Results 401-420 of 996 for speaker:John Gerard Hanafin

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: Like others I welcome developments and the talks that will ensue with the social partners. I am very conscious that there is talk of bail outs from other countries. We are so far removed from the reality of a bail out that we should put it in perspective. In the 1980s when the debt of this nation was at 130% of GNP, and not 30% as it stands this year or 50% as it will be next year, and...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I ask the Leader for a debate on social partnership and competitiveness. I am especially conscious that in 1945, Germany had been devastated by the war but within five to seven years, the people had improved their standard of living beyond recognition and had worked together to ensure their nation arose from the ashes. We are a long way from anything similar to that but I have no doubt a...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support those speakers who have asked for a debate on the economy at the earliest opportunity. As the mini-budget approaches, which is necessary for the stabilisation of our finances, it is important to deal with such issues and to try to focus on those areas in which significant savings can be made. I take up the point made by Senator O'Reilly, which previously was brought to the House's...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I ask the Leader to make inquiries on the proposals to televise Seanad and Dáil proceedings. I am cognisant that there was a debate about the role of the Seanad on national radio this morning in which two Members of the Seanad participated. Two other very well chosen, hand-picked cynics appeared with the two Seanadóirí. They began by seeking the abolition of the Seanad and descended...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I also seek a debate on the economy. I refer to the excellent news that Hewlett-Packard is to take on 500 people and that Intel is to invest a further €1 billion. While we undoubtedly have not reached the end of the trough of unemployment, there are signs of the shoots of recovery. When the recovery comes, as it will inevitably, despite the media's persistent...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: To state that the problems in our economy——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: ——result from the damage that the Construction Industry Federation has caused to the world economy is nonsensical and does not contribute positively to any debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: On a point of clarification, it is clear that the Leader referred to the awarding of additional points for the purpose of admission to third level education. What he said in this regard was clear.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: The Opposition is deliberately misrepresenting what he said.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I wish to share in the condemnation of the murder of the two soldiers and the police officer in the north of Ireland. I am particularly cognisant that it has been those who brought us the atrocity of Omagh who have started this cycle of violence, which must be ended immediately. In discussing this issue, we must emphasise that a knee-jerk retaliatory reaction would only exacerbate the...

Seanad: Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee Stage (5 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (5 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: On a point of information, it is not the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Seanad: Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (5 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: This Bill supports the Government action to allow for the investment of €3.5 billion in each of the two main banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB Bank. It also contains provisions to allow the National Pensions Reserve Fund to invest in line with its rules and regulations, while dealing with other transactions that may be undertaken within the State in which the State would have a vested...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (5 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to allow the Minister of State to reply 15 minutes before the conclusion at 2 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: Senator O'Toole raised a very important point this morning that he would lend his support if the social partners need to make difficult decisions. I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on the support of the social partners, particularly at this time. Difficult decisions will have to be made. The issue of Ministers going abroad for St. Patrick's Day has been mentioned. Those Ministers...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: ——so we know which of these people are betting against the Irish economy, which is equivalent to an attack on the economy.

Seanad: Local Economic Initiatives: Motion (4 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support the motion, which is extremely positive and which, in light of the position in which we find ourselves, is surprisingly appropriate. The motion states: That Seanad Éireann supports the development of microfinance in this country with greater support of the credit union sector to allow for the creation of local economic initiatives, an important and necessary step towards bringing...

Seanad: Local Economic Initiatives: Motion (4 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: It was at the Bishop's Palace in Cashel, 250 years ago. One learns something every day. The co-operatives, such as Kerry Co-Op, started as very small enterprises. They offered a great opportunity for people who had small funding to start something. I am also conscious of international developments, which show the importance of microfinance. We can take our lead from the United States....

Seanad: Local Economic Initiatives: Motion (4 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: He became the finance spokesman for Fine Gael here. He knows more about health than he does about finance, that is for sure. The Apple corporation was started in a garage by Steve Wozniak. Coors Brewing Company was started in the 1850s with very small capital and, in more recent times, Michael Dell founded the Dell company in his dormitory room in a Texas university with $1,000. Electronic...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2009)

John Gerard Hanafin: I call for a debate on the emerging reality of a mini-budget. I am conscious that support is being sought across the political divide this morning. Should that divide not be forthcoming, I am certain the Government will continue to do what it must. I have noticed that debate in this House often focuses on what is happening in Ireland. It is not acceptable to consider the Irish economy out...