Results 26,281-26,300 of 26,350 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: The facts are clear. There are over 2 million people at work now, which is double the amount at work 20 years ago. Many factors have contributed to this, not least an educated and hard working labour force, prudent taxation policies, including a competitive corporation tax rate, and the very good work of State agencies such as the IDA in securing foreign investment and jobs here.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Only this week we have heard announcements from Volkswagen and Covidian that they are to create hundreds of new jobs in Cherrywood in Dublin. Blue chip companies such as these are still investing and locating in Ireland, as it is a good place to do business and because our economy is robust. The Opposition will not talk about such announcements, as the truth does not suit their arguments.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Let us not forget that it was Fine Gael that openly and irresponsibly labelled this country "rip-off Ireland" and did its best to undermine Irish businesses in order to seek cheap publicity. Unlike Fine Gael, we have reduced our national debt from 64% of GDP to 25% in 2007.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: If we take into account the National Pension Reserve Fund, we reduced that debt ratio to 12%. We established that fund and this shows forward planning for the economy as it will go a long way towards meeting our pension liabilities in 2030. In 2002 and 2003, Fine Gael called for a suspension of payments into the NTPF, which is another ill-thought out measure that has been proved to be...

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: It was an extremely successful——

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: I did not interrupt any Opposition Deputy. If they do not want to hear the truth, that is fair enough.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: I was watching it on the monitor. It did not make good listening.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: The SSIA scheme has delivered a savings culture in this country. Deputy Bruton said at the time that this scheme, upon maturity, would lead to rampant inflation, but this is simply not true. Over 60% of SSIA holders have kept their SSIAs and maintained their savings record. Yet in 2002 and 2003, Deputy Bruton wanted to cap them and scrap them. That is another ill thought out policy that...

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Fianna Fáil has ensured the weakest in society have been put first. There have been massive increases in spending in health and social welfare, and rightly so.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Fianna Fáil makes no apologies for taking prudent steps towards ensuring the economy is in a good state to take the benefit of a global upturn in the next 18 months.

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (2 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 107: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent visit to Chad and his meetings with the Irish commanders serving on the ground; his views on the duties assigned to Irish troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25474/08]

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (2 Jul 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 120: To ask the Minister for Defence the major equipment purchases planned for 2008 and 2009; the progress being made in sourcing new equipment and vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25475/08]

Written Answers — Immigration Policy: Immigration Policy (4 Jun 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 361: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional measures in relation to immigration and asylum seekers that would come about with the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. [22022/08]

Written Answers — Immigration Policy: Immigration Policy (4 Jun 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 362: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures in place to monitor and restrict if necessary immigration to Ireland from EU States, including Romania and Bulgaria, and non-EU States; and if those measures can be altered in line with economic activity and needs here. [22023/08]

Constituency Commission Report: Statements (Resumed) (28 May 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: What I have to say today bears no reflection on the eminent people who are members of the committee. I believe even the most eminent can make mistakes. This report contains glaring errors and inconsistencies. I listened with interest in the Chamber today and on the monitor in my office to the contributions made by Deputies Thomas Byrne, John Cregan and Charles Flanagan. Some of the...

Constituency Commission Report: Statements (Resumed) (28 May 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: I could never forget Clontarf with Deputy McGrath here. The north county of Dublin has its own special identity. People do see themselves in the main as Dubs but also as Fingalians. Swords is the capital of Fingal from where Fingal County Council operates. The findings of the commission's report with the stroke of a pen transfers 13,000 voters from Swords to Dublin West. The entire River...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (27 May 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 445: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on amending the Planning and Development Act 2000, to ensure that the onus is put on a planning applicant to make contact with neighbours living in close proximity to a site on which planning is sought, in addition to the procedure of posting a planning application notice on the site, to ensure...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 May 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: I am speaking as someone who has stepped outside his car and used trains since being elected to the House. This city has serious traffic problems. I am fortunate that my area has the DART service. People will use public transport if it is efficient and frequent. Bringing all of the agencies together under a single authority must allow them to work together on behalf of the public. Deputy...

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (21 May 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 137: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in relation to providing a much needed dedicated inpatient 12 bed facility for cystic fibrosis patients in Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20077/08]

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (21 May 2008)

Darragh O'Brien: Question 138: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the outpatient facilities for cystic fibrosis sufferers at Beaumont Hospital will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20078/08]