Results 59,861-59,880 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

EU-Australia Agreement: Motion (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is a long time if one had a heavy weight on one's toe. I am glad to have the opportunity to comment on the motion. Like Deputy Broughan, I reiterate the concerns in respect of the way this has been presented to the Opposition. My colleague, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, who is the spokesman on this area, found it impossible to rearrange his schedule to be here today. He received the same...

EU-Australia Agreement: Motion (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: One minute is sufficient to do a lot of damage. Somebody realised this would discommode the Opposition which would have already made its plans for this part of the week. As the Minister of State knows well, the Opposition must plan its work for the week a week ahead and do its job on that basis. It is different for the Government. When one is in government and bringing a Bill into the...

EU-Australia Agreement: Motion (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It is a boomerang.

EU-Australia Agreement: Motion (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: An appropriate day to put it in the library.

Social Welfare Code. (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Question 77: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to offer assistance to families who might find themselves in difficulty with mortgage or rent repayments arising from the economic downturn; if rent or mortgage support are expected to be improved or qualification guidelines revised where the downturn in family income is expected to result in arrears of mortgage...

Social Welfare Code. (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Are the Minister and her Department aware of the fact that the downturn in the economy is having a negative impact on mortgage holders and those in rented accommodation? Are they aware that the regulations relate to a previous era and need to be changed to accommodate the new circumstances? Will the Minister and her Department entertain that view?

Social Welfare Code. (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: This is the kernel of the problem. There is clearly a change in circumstances. What the Minister says relates to previous circumstances when interest rates were high. Interest rates are now low but the repayments are causing problems due to the high mortgages which were awarded by financial institutions in the past few years. Many of the people involved now find they must reach a...

Social Welfare Code. (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is efficient.

EU-Australia Agreement: Motion (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: How many minutes do I have?

European Council: Statements (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Hear, hear.

European Council: Statements (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: In view of all that has been said, are any changes anticipated in the context of a means of approval of what is contained in the Lisbon reform treaty for the future? For example, how does the Minister propose to combat the existence of posters of a threatening nature, such those that suggested "Vote No or you will pay" or "People have given their lives for your freedom, don't throw it away"?...

European Council: Statements (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is correct.

European Council: Statements (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: That is correct.

European Council: Statements (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: May I speak briefly?

European Council: Statements (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Was the Minister as impressed as I was when one of the leading lights in the "No" campaign visited Whitehall on the day after the result and announced it to the jubilation of his eurosceptical friends? Was the Minister disappointed that Sinn Féin was not represented in this group to share in the glory that followed in the wake of the announcement?

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: In view of the changing circumstances in the housing market and given that the lending institutions are entering into arrangements to repossess houses and are taking a loss and blacking the credit rating of the individuals concerned — I accept there is a Bill on this issue before the House——

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: It is like everything else, it is promised. I ask that it be introduced as a matter of urgency because the banks and other financial institutions have a responsibility in this regard. Householders will be driven into the area of sub-prime lending.

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: The legislation to which I refer is the building societies (amendment) Bill.

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: I am not finished. This country has taken on a resemblance to Dodge City or Tombstone in the old days of the Wild West, with shootings taking place on a regular basis and gun fights on the street. Everybody seems to be concerned about this except the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Bernard Durkan: Will the crimes Bill and the criminal justice (exchange of information) Bill be brought before the House as a matter of urgency? I have a further question on promised legislation. Unfortunately, one is spoiled for choice in that respect.