Results 621-640 of 1,934 for speaker:Tom Shehan

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Jul 2011)

Tom Shehan: A total of 43 credit unions, which had made a total investment of €23.179 million in the bonds, did not accept it. Under the proposal, they will now receive €1 for every €1,000. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Finance to come to the House in order that he does not proceed with this because every credit union in the country will be brought to its knees? Perhaps Deputy Doherty...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Jul 2011)

Tom Shehan: Will the Leader invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House as soon as possible to discuss the free legal aid scheme? This is one of the most abused schemes in the State. It s being abused not only by criminals but also by the legal profession itself. I was sickened when I saw a court report on the television news regarding an individual with 67 previous convictions who was...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I profess I am not environmentalist. The issue of bonuses and waste, even within the Oireachtas, was touched on earlier. When this Seanad first convened, the issue was raised of inviting members of society into this House. Will the Deputy Leader say whether it would be possible to invite the chief executive officer of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to this House? More than 30...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: The issue of inviting influential people into this House was discussed. I am asking if it is possible to bring the chief executive officer of the Environmental Protection Agency before the Seanad.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I formally request that the matter be forwarded to the CPP.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I welcome the Minister and wish him the very best in his endeavours on behalf of the country. The setting up of this Department will involve real reform which will not be imposed but will be done through consensus, agreement and engagement as it would not be possible otherwise. The Minister has started very well. This Bill proposes to transfer functions from the Minister for Finance to the...

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: Yes. The Croke Park agreement provides an agreed framework for the management of this process. The gross pay bill fell by €1.3 billion between 2008 and 2010 while the pensions levy raised almost €1 billion last year, amounting to total savings of €2.3 billion.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: That is the progress which has been made and the way the Minister will get the country, which Senator Darragh O'Brien's party destroyed and brought it to its knees, back on track.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: The Minister has taken on this task and he will get the country off its knees. The review of progress on the Croke Park agreement will be available next month and this will determine how the reduced figures set out in the programme for Government will be achieved. Even though a substantial number of retirements is indicated, targeted early exit packages may also be needed. The Government is...

Seanad: Whistleblower Legislation: Motion (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Whistleblower Legislation: Motion (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Sherlock, and congratulate him on his appointment. I also commend Senator Rónán Mullen for bringing the motion before the House. The commitments given in the programme for Government are specific in regard to whistleblowing. The programme states the Government will introduce whistleblowers legislation. The Government has reaffirmed its...

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: Earlier, the Minister indicated it would be 5 July.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I am surprised at Members opposite who stated this morning and this afternoon that they support the Bill and are now saying it contains nothing new and there is no change. It is-----

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: -----evident that this new Department will put an end to the use of slush funds by Ministers to get re-elected, as was the case in previous Administrations. There will be another series of checks and balances in regard to public expenditure.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: Funds will not used as slush funds by Ministers such as in the area of sport.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: There will be no sweetheart deals for Independent Deputies to keep minority Governments in place.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: There will be checks and balances between the two Ministers, which will be open and transparent.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: I call on my two colleagues opposite to stop whining and whingeing and Members to get on with the business in hand.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (29 Jun 2011)

Tom Shehan: Please allow Members to get on with it.