Results 501-520 of 2,099 for speaker:Ivor Callely

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: This would be of benefit to both the Civil Service and its customers as the Departments could draw from a pool of labour responding to need. It also should have a positive financial benefit for the Department in respect of overtime, travel costs, etc. and the customer or client should be dealt with more speedily. Consequently, benefit would accrue to both the service provider and its...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: Given the earlier interruptions, I should have a few minutes of injury time.

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: If it is acting as a disincentive, the minimum rates should be revised downwards or parked until we are in a better position. This should be done in weeks, not months, and would help to get people back in employment. Moreover, commercial rates should be frozen and no new charges or cost increases by local authorities should be permitted. The good news is that Ireland is a place in which to...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: I will conclude by making an important point. There are concerns in respect of the methods to be used to decide on the value at which such loans would be transferred, the expertise available and required to manage distressed loans and the feasibility of recovering a levy in the event that recoveries are insufficient to discharge the debts. While I wish to say more, I understand that economic...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: ——as a result of their vision, courage and determination. Sadly this is usually not recognized at the time of their efforts but with the passage of time it shines through. This supplementary budget bears vision, courage and determination.

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: I forecast that the courageous measures announced in the supplementary budget will emerge in the passage of time as the correct political decisions taken at this challenging time by this determined Fianna Fáil-led Administration.

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: I commend the Minister for Finance on the courage displayed in his budget, which will set the path for economic recovery. Difficult choices were necessary and have been made. Our fiscal situation was untenable and a significant correction in the level of fiscal imbalance was unavoidable. We needed to increase the level of taxes to pay for the social welfare demands and for those who have...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: I welcome the Minister's decision not to reduce the level of social welfare payments. It is expected that prices will reduce by 4% this year instead of increasing by 2.5%. The Government expects to see reductions of 10% in the cost of electricity and gas. This means we can buy more with the same money than we could a year ago. The removal of the December bonus social welfare payment, as...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: He mentioned a figure of 50%, but it amounts to a reduction in social welfare costs of approximately 1.9%.

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: The previous speaker's warped view is appalling, as he confused the global recession——

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: ——with individuals' commitments in terms of their bank borrowings. The latter matter has been addressed by the Minister. Those in question must meet their personal guarantees, PGs, to the banks but the other matters will also be addressed. The Senator has a warped and incorrect view.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: First and foremost, I salute members of our emergency services——

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: ——who face difficult challenges in the line of duty on a daily basis. I congratulate in particular Detective Sergeant Mick Moran, who yesterday received an award for excellence in his work in human trafficking investigations with Interpol. Equally, I pay tribute to the family and friends of Garda McCallion on his tragic and untimely death in the course of duty. In listening to my...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: On occasion, these may be very difficult and daunting tasks and there could be easier options. I am satisfied the Minister for Finance took the correct decisions yesterday and I look forward to tomorrow's debate. Will the Leader clarify one issue which is very important? I welcome the national treasury management model being used with regard to bank debts but will the Leader clarify the...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: I wish the Government well in its endeavour to address the serious financial situation and in its economic recovery plan, which will be announced later today. I hope every Senator will show willingness to support the Government in this regard. Will the Leader clarify what rules apply in respect of the elderly who require long-stay accommodation? Will he also indicate the position regarding...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: Will the Deputy Leader seek clarification on yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Health and Children of the establishment of a new quango for health funding? It is a source of concern and I would like to know the basis for the Minister proceeding with this proposal. I am aware that a number of structures are in place. When we set up the Health Service Executive I understood it...

Seanad: Economic and Recovery Authority: Motion (1 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: I am pleased to contribute to this Private Members' debate. I congratulate Fine Gael on tabling the motion before the House. Aspects of some of Fine Gael's proposals are very worthy. We are all aware that the country is facing huge challenges. We live in uncertain and anxious times. The national debt, which is spiralling out of control, is expected to reach more than €50 billion in...

Seanad: Economic and Recovery Authority: Motion (1 Apr 2009)

Ivor Callely: Whether it is this document or other documents, the public does not really care but it recognises that we have a genuine and serious problem. The public expects its leaders, whether they be politicians, social leaders or trade union leaders, to help get us out of this. I welcome any and all proposals that may help to bring about solutions in the process of our recovery.

Seanad: Forthcoming Budget: Statements (26 Mar 2009)

Ivor Callely: This debate takes place against the background of the most dramatic deterioration of our economy and a widespread loss of confidence across the broad spectrum of society. The 2008 end-of-year results have been calculated and are not good, and the first quarter results for 2009 are likely to be the worst in modern times. No one yet knows the full extent of these developments but an almost...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Ivor Callely: I welcome the Taoiseach's initiative for talks with the social partners. Hopefully, we will see good social and industrial progress as a result of those endeavours. I join Senator Bradford's call for support for the good work of the Carers Association and for its day today. Enda Egan and his team do tremendous work. We are all aware of the importance of home care and I wholeheartedly...