Results 33,981-34,000 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) Bill 2015: Second Stage (Resumed) (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: I call on Deputy Alan Farrell who is sharing time with Deputies Peter Fitzpatrick and James Bannon. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) Bill 2015: Second Stage (Resumed) (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: Like other speakers, I am glad to have the opportunity to speak about this very important Bill. I was one of the people who had severe reservations about the insolvency legislation introduced a couple of years ago and I was proved right. Since 2008, like everybody else in the House, I have made numerous interventions with lending institutions on behalf of constituents and had a variety of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Business of Joint Committee (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: Well said, Chairman

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Business of Joint Committee (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: I support that proposal. What we have seen in the past few days is a manifestation of the worst excesses of man's inhumanity to man. This is extremely challenging to those committed to worldwide peace. Obviously this act was carried out to create the maximum impact. The rest of the world recoils in shock. I presume that it will imbue the peace loving community worldwide with the spirit...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: On the apprenticeship Bill, given the urgent need for more qualified apprentices and the fact that some had their training interrupted by the downturn in the economy, when will that Bill come before the House? When will the bail Bill to do with an issue which has been of considerable concern down through the years and continues to be of concern, particularly in the context of the number...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Mortgage Repayments (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 34. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he can influence lending institutions particularly those that have acquired loan books from original lenders to give particular preferential and sympathetic treatment to family home owners, especially those who continue to make payments to the best of their ability during the economic downturn and keeping in mind the fact that such...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Growth (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 41. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he expects the economy in this country to be affected by a change in economic priorities in Greece or knock-on effect in other eurozone countries; if he is satisfied that this country has made sufficient economic progress to withstand any likely changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4663/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Competitiveness (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 57. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which this economy continues to remain competitive when compared to other competing jurisdictions within the EU and without; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5166/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Mortgage Arrears Rate (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 58. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his Department continues to monitor the situation in regard to mortgage arrears with particular reference to the need to ensure that homeowners who have fallen into arrears, through no fault of their own, are not unfairly treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5167/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Bank Charges (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 59. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the levels of bank charges being imposed by various banks; the basis for such charges, nationally and internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5168/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Loan Books Purchasers (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 60. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which his Department monitors the activities of unregulated purchasers of loan books; if he is satisfied that such third parties are operating in accordance with best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5169/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Growth (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 61. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains satisfied that all economic indicators remain positive and if so the likely benefit arising therefrom now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5170/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: House Prices (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 62. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which his Department monitors house property prices with particular reference to the need to ensure that such prices do not become a major governing economic influence as in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5171/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Growth (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 63. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have evaluated the economic benefit of a drop in oil prices with particular reference to the extent to which this may positively affect the economic cost base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5172/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Banks Recapitalisation (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 64. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent of any further relief in respect of legacy debt through the aegis of the EU-IMF or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5173/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Credit Availability (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 65. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which his Department monitors credit needs throughout all aspects of the business sector without exception; if he is satisfied that these needs are being met fully in line with economic requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5174/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Credit Availability (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 67. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide, on a monthly basis, the extent to which the borrowing needs of small and medium sized enterprises continue to be met in full by the financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5176/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Mortgage Lending (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 66. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied regarding the extent to which lending agencies are meeting the borrowing requirements of homeowners; the extent to which such loan applicants are capable of competing with the investment sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/15]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Mortgage Lending (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 68. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which the various lending institutions are currently meeting or intend to meet the mortgage requirements of first-time home buyers; the way the requirement in this regard has been met in the course of the past twelve months in comparison with lending to the investment sector for house property; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Energy Prices (4 Feb 2015)

Bernard Durkan: 171. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues regarding the need for the reduced cost of oil on world markets to be passed on the from the energy sector to energy users, including those in this country; if overtures have been made to the relevant stakeholders at national or European level in this regard; and if he...