Results 841-860 of 5,587 for speaker:Kevin Humphreys
- Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I acknowledge the work of Senator Máire Devine on raising the issue of children with complex medical needs. I can understand well the Cathaoirleach's decision on the timing of this. However, this is a very important issue which has time constraints on it and it needs to be discussed urgently in this House. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that the Minister for Health...
- Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I take it that what the Leader has said in response to the amendment to the Order of Business-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I wanted to point out that-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: Can I seek a point of clarification from the Leader?
- Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: Children with complex medical needs is an important matter. There is a Minister, who is scheduled to speak in the House today, available to give a report I ask the Leader of the House to arrange for the Minister to briefly address my matter today when he is in the House. Failing that, I seek a commitment that the Minister will be in here early next week to address this important matter....
- Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: Unfortunately, I have to divide the House because I did not get a clarification from the Leader.
- Seanad: Vehicle Registration Data (Automated Searching and Exchange) Bill 2018: Second Stage (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I welcome the Minister and thank him for the time he gave to explaining the Bill in his remarks. The Bill stands on its own. It is not just about building confidence with our EU partners in the context of Brexit. It is a necessary and long overdue Bill. We will certainly be looking at safeguards on Committee Stage. In fairness to the Minister, he will want the safeguards on data...
- Seanad: Vehicle Registration Data (Automated Searching and Exchange) Bill 2018: Second Stage (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I thank the Minister for the promotion.
- Seanad: Housing: Statements (31 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I would make the fair comment that we should all reflect on what is fair debate and what is bullying and that should be considered in future debates. We have huge challenges. I certainly welcome announcement by the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, on the affordable mortgages scheme. It will help some but not enough people. We face challenges in delivering affordable housing, addressing...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I thank Ms Moloney for her presentation. I will move quickly to questions. These are the things small businesses have raised with me. It is probably the smaller businesses that have raised issues with me, for example corner shops and pubs which are still finding it challenging to do business. One of the issues raised seems like a simple one in many ways but it points to how precariously...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: It was the large differential.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: A major player in Germany is a not-for-profit which lends to SMEs.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: A major lender in the German market is a not-for-profit.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: That needs to be considered in the comparison.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I will give Ms Moroney about three more.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: It would be neglectful of me not to return to the issue of interest rates. When we talk about smaller loans, especially in Ireland where we are particularly focused on smaller businesses, with fixed rates of 6.9%, 7% or 5.5%, it is accepted there is not a lot of difference between the banks. AIB answered that question specifically so I am asking Bank of Ireland. That is generally the...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: There is not an enormous difference on a deposit rate, which is pretty close to zero. The access to Central Bank funds is an issue. I accept the bank is penalised for lodging money to the Central Bank. The cost of doing business is quite high for small businesses at the 6.9% and 5.5% rates. I would like to see more analysis of what is deemed to be a small loan. A small loan is probably...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: I wish to ask a supplementary question on overdrafts. I have come across encouragement being given, and I will not state a specific financial institution, to an individual to allow his private account to be overdrawn rather than his business account.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: What is the interest rate for a personal overdraft? I have heard about the same interest rates.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Jan 2018)
Kevin Humphreys: Yes, where does it apply?