Results 4,381-4,400 of 5,550 for speaker:Martin Ferris

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: Question 25: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the commitments to reduce the standard rate of income tax to 18% and the top rate of income tax to 40% contained in the programme for Government are viable; and if he will make a statement outlining that it is not his intention to implement these proposed cuts. [15247/08]

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (24 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: Question 34: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the failure to address the fact that for the past five years economic growth was driven by domestic consumption rather than by exports is partly to blame for the current economic situation and that if steps had been taken to address this matter at an early stage the prospects for the Irish economy would be better...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: The Minister of State, Deputy Roche, referred last week to the intriguing collection of opponents to the current proposals. He was similarly intrigued, not to say flabbergasted, when such an intriguing alliance succeeded in defeating the first attempt to pass the Nice treaty. Instead of accepting the democratic will of the people of the State and renegotiating that treaty to meet the...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: He is not, although the Deputy may like to think he is. Members of the groups I mentioned are opposed to the Lisbon treaty. In 2001 and 2002 more than 500,000 people voted against the Nice treaty. The combined vote of the anti-Nice treaty parties, including Sinn Féin, the Green Party before its conversion, the Socialist Party and some smaller parties and independents, was over 200,000 in...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: Mr. Crotty was ridiculed by the Government and the political establishment in the State. Incidentally, he was supported by some Opposition parties which now support the "yes" campaign. He took a case and won rights for the people. The referendum gives us the opportunity to stand up for the peoples of the rest of Europe who have been denied the opportunity to vote to give their views on...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: Deputy Costello once stood here and said what I am now saying but he has, unfortunately, been compromised by the system and the Establishment. He was once revolutionary, radical and adopted a position of principle but that is no longer the case.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: The referendum campaign will be very different from previous referenda. Contrary to what the Government claims, no matter how the people vote, Ireland's place in the European Union is secure. The Minister of State knows this. We fought the Nice treaty campaign in a dignified and informative way, especially the second campaign. We won in the first referendum, minor negotiations ensued and...

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: I am democratically elected by the people of north Kerry.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: I have a right to say what I have to say.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: The people cast their votes like they did on the first Nice treaty.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: How many farmers have left the land since 1973? What about coastal communities?

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: The Minister of State should be honest and tell us how many small farmers have left the land. Large numbers have done so.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: What about coastal communities?

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: I accept that.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: What about the fishing communities in Union Hall and Skibbereen?

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: What about fishermen in west Cork?

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: That is an indictment of this Parliament.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: And resources.

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: What about fishing? As the Minister of State knows full well, we have——

Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Apr 2008)

Martin Ferris: It is a significant resource.