe there is a clear need for Europe to consider where Europe is headed at present-----

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: -----because from a political perspective, the European countries must understand and appreciate, as many do, it is necessary to help countries that are meeting serious challenges, as is Ireland, on their way to economic independence and prosperity. From that perspective, it is unfair that this has been allowed to drag because of national issues that are blocking Europe's progress as an...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: All Members have discussed the Single Market, the 500 million potential consumers and about what can be achieved by the European Union. However, the projections for the next 20 years do not rate Europe and one reason for this is that Europe must consider where it is headed. One measure it can take and which I will raise at the meeting in June, is the need to consider how the ESM can be...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: Second, in respect of those countries that are meeting serious austerity and economic challenges at present, Europe should be prepared to help and not hinder their progress towards economic prosperity. From that perspective, the Minister, Deputy Noonan, on behalf of the Government and the country, will continue with his work with the Finance Ministers. For my part, as Head of Government, I...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: No.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I do. I know them well.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Deputy is very good at quoting from the Fine Gael manifesto. What I stated on my return from Brussels was that the principle had been agreed of interest rate reductions for countries in the EFSF bailout. The Deputy indicated that I had stated that it had been secured.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I never said that. If the Deputy intends to quote me, I ask her to do so accurately.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: What I said was that the principle had been accepted and the decision was made subsequently to devolve responsibility for that negotiation to the Finance Ministers, which matter is being pursued. The Deputy should appreciate that both myself, the Minister for Finance, the Tánaiste and the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Creighton, have raised the issue of...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I wish to be very clear that we are not shifting from our position of support for corporate tax; we are not moving from negotiating an agreed principle of a reduction in interest rates which would be of some assistance to Ireland. I might point out that the deal which was done has been renegotiated by this Government in respect of no further transfers to NAMA, a reversal of the minimum wage...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: All of those were negotiated with the troika by the current Government.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Deputy can be assured that this Government will always act in the national interest and will never be afraid to say so. In that regard, the Minister for Finance has taken action in respect of subordinated bondholders. The Deputy will be aware of court actions, some of which are being withdrawn and some are still proceeding. What was not an area in which we could go before now has the...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I too wish all young students, boys and girls all over the country, the very best in their examinations which start this morning. It is a trying period for many of them. Like many others I had to send a text this morning to wish somebody the best of luck. I too wish to be associated with the Deputy's remarks about the teachers and parents and all who support the next generation....

Leaders' Questions (8 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: Deputy McGrath has raised a number of issues about the funding of fee-paying schools. The Oireachtas committees will be established today and they will start their work next week. There is clearly a need for a discussion about many of the issues raised by the Deputy. As regards the special needs assistants, the Minister announced 90% of the allocation and there will be more special needs...

Order of Business (7 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I am sure that Deputy Boyd Barrett is interested in meeting the people from his constituency who had their minimum wage cut and would like to be able to tell them he has spoken in their favour to have the cut reversed. The reason the Government will guillotine Second Stage of the Bill is to move on. As the Deputy is aware, he can continue to voice his concerns on Committee and Report...

Order of Business (7 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Minister is preparing a memorandum in respect of this. It is part of the condition of the IMF-EU deal and the Minister will report to the Government in due course in respect of any legislation that might be necessary. Deputy Cowen and others will be advised of the situation.

Order of Business (7 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: It is a valid question in respect of noise pollution and it is no joke for people who have to put up with it in housing estates or apartment blocks where the walls are paper thin. I cannot give the Deputy a date for the introduction of legislation but it is a matter of genuine social concern of which I am well aware.

Order of Business (7 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: We want to make a raft of changes that would be implemented from September when the Dáil resumes. The intention is that the committees, which will be set up tomorrow, would be able to consider the heads of Bills as they are drafted and give a political response from Oireachtas committees. I hope that will be in operation from September. The committees will be formed tomorrow with all of...

Leaders' Questions (7 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: I share the Deputy's sentiments in respect of the loss of life and the 22 families that have lost loved ones because of this outbreak of E. coli. It is a matter of great concern to consumers and producers throughout the European Union. The most recent indications are that approximately 2,000 have taken ill because of the outbreak of the infection. Let me assure the Deputy that the...

Leaders' Questions (7 Jun 2011)

Enda Kenny: The authorities here are monitoring the situation closely. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is in attendance at the emergency meeting. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is in constant contact with the Commission and food safety authorities in all member states. The information on prevention of E. coli and updates in respect of this outbreak is constantly updated. No...