Results 601-620 of 984 for speaker:Aidan Davitt

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Public Transport Provision (24 Jan 2018)

Aidan Davitt: There is a slight bit of light in the Minister's reply because he said that work is ongoing on proposals for the redesign of the bus services network and infrastructure proposals for core bus corridors. In other words, his Department will take proposals on same. The Minister and the Department have enjoyed so much success with the roll out of the Luas project that it is now causing...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2018)

Aidan Davitt: I raise the issue of a school called Edmonton school, which is just south of Delvin, County Westmeath. Recently the management were delighted to hear that they were successful in their application for a new classroom and that they were to receive a grant of approximately €220,000. The school board, the principal, my local Deputy, Robert Troy, Councillor John Shaw and I feel that a...

Seanad: Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture: Statements (24 Jan 2018)

Aidan Davitt: I am delighted to welcome the Minister on her first occasion to the House and hope we will see her many more times. Winning the European capital of culture 2020 bid was a massive coup for Galway city and represents a unique opportunity to showcase its cultural richness on the national and international stages. It was a joint bid by Galway City and County Councils. I recently met three...

Seanad: National Minimum Wage (Protection of Employee Tips) Bill 2017: Second Stage (24 Jan 2018)

Aidan Davitt: After listening to nearly 23 minutes of debate on the national minimum wage, zero hours, casual work and casual employment arrangements, I wonder if we are discussing different legislation. I acknowledge the work Senator Gavan has done on this Bill. Fianna Fáil has some concerns about certain areas in the Bill which we hope can be strengthened to ensure its easier passage through the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (12 Dec 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I noted that in the presentation made by Restaurants Ireland it was stated its members might have to look outside the country for insurance cover. The cost of insurance has been repeatedly raised as an issue before the committee and it is, with rates, one of the two biggest issues. Has Restaurants Ireland done any work in that regard or on associated problems? Although it falls slightly...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (12 Dec 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I also asked about the construction industry.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I promise not to test the Cathaoirleach as much as some of the previous speakers.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I agree with Senators Gavan, Grace O'Sullivan, O'Reilly and Higgins that a Minister should be called to this House today to debate our proposed PESCO commitments, particularly in the context of Irish neutrality. I do not know if we are setting the bar too high by asking for the Taoiseach to come here. It will be great if he does. We should avail of the presence of the Minister to discuss...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I suggest that before renewing all banking licences in the country, the Minister for Finance should liaise with the Central Bank and co-ordinate a plan of the facilities the banks are obliged to provide under their licences, which I would suggest they probably are not providing. I was horrified recently to hear a litany of abject neglect by the banking sector of its customers. As many...

Seanad: Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Second Stage (29 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: Could I have more time?

Seanad: Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Second Stage (29 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: We will have to abide by the rules that have been set down. I thank the Minister for outlining his plan in terms of the Bill. The Bill proposes to extend the privileges and immunities the Government may confer on international organisations, communities or bodies to include those that are equivalent or have like effect to those set down in specific international conventions, including the...

Seanad: Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Second Stage (29 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: That was the last session.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I was quite shocked and it is why I brought it up to get people from the banks before us in the next session in the new year. I was talking to the owner of quite a large business in my town of Mullingar, who employs 80 people. He has gone back to paying his staff in cash as a means of getting rid of it. That is dynamite stuff, as one can appreciate. With any large amount of cash, perhaps...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I know the witnesses have touched on this issue. I have heard many stories. I can give people the names of those involved if they wish. I do not want to put them into the public domain. When I spoke to some of these guys at the weekend, it really opened my eyes. I knew representatives of small retailers were coming before the committee today, so I made a few inquiries among people...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: The machine often spits it back.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: Mr. Jennings indicated that the cost of wages was a major impediment to doing business. If he had the option, would he reduce the minimum wage? I am curious about that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: I have a couple of queries for Mr. Thompson and Mr. Byrne. I have read the submission. My understanding is they are representing the insurance underwriters. Is that correct?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: The issue of insurance has been dealt with and discussed by this committee, on and off. It seems as if the book of quantum is being thrown to the wind at this stage, given what we read in the newspapers on settlement figures and all the rest. I am curious as to why this is the case and why the book of quantum seems to be used a lot less. How does Insurance Ireland view that problem, from...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: There are cases such as this, where insurers would not contact their client, or someone else on the road, to find out what the reality was. It is a no-brainer for me.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (28 Nov 2017)

Aidan Davitt: Can I continue with the queries on auctioneering?