Results 37,041-37,060 of 40,550 for speaker:Joan Burton

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the transfers to the National Pensions Reserve Fund for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and projected for 2008; the estimate of the level of the NPRF at end 2008 and at end 2025; the estimate of the outstanding pension liability to the Exchequer, including public service, State contributory and State non-contributory pensions, at end 2008...

Climate Change Strategy. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: I agree with the Tánaiste that the target is difficult in that we will need to reduce our emissions, which are 25% above the target level. There is a 2% annual increase in emissions despite the need for a 3% to 4% reduction. I agreed with the Tánaiste's comments on maintaining the national development plan's investment spending, but why has the Government announced later dates for the...

Climate Change Strategy. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: The website in question contains a long list.

Climate Change Strategy. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: Roads, not public transport.

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: The Tánaiste gave me a similar answer a short time ago when I asked him the same question. Public service employees pay superannuation of approximately 6% as a contribution to the pension. It would be interesting to ascertain how much of a contribution the superannuation contributions of current public servants' pay makes towards the costs of those who retired in the past and who still are...

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: The suggestion was to invest it in public projects in Ireland.

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: That certainly was the suggestion made by the Irish Labour Party.

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: It was an excellent suggestion.

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: We might now have the roads and transport system we deserve, had we the benefit of doing so.

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: The Tánaiste should wait and see what the results are like at present.

Pension Provisions. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: Civil servants' superannuation and their contributions to the cost of their pensions are accounted for on a cash basis so, in a sense, superannuation payments by current civil servants contribute to the pensions of retired staff. Can we be given information on the extent to which current payments meet the cost of current pensioners? Will the Tánaiste consider establishing an office of a...

Tax Collection. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: There are reports that Revenue is concerned that bogus claims are being made by charities which seek to recover tax on apparent donations, which are not donations, certainly not donations to what the ordinary person would understand to be a good and proper charity. The difficulty is that the Charities Bill has been kicked around by the Government since 1997 and is still on Report Stage. It...

Tax Collection. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: There are many reports to the effect that, for example, in regard to private schools it is possible for parents to construct schemes of donations within a charitable framework which effectively means that those schools have a benefit over and beyond that which an ordinary State-run school might have. When does the Tánaiste expect that the charities legislation will be implemented? I would...

Tax Collection. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: I too wish the Tánaiste good luck for his own sake and the sake of the country in the job and the challenges that lie ahead. I am sure he is very confident of being elected and I am sure everything will go right on the great day. I am not sure the Tánaiste has always enjoyed working with me, but let us hope we can kiss and make up at this point and look forward to a better relationship in...

Fiscal Policy. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: Question 2: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the Exchequer returns for the first quarter of 2008; the estimated budget deficit he expects at the end of 2008; if he will compare this with the deficit forecast in budget 2008; if he will provide revised Exchequer profiles for 2008 in view of his statement that shortfalls during the first quarter of...

Fiscal Policy. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: Does the Tánaiste agree that his legacy as Minister for Finance since 2004 is now very doubtful because of the events that occurred on his watch which, in many cases, were incited by him? I refer to the slide in house prices, largely brought about by the Minister's two botched attempts to reform the stamp duty system, and to inflation, which is running at 5%, one of the highest rates in the...

Fiscal Policy. (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: I repeat my question to the Tánaiste. Does he believe it shows good authority that at a time when workers must cope with 5% inflation, the Government is on course to take salary increases of, in some cases, €38,000, which is €4,000 in excess of the average industrial wage? If we are in a period of greater economic difficulty — the Tánaiste talked about facing that in some coherent...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: Will the Government provide time in which to have a debate on the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, where there is clearly a serious risk of loss of life? A number of Members from all parties in the House, including the Government parties, have signed a motion to that effect. Ireland ought to engage on the issue. I do not believe that the quiet diplomacy which has been relied on so far is...

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2008: First Stage (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 and to provide for related matters.

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2008: First Stage (24 Apr 2008)

Joan Burton: I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."