Results 5,961-5,980 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: Despite the promise made last December and the firm commitment to move 10,000 civil servants out of Dublin within three years, 29 of the original 53 locations have been abandoned. This monumental mishandling of the decentralisation programme has set back the cause of genuine regional development and caused discontent.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: What we are left with is a shambles which serves neither the staff concerned or the people they serve. The scaled-down programme of decentralisation now proposed shows that this ill-conceived project is now in the difficulties envisaged by the Opposition last year. Deputy Richard Bruton said in the Dáil that decentralisation would not happen, and it has not happened.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: The budget allocation of €20 million would not be enough even to move the furniture out of Dublin. The Government has not thought the decentralisation programme through. A mere €20 million was provided. It is only a pittance in terms of the programme announced in the budget.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: A total of 13 Departments and State bodies will move to 15 locations in the first long-overdue phase of the scaled-down programme. I am delighted that 159 Prison Service jobs have gone to Longford under the plan. As soon as the announcement was made I met the county manager and my colleagues on Longford County Council with a view to calling the Government's bluff. Longford County Council, of...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: We invited the Minister of State to the site.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: Although we had to borrow a spade, we turned the sod to ensure there would be no going back on the Longford project. Following the withdrawal of Cardinal Health's proposed plant, this is good news for the county and I hope the move will be mutually beneficial.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: I welcome the announcement, referred to by the Leader, by Cooper Cameron Corporation of 57 new jobs, which will see Longford placed as the company's global centre of excellence. Other good news is Wessel Cable's extension in Longford, which will create a further 40 new jobs, and Abbott's recent €700 million investment in the town, which will generate in the region of 800 new jobs. These are...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: The country deserves better than a Government which has wilfully deceived the electorate on many occasions but the scale of the deception in regard to decentralisation is mind-blowing. Some 29 of the original 58 towns earmarked for decentralisation have been abandoned by the Government, with all the problems that ensue being dropped on their doorsteps.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: This is not the type of decentralisation that was promised and we are left with a complete shambles.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: I spoke with several auctioneers over the weekend. Property prices will fall by 10% for houses in areas earmarked for decentralisation.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: We are talking about the broken promises of the Government. The Senator cannot blame Mr. Flynn for them.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: I was talking about areas where the Government reneged on its decentralisation commitments.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: The Government suffered last June in the local and European elections. The public will not be blind going into the general election.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: He will.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: Senator Leyden did not get it.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: His record stands both in this House and the Lower House, and with the public too.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: A former leader of Fianna Fáil disowned Senator Leyden. He knows that well.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: This Government could not open a cow shed.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: We know where Roscommon is.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

James Bannon: When will he deliver on last year's promises?