Results 70,201-70,220 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Written Answers — Computerisation Programme: Computerisation Programme (16 Nov 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 315: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the development of the e-government project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34964/05]

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (16 Nov 2005)

Bernard Durkan: Question 355: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has had any discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to combating the predatory use of the Internet by those with doubtful intentions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34653/05]

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

Bernard Durkan: We need bigger houses.

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

Bernard Durkan: I wish to share my time with Deputy Quinn.

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

Bernard Durkan: I am glad of the opportunity to speak on this very important issue, on which the Government has been silent for the past eight years. This is the first time in its term of office and that of its predecessor that any attempt has been made to come into the open and talk about housing. When I hear the mantra from the Government side of the House that 75,000 houses have been built, I agree with...

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

Bernard Durkan: It is absolutely disgraceful.

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

Bernard Durkan: Deputy Noel Ahern is Minister for State and he has the power to tell local authorities what they should be doing.

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

Bernard Durkan: The Minister of State did nothing——

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

Bernard Durkan: ——and his predecessor did nothing. He should be ashamed of himself. The Government members should all bow out collectively and say they are sorry because they failed miserably.

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

Bernard Durkan: Let me deal with the point on the clawback made by my colleague from the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency. The clawback, which is now being applied after 20 years, is Dickensian. One would not have had such a system in the communist days. Where in God's name did the Government come up with that nonsense? If somebody buys an affordable house or if the purchase of his or her house is assisted in...

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

Bernard Durkan: ——within 20 years, he or she will have to begin again on the housing ladder. Why is this the case? It should be remembered that some of the land on which these houses are to be built was bought for nothing and has been in the hands of local authorities for 25 years. I do not know what purpose the clawback serves. It is just an excuse. I would like to raise many other issues but I do not...

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

Bernard Durkan: The limit was €125,000 up to one year ago, which was even worse.

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

Bernard Durkan: Yet, the Government tries to defend itself by claiming everything in the garden is rosy and that it has done much work in providing 75,000 houses. These houses were provided for the wealthy in many cases. I have nothing against wealthy people. However, the Government should not try to con the people and the Opposition by pretending it has done something for those in need of housing because it...

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

Bernard Durkan: That is correct.

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

Bernard Durkan: That is right, they are backing away from it.

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

Bernard Durkan: That is right.

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

Bernard Durkan: They were not local authority units.

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

Bernard Durkan: Some were penthouses.

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

Bernard Durkan: It is much easier to get a house there.

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

Bernard Durkan: A lot done, more to do.