Results 4,921-4,940 of 6,307 for speaker:Gerald Nash

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Industrial Relations (25 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: The Deputy's initial question asked whether enterprise-level agreements will be sectorally applied. Those agreements would not be sectorally applied, of course, because they are agreed between two contracting parties, in many respects. Broadly speaking, the registered employment agreements would be applied across a sector, as was the case with the registered employment agreements system...

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: That information comes from an MLA member and long-standing MP. If people doubt the veracity of what I say, they should check that information.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: It is a load of nonsense that Sinn Féin continues to insist there are no water charges in Northern Ireland. There are.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: This is paid through the massive household tax in Northern Ireland, but it is inevitable that because of the introduction of tens of thousands of water meters in Northern Ireland, we will see direct charging for water there soon. The charges there have been only postponed until 2016, until the general elections in Northern Ireland and here are over.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: It is also claimed north of the Border that staff working on the maintenance of the water network are receiving threats from armed gangs over the issue. Sinn Féin wants assurances that those workers will be protected, yet they are strangely silent on the intimidation and threats and sometimes physical violence faced by workers contracted to Irish Water here. Once again, we see one...

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: No matter what one does in life, when one gets something wrong one should put one's hands up, admit a mistake was made and correct it when possible. After listening to Deputy Troy, nobody on this side of the House, in particular those in the Labour Party, will take any lectures from him or his party, a party that, in effect, bankrupted the country.

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: Over the years Fianna Fáil has perfected the art of arrogance. We have seen here that very few lessons have been learned. It should take a very sharp look at its very recent history and the lack of humility and any sense of apology for the serious mistakes which were made on the route to bankrupting this country. I ask Deputy Troy and his colleagues to reflect on that before they make...

Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: As a Government we have accepted that mistakes were made in setting up this major public utility. The timeline involved was very ambitious and any public utility of this magnitude would require a seven to ten year lead-in period. We wanted to do it over three years and found it very difficult to do so. We have put our hands up and the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, has admitted that mistakes...

Leaders' Questions (20 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: They must be putting something in it.

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: Certainly. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his interest in this matter and for agreeing to this discussion. I look forward to the continued engagement of Senators both at committee level and in this House with legislation I will be bringing forward on this matter. It is important to say that I will be taking direct responsibility for the credit guarantee scheme. We intend to amend the...

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: I will respond in reverse order, if that is agreeable. I thank Senator Healy Eames for her remarks. It would be very useful if she could send me on the information to which she referred. I will be happy to respond to her in that regard in due course. I was interested to hear her refer to a particular index or score sheet. Ireland is at the top, or very close to the top, of many global,...

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: Senator Gilroy referred to the local enterprise offices as being part of the ecosystem for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. I think they will be a critical piece of the infrastructure. Now that they are aligned with the local authorities, the really important thing is for them to infuse those authorities with an enterprise culture. As Senator White will be aware, my...

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: Absolutely. I accept that. I was one of the people behind the driving of that agenda over an 11 year or 12 year period. A host of supports are available. All of us as public representatives have to do a really critical job. Regardless of whether we are in government or in opposition, we need to alert our constituents and those we represent to the products and supports that are out there....

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: It is.

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: I am very pleased to be here this afternoon. This is the first opportunity I have had to address this august Chamber and I look forward to doing so. I also look forward to the engagement this afternoon and the development of our ongoing relationship. I thank Members for the invitation to address the House on the important issues of SME access to finance and financing for growth. The...

Allegations Regarding Sexual Abuse by Members of the Provisional Republican Movement: Statements (12 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: At the centre of the issue is the rape of a child, the sexual abuse of a 16-year old girl. While we debate the very serious issues before us, we must never forget that. Maíria Cahill is an extraordinary woman, whom I had the privilege to meet briefly yesterday. Despite the horrendous acts of abuse that were perpetrated against her at a young age, she has had the courage to come...

Workplace Relations Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (12 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: At the outset, I find it a little peculiar that Deputy Tóibín has decided to conflate the issue of symphysiotomy with this particular issue. There is no lack of consistency here, as this provision is designed to make sure there is consistency right across the board. In respect of amendments Nos. 12 and 13, the period of 42 days within which an employer must initiate an appeal...

Workplace Relations Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (12 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: One is an administrative scheme, while the other is something quite different.

Workplace Relations Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (12 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: It is a different matter entirely.

Workplace Relations Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (12 Nov 2014)

Gerald Nash: The proposed amendment to include additional subsections in section 19 appeared to be based on a misunderstanding of the nature of codes of practice that have developed and been applied in industrial relations employment arenas. They have been developed as general guidance to employers, workers and their representatives. While compliance or non-compliance with such a code is a matter that...