Results 8,181-8,200 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: I would not like to deprive Senator Norris the chance of pressing his amendment if the Labour Party amendment is defeated.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: We have another amendment-----
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: What happens if the amendment is defeated?
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: I second the amendment.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: I move amendment No. 16: In page 56, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: "(2) It shall be an obligation of a participating institution to increase lending to SMEs and first time buyers to such an extent as is specified in agreements made by the participating institutions with the Minister whether before or after the passing of the Act and in the absence of such agreement, to the...
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: Absolutely.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: I move amendment No. 7: In page 24, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: 8.-The following shall be added to paragraph 1(2) of the First Schedule to the Freedom of Information Act 1997- "NAMA, a NAMA group entity or a valuation panel under the National Asset Management Act 2009"." The amendment deals with the proposed application of the Freedom of Information Act. I made the...
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: It is.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: It makes sense that it should be grouped with the other amendment. I made the point last night to one of the Minister's colleagues that I take the view, I am not sure whether it is shared by the Minister, that the Freedom of Information Act is vitally important legislation that applies right across the public service and that a strong and compelling case needs to be made where it is proposed...
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: We want information about it.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: The former Taoiseach was part of and a supporter of that trend.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: The Minister's observation that it would be a burden on NAMA is neither acceptable nor adequate. Of course it would be a burden. The Minister is obliged to shoulder certain burdens but these are legitimately carried by him and shared by others. It would be extraordinary if the fact that something might be a burden were the only reason for its exclusion. I have sympathy for the civil...
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: Zero, I would say.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: My party has called for such legislation on a number of occasions. I am in complete agreement with Senator O'Toole. Perhaps it is good that this matter was raised, precisely for the purpose of having it knocked on the head so sharply in this context. There is an interesting cultural exchange across the floor between the Opposition and Senator Leyden. He is making it very clear that he...
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: That is correct.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: No, it does not.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: As a matter of policy, everything we do is in the public interest.
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: I made the point last night that I welcomed this-----
- Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)
Alex White: I indicated last night when the Labour Party whistleblower amendment was moved that I was prepared to withdraw it on the basis that the Government's amendment was progressive. I welcome it. The Minister has acknowledged that the amendment is a response to concerns raised by my party and others in the Lower House in respect of this issue. Therefore, I welcome the amendment he has tabled in...