Results 541-560 of 839 for speaker:Michael Kennedy

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Michael Kennedy: As Members are aware, our banks are no different to those anywhere else.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Michael Kennedy: Only last week in the United States, having previously put US$850 billion into the banking system, the US Government, under President Obama, was obliged to put another $40 billion into Citibank.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Michael Kennedy: Members are familiar with developments in Britain regarding Royal Bank Of Scotland and know what is happening in Germany, whose banks are securing reinvestment almost every day of the week.

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Michael Kennedy: My point is——

Cost and Efficiency Review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann: Statements (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: I very much welcome the opportunity to speak on this report. I am delighted Dublin Bus has postponed the industrial dispute that was to take place on Saturday. This weekend sees one of the city's biggest events; in addition to the Fianna Fáil Árd-Fheis, the Ireland v. England rugby match will bring a considerable number of visitors and tourists. At this stage in our public finances, when...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and I assure Deputy Burton that I have met the workers in SR Technics. I met the Tánaiste to discuss the issue. I spoke with various people about this very serious issue. What Deputy Burton and the Labour Party have to offer is zilch to help these workers. They have no constructive plans to do anything to get our economy back on track. They are bereft...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: Yes, certainly we want the integrity——

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: Talking the banking system in general down will only do more damage. We need a stable banking institution.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: We do not need the comments made last night by Deputy Tommy Broughan, who referred to pouring €7 billion into a bankrupt bank. What will this do for the status of Ireland? How will the Government and business people be helped by the making of such ridiculous statements in the Chamber?

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: We need to stabilise our banking system. We took the actions that every business person in this State knows were correct. We gave the guarantees on deposits——

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: ——so ordinary people, retired people, small businesses and local authorities would have their savings protected.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: The Labour Party opted out. I heard Deputy Burton using the term "green jersey", in respect of which I made an accusation concerning the Labour Party last September. Its members are not even fit to wear their village jerseys.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: They would not be fit to wear the blue and white of St. Brigid's, much less a county jersey or an national one.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: The Labour Party copped out and shirked its responsibilities. At least Fine Gael believed guaranteeing the deposits in the bank was necessary.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: Your were not right. No country, from the United States to the United Kingdom or any other country in Europe, has agreed with your philosophy.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: I apologise but I wish the Acting Chairman could control his colleague.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: I listened to Deputy Burton for 30 minutes without interruption. We must consider those who have lost their jobs, those whose jobs are less than secure and those who have lost a substantial amount of their pension savings.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: I did not interrupt Deputy Burton.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: Those with no jobs or insecure jobs deserve the support of this House. I recognise that tweaking may be necessary regarding some public servants on the lower scale. I have spoken to the Minister for Finance and believe he will examine the matter. However, those on middle and higher incomes are making a contribution to their pensions and are not suffering salary reductions. The money being...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Second Stage (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Kennedy: It is the reality.