Results 11,121-11,140 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: There are more fundamental problems causing distress to the banking system in Ireland than our own internal issues.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: To simplify the debate to this level does a disservice to the seriousness which confronts us as a society, a Government and a Parliament. The figures on the live register this month show a worrying trend in unemployment. Everybody in this House is fully aware of the impact unemployment has on individuals, communities and broader society. Reference was made to how we deal with these problems...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: We must realise that we are doing a lot already as a State in the context of capital investment——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: ——and we will continue to do so. We also seem to forget what we have achieved to date. It is important that when we are trying to do the groundwork and build a platform for recovery of the economy that we acknowledge that this country has achieved much in recent years. We have 2 million people at work, a low income tax base, fairly high social welfare payments to protect the vulnerable...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: These are fundamental achievements and many people benefited from the policies pursued in the past 15 years in this country and this cannot be denied by anybody. However, we are living beyond our means and yesterday the Government announced a package of savings of €2 billion in the calendar year, a pension levy on public service pension payments——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: As the Taoiseach stated, this is unpalatable but necessary.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: We must be honest with ourselves. We can come in here and speak rhetoric but if the public finances are not addressed quickly they will run into difficulty. It is also appropriate that we examine some of the Opposition proposals. Reference was made by the leaders of the parties opposite that they are willing to engage and put forward positive proposals. However, on the one hand we have a...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: There is certainly no hypocrisy on this side of the House. At least we are willing to make the tough decisions.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Labour Party, through Deputy Shortall, is proposing in the House that only those earning over €150,000 should contribute to addressing the problems.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Deputy should note that many from where I come believe €100,000, never mind €150,000, is a substantial salary.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Bearing that in mind, it is the Deputy's view that is hypocritical.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Government is to borrow €18 billion this year, or €4,500 for every man, woman and child in the State. This is substantial borrowing. If we do not deal with these issues, we will saddle the generations to come with considerable debt. Every responsible political party in the Dáil would certainly not want this to occur. Unfortunately, some parties have not rejected the approach that...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Labour Party sat on its hands——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: ——at a time when we were facing——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: ——a financial meltdown. The party sat on its hands.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Again, when rhetoric met reality, the Labour Party was found wanting.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Labour Party wanted to rob the fund a couple of years ago.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I thank the Senator for raising this issue. While the Government obviously would like to be flexible and accommodating in respect of this Bill, I have consulted the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the advice I received stated the amendments are not to be accepted in the context of that office's drafting practice. While I would have had no difficulty in respect of this amendment, I...

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: My response is similar to that in respect of the previously discussed amendments. I would have no difficulty in accepting this if the advice were to the effect that I could accommodate it. Again, however, this wording is not in accordance with the drafting practice of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and, for that reason, I am unable to accept this amendment.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: These amendments pertain to intellectual property rights affected by section 19 of the 1961 Act. I will clarify the reason for these amendments. Under the Industrial Research and Standards Acts 1961, there is a provision that any discoveries or inventions resulting from research carried out by or on behalf of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards are the property of the...