Results 25,261-25,280 of 26,610 for speaker:David Cullinane

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: The Minister of State made a point about high earners and asked about where the money would come from. Recently, a Central Statistics Office, CSO, report showed that the disposable income of the top 10% of earners in this State increased last year whereas everyone else's decreased. This tells me that there is scope for people at the top to pay more. The mobility of wealthy people's capital...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: When the Minister of State makes accusations, I take the opportunity to respond.

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: The Minister of State referred to progressive taxation. The Government is moving away from direct taxation towards indirect taxation. It will introduce property and water taxes, neither of which will be progressive.

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I will repeat my point. It will be my last contribution on this section, as our debate on the next section will be important. The only question of relevance or significance is whether the European Stability Mechanism, ESM, will work and whether the road we are on is the right one. We can attack political parties' policies and describe them as fantasies because that is what the Minister of...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: It is important to say from the outset that this is not an abstract debate. In canteens and households up and down this State, and presumably across Europe, families and individuals are discussing the future of the euro and the implications for them of events in Europe and Ireland. We attended a presentation in the AV room today concerning people in receipt of rent supplement and the...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: That is my point. We are constantly told the goal posts are moving. The pot is enough now, but something else will occur. For example, Cyprus is looking towards the pot. Italy may eventually do the same. What happens if France needs a bailout? This process is madness. Direct recapitalisation makes sense. The Minister of State does not disagree. The Government and many others want...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: It does not make sense. We must convince people that there is a better way. I hope this work is ongoing at EU level. There is nothing wrong with Ireland saying "No". One of Europe's main problems, be it in terms of this treaty or a major question, is its claim that, although a solution is not the best one, it is the only one on the table and people cannot say "No". We can say "No". Sinn...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: They might on this issue, but we are normally asked about what we know about the economy. We were right when we consistently stated these plans would not work. We consistently stated that the previous Government's solution for the economy would not work. We have been proven right. The plans are not working in Europe or Ireland. This is not just my party's view. Senator Norris and many...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I cannot agree with such daftness, given the option of direct recapitalisation. That option should be available. We are asking states that are essentially bankrupt to borrow money to invest in a fund from which they will take back that money. I have not been reassured by the Minister of State's response. If anything, it has reinforced my opinion that the treaty will not work. It is...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: Fianna Fáil is very sensitive when it comes to Sinn Féin. We just ignore such comments at this stage.

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I did not know the Queen's visit was part of section 2.

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: I thank the Minister of State for his response. He has incited my response to some of his comments. Senator Byrne mentioned a potential historic occurrence that might take place today. An even bigger historic occurrence was when the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, stated there is not much difference now between Sinn Féin and Fine Gael on these issues. I will remind him of that the...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: It is very relevant. The Minister of State made the point that those of us who oppose the Bill, including section 2, and the treaty are not living in the real world, as we ought to. Those of us who do not believe the current policies are working are told this continuously. The Minister of State was in opposition when a former Taoiseach said people who did not agree with his analysis of the...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: -----project itself is in the midst of a very real crisis that we all want to see solved in a way that makes life better for citizens, not just banks and bondholders. We want a better solution, a solution that will work. We simply do not believe the solution proposed will work. The Minister of State is referring to real-world solutions. The need for direct recapitalisation is one. I will...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: A number of weeks ago Members had a debate on the Mahon tribunal in the immediate aftermath of the publication of its report.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: While it was a highly constructive debate, Members must revisit the issue again to have a debate on the planning system. Such a debate must consider the findings of the Mahon report and the need to implement its main findings.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: If the Fianna Fáil Senator is trying to create a link between Oireachtas Members who used their salaries to employ staff-----

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: ----- and to take people off the dole-----

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: -----to compare that to the corruption within Fianna Fáil. I think they are stooping to a new low.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Cullinane: Those Members who make that claim should be also told clearly that they pocket all of their salaries and expenses.