Results 42,481-42,500 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

Seanad: Spring Economic Statement: Statements (6 May 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Senators on all sides for an interesting debate. If I have picked up one thing from it, it is that no one on any side of the Houses and no citizen is suggesting that the job of work is done. In fact, there is a great deal more to do. I often describe my four years to date in the Oireachtas by saying that in my first three and a half years, the pause button was pressed on so many of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Projects (6 May 2015)

Simon Harris: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that in May 2010 the then Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Martin Mansergh TD, announced that the OPW would take the Bolton Library in Cashel in its charge and would work with the Church of Ireland, who are the owners, and the University of Limerick, to secure the future of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff (6 May 2015)

Simon Harris: The terms and conditions of employment for non-established (State Industrial) employees precludes their transfer to other Government Departments except through open recruitment competitions. The Public Service Management Act was amended in December 2013 to extend the options for redeployment of staff within the public sector. However, this did not include non-established civil servants.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff Accommodation (6 May 2015)

Simon Harris: A space audit of the State owned Government Offices on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise is currently being undertaken. When complete, it will be evaluated to establish the potential to increase the occupancy of the building through the re-configuration of the space with a more modern open plan layout and furniture. The provision of an extension to this State owned property will also be...

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Unions (30 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and giving me an opportunity to provide information to him and his constituents. The Central Bank received approval from the High Court under the Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) Act 2011 to transfer the assets and liabilities of Newbridge Credit Union, excluding the premises, to Permanent TSB. This action was necessary to...

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Unions (30 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: I will bring the Deputy's views to the attention of the Minister for Finance. I am sure the Deputy did not intend this but I reject any criticism of Department of Finance officials or the Minister in respect of this matter. Every action taken was on the basis of protecting members' savings. I am sure the Deputy accepts the bona fides of the Department and the Government in that regard.

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Unions (30 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: The other option was liquidation, which would have been more expensive and, more important, would have put savings at risk. The Minister for Finance, on the recommendation of the Central Bank, has put in place funds and measures to address the problems in Newbridge. The Deputy and other colleagues from that area have outlined to me the difficulties this has caused. I am pleased that the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (30 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: As indicated in my replies to previous Questions on this subject, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has submitted the proposals for the Clare River (Claregalway) scheme for statutory approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts. In order to comply with the requirements of SI 469 and SI 470 of 2012, the Department of Public...

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: There was a-----

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: I said it was not.

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: We opposed many of the Deputy's party's policies and I will get into that in a while. We did not agree with Fianna Fáil's idea of loading everything onto work. Work must pay. We believe in structural reforms and broadening the tax base. We do not believe that one should just cut the blind pension twice, heap a load of taxes on work and say one has done the job. We have different...

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: We need our small businesses involved. We have had very good debates on foot of motions proposed by one Opposition party in this House and by another Opposition party in the Seanad, both of which I accepted as this is not a partisan issue. It is an issue we must get right. We have put in place a new structure in the Office of Government Procurement through which we are trying to develop an...

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: I welcome the opportunity to speak in Dáil Éireann on this inaugural spring economic statement. It is important when having this debate today and over the course of this week to remind ourselves and the House exactly what this statement is and what it is not. This is real and tangible budget reform in action. The spring statement is not a budget, nor was it ever meant to be, but...

Leaders' Questions (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: A year later.

Leaders' Questions (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: That is covered by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Leaders' Questions (29 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: That is covered by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions: Motion [Private Members] (28 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: I will begin by echoing the sentiments expressed by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, when he delivered the Government's opening response to this debate. I join with Deputies on all sides in thanking Deputy Donnelly for tabling this Private Members' motion on mortgage arrears. I welcome the opportunity to contribute on what everyone agrees is an important issue, one that I...

Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions: Motion [Private Members] (28 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: The Government is determined to ensure that the personal insolvency legislation, representing the largest reforms in personal insolvency, and support structures can work effectively to support a return to solvency for borrowers struggling with unsustainable debts. In this context, the Government is considering all options on improving the effectiveness of the range of solutions available to...

Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions: Motion [Private Members] (28 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: We are.

Leaders' Questions (28 Apr 2015)

Simon Harris: Hear, hear.