Results 8,221-8,240 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There are no proposals before the Government on this at present. However, I am prepared to examine it as we move forward. I should close the debate at this stage because I am within my time.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Ceann Comhairle can correct me if I am not in order but I have allowed questions——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——and I am entitled to reply to the debate.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: How long do I have to reply to the debate?

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I will use those three minutes to reply to the debate and state that the discussions which took place were constructive and productive. In his line of questioning, Deputy Rabbitte mentioned a number of issues which were raised during the discussions and which the Government is open to discussing with the social partners in the context of the management of the very severe economic and...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——but it is one in which the public service can play a signal part in giving example to the rest of the community that in addressing our cost competitiveness, in being flexible in our work patterns in giving more for less pay and in working for this country and this nation we can address the very serious economic and financial circumstances which face us. Those serious financial and...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——with the protection——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I said "successive Governments" of all colours.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy McCormack's party was in office. I am sure Deputy Burton and Deputy Bruton will remind Deputy McCormack that he was in office for a number of years during which time the Government took good steps with regard to our participation in the eurozone.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: This has given us a solid stability in the current climate. It is important that all citizens and Deputies are aware that we have a basic financial stability in this country. We have very difficult decisions to take——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We as a Government will take those decisions.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Opposition is here to hold us to account and I have no doubt the Deputy will do so.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Bruton posed a vast range of questions to which I will attempt to provide answers. It must be borne in mind that Tuesday's announcement by the Taoiseach related to a Government decision regarding financial stability in the State. This is the first decisive step towards securing our financial stability, but it builds on two earlier steps taken in October's budget and in the initial...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We are proceeding in the correct way in banking matters because we need to get this right. We are following the Swedish example. The first step taken in Sweden was to guarantee the institutions without qualification, which is what Ireland did on 30 September last year. The second step taken by the Swedish authorities during their crisis in the early 1990s was to examine the structure of...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The effect of the decision of the Government is €2 billion on an annualised basis and €3 billion next year. The net reduction in gross expenditure is €1.81 billion this year. My Department is confident that the necessary reduction of €2 billion will be secured in the borrowing requirement this year.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Our revised tax assumptions factor in the effects of this particular decision.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Stability and Growth Pact statement includes an annual tax prediction. Factored into this are the matters about the offset of taxation to which the Deputy referred. My Department has advised me it is confident the €2 billion reduction envisaged in the Stability and Growth Pact will be secured as the Government, by virtue of this decision taken several weeks into the year, has already...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am grateful for it.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Regarding medical and legal fees, it relates to Government contracts and arrangements in connection with them. It will require legislation because the State is, in effect, altering contractual or legal arrangements. It will apply to all medical and legal professionals, so in principle it will apply to persons who act at tribunals. The question of whether private clients of a professional...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (5 Feb 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is a matter for the private market that exists. One can go to a different doctor if necessary. It is essential that we tackle costs throughout our economy. It is the one clear economic message in this announcement. We must reduce our costs. It is not just a matter for the public sector. If necessary legislation is needed to restore competitiveness to sheltered private sectors, the...