Results 801-820 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: The Senator's finance spokesperson said it.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: Generally, it has been said that only 10% are prepared to move. Senator Coonan expressed concern that fewer than 10% of staff want to move to Roscrea to the decentralised Equality Authority.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I attempted to correct the Senator but I should not interfere. It was never intended to move a whole Department en bloc to a particular location. There is a high degree of inflexibility within the Civil Service at present such that people have to crisscross for miles because they are not allowed to move, resulting in a quality of life deficit. The main reason for this is that the public...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: All he did was knock, knock, knock.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I am not being any more selective than the Senator.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I will deal with Senator Cummins in a minute.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: Decentralisation will allow civil servants who previously decentralised very successfully an opportunity to progress through the ranks and become Secretaries General of their Departments, if they qualify. This is a great incentive for them. More than half of the 10,600 applicants are from Dublin, from which city there is a very strong commitment. It was not only hypocritical but also naïve...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: We are not trying to fool anyone or pull the wool over anyone's eyes. If the Senator examines the indicative times, he will note that several pertain to 2008 and 2009.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I said when I started that 7,000 people would be moved by 2009.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: This is the Parlon vision.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I have consistently applauded the former Minister, Deputy McCreevy, for his ambition.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: Had he not had a——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: ——three-year ambition, decentralisation would not be happening.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: Let me refer to a few other comments. Senator McDowell's proposition was colourful and there was no malice in the terms to which he referred, which of course I threw back at him. I sometimes make colourful statements that come back to haunt me also.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: The Senator's contribution was very thoughtful. He appreciates there are difficulties and complexities associated with the programme, through which we have to work. He referred to the human resources issues, which are complex because every individual values his job and lifestyle. These issues are being addressed at present. Senator McDowell also referred to the debate involving the unions...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I have no doubt that people outside the Equality Authority will be able to operate there. The authority is drafting an implementation plan for itself and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Secretary General have the main responsibility in this area. Progress is being made in every area and every Department is responsible for ensuring it will be able to provide an efficient...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: It is the very selective nature of the questions to which I object.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: I was quite positive about the Senator's contribution——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: ——when people are trying to suggest that only one in nine people is prepared to move. There will be a high degree of flexibility. After decentralisation, people will work in Departments and locations where they want to work. This will improve their lifestyles and take the pressure from Dublin in a major way. I am very happy to come before the House——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (8 Mar 2006)

Tom Parlon: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will guarantee that decentralisation under his Department will be delivered in full. Roscrea can be very happy that he is the Minister responsible in this regard.