Results 6,481-6,500 of 6,728 for speaker:John Curran

Written Answers — Departmental Funding: Departmental Funding (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 238: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent for the period 2004 and to-date in 2005 on Educate Together in Lucan; if she will provide figures for the amount spent on Educate Together in general throughout the country for the same period; if she is satisfied with spending on Educate Together. [35829/05]

Estimates for Public Services 2006: Motion (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Estimates for 2006 which see a significant increase in Government spending of €3 billion, an increase of 6.6% on the spend for 2005. Our public finances are sound and our debt to GDP ratio stands at 29%, down from over 60% back in 1997. The savings in interest payments led to the increased spending. We have radically reduced personal, business and...

Estimates for Public Services 2006: Motion (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: The Book of Estimates specifically mentions Garda overtime, the figure for which has been increased by €23 million. At a time when the Garda is effectively tackling crime, this overtime budget is absolutely necessary, particularly in Operation Anvil. I have heard Opposition Members say crime is out of control, failing to recognise the success of the Garda. Referring specifically to...

Estimates for Public Services 2006: Motion (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I am disappointed Deputy Bruton has left. I heard him on radio and television following publication of the Book of Estimates. He had a lot of talking to do and there was plenty of criticism but he had nothing to offer by way of policy, direction or constructive comment. When I was sitting here this evening, I was going to ask him his proposals for additional expenditure of €3 billion.

Estimates for Public Services 2006: Motion (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Let us see what the Opposition would do.

Estimates for Public Services 2006: Motion (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: It is easy to criticise but not once when the Estimates were published did Deputy Bruton make a constructive comment on the additional expenditure.

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (23 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I express my sympathy and that of the local Fianna Fáil organisation in Clondalkin and Lucan to the family of Liam Lawlor, Hazel, Ciara, Niall, Gerald and Shane, on his tragic death. Many of the local members have expressed their sympathies to the family and many attended the funeral, including Councillor Jim Daly. Jim often mentioned Liam, saying, "Liam is one hell of a tough man and I have...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (22 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 496: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to remain here on humanitarian grounds. [35501/05]

Written Answers — Sports Funding: Sports Funding (16 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 323: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expected cost of providing a new stadium at Lansdowne Road; the amount of this funding which is to be provided by the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Football Association of Ireland and the State; and if he has satisfied himself that the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union have their funding...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (16 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 429: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he is taking to monitor and control the efforts being made to change Weston Aerodrome to Weston Airport with greater volume of planes and larger aircraft using this facility. [34939/05]

Written Answers — Nuclear Plants: Nuclear Plants (16 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 430: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to date in 2005 to have the Sellafield nuclear plant closed, in particular if the case under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is progressing; and if so, the timeframe for same. [34941/05]

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this debate today. The manner in which the debate is structured is broad and far reaching. The housing market in Ireland has changed significantly in recent years. This debate spans many of those changes. The housing market has changed for several reasons. There has been a significant increase in the population. We have smaller families, with more family...

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I will conclude by acknowledging that my local authority has been particularly proactive in respect of its existing tenants with regard to the installation of central heating, double glazing and insulation. Half of the projects have been completed and the remainder will be carried out over the coming years.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 106: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the progress made by her Department towards the provision of Department land for social housing. [34111/05]

Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 116: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the work being undertaken under the food institutional research programme. [34112/05]

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Question 196: To ask the Taoiseach the number of private rental properties and landlords in the areas of south Dublin County Council in the figures available from the Central Statistics Office from the most recent period for which figures are available. [33819/05]

Reform of the Competition Act 2002: Motion. (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I thank the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the opportunity for getting a word in edgeways.

Reform of the Competition Act 2002: Motion. (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: I welcome the opportunity to debate this motion on competitiveness in the economy and the Competition Authority. I unfortunately did not hear Deputy Hogan's contribution but did hear those of Deputies Enright, Crawford and Perry who referred to areas where prices have increased. Increasing prices are not a measure of competitiveness and those Deputies only looked at one side of the argument....

Reform of the Competition Act 2002: Motion. (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: The motion notes "the continued presence of excessive charging resulting in higher prices and reduced spending power for consumers". I disagree with this incorrect statement. If that is what Deputy Hogan's motion is based on, he is going nowhere. Deputy Hogan and his colleagues spoke for a considerable time on a range of issues that reflected increasing prices.

Reform of the Competition Act 2002: Motion. (15 Nov 2005)

John Curran: Increasing prices is only one side of the equation. Consumers' spending power, as measured by any reasonable economist or international survey, has not diminished but increased. From 1997 to 2005, the increase in costs has been approximately 30% while average earnings have increased by 50%. Often we talk in terms of percentages which do not have a real impact. However, one survey was...