Results 1,121-1,140 of 6,295 for speaker:Michael D'Arcy

Home Building Finance Ireland Bill 2018: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (7 Nov 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: There was considerable confusion around the effect of this amendment when it was last debated in the Chamber on 2 October. This confusion arose when it was suggested that amendments tabled on Report Stage would allow Home Building Finance Ireland, HBFI, to lend to builders and developers at lower interest rates and longer maturities to fund social, cost rental and affordable homes. I must...

Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018 [Seanad]: Second Stage (25 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I welcome the opportunity to introduce the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018 on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. This Bill is a positive and timely measure which responds to the growing consensus that the traditional retirement age of 65 years no longer...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Economic Competitiveness (25 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: The Central Bank (National Claims Information Database) Bill 2018 is moving through the Houses and I am prepared to work with anybody who is prepared to give it time in this House. We are awaiting Committee and Report Stages, and this will an impact on the insurance debate through two sections of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004. The cost of motor insurance is decreasing and costs of...

Sale of Illicit Goods Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: Well done.

Sale of Illicit Goods Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I welcome that this Bill has been brought to the House. It is only appropriate that I should acknowledge the sentiments behind it because I support the objectives as set out by the proposers, as does the Government. However, while agreeing with the objective of the Bill, which is to address the illicit trade in excisable goods, I cannot support the means being proposed to meet this...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Illegal Dumping (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I thank Senator Boyhan for raising this matter as it is important, at both local and national levels, how such matters are being dealt with. The role of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is to provide a comprehensive legislative and waste policy framework through which the enforcement authorities operate. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996,...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Illegal Dumping (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: If the corporate body that is Donegal County Council has the information, it is a matter for it to pass it to its board of directors, that is, the members of Donegal County Council. As I said in my statement, if the matter is before the courts, it is inappropriate to comment. While trialling and trenching is happening and analysis is being carried out, there may or may not be a requirement...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Recycling Policy (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I thank the Senator for raising this issue. Both of us are dairy farmers and know that this is a serious issue. The farming sector is becoming much greener than ever before, which is a really good step. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, thanks the Senator for bringing forward this Commencement matter. Repak End of Life Tyres, Repak ELT,...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Recycling Policy (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: The Cathaoirleach is also well aware of the constituency.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Recycling Policy (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I apologise.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Recycling Policy (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I am aware of where we are and that the farming sector is much more responsible than ever before, which is good. Having said that, it is important that farmers do not allow large stockpiles of tyres to accumulate. If they are not required, they should be removed. While funding of €1 million was allocated initially and €700,000 subsequently, I am aware that there were large...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Recycling Policy (24 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: That is appropriate. It is important that where there are stockpiles of tyres, farmers do the right thing and remove them. We have not yet advanced it. I am not saying we will, but the matter is to be considered. If there are stockpiles, they have the potential to cause pollution and should be recycled. I know from speaking to tyre centres throughout the country that there might be a...

Seanad: Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I thank the Senator. I note that the Central Bank can impose fines under the administrative sanctions regime. As the regulator it is allowed to do so. This legislation facilitates the criminal sanction of a penalty of €10 million, ten years in prison or both. That is what this legislation does and that is why it is so important.

Seanad: Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I do not want to get into the conversation about a corporate crime agency. It is a broader conversation for another time. However, I do want to thank all the Senators who participated in the debate. This is really important legislation. It is another tool in our armoury to ensure what the Senator spoke of a moment ago, namely, that people know there is a serious criminal sanction of ten...

Seanad: Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: It will have to be signed by the President.

Seanad: Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: It will have to go for signing by the President.

Taxation Agreement: Motion (Resumed) (18 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I move amendment No. 2:To delete "13th September, 2018" and substitute "12th October, 2018".

Financial Resolutions 2019 - Financial Resolution No. 4: General (Resumed) (10 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: Yesterday's budget was ten years and ten days from the bank guarantee. For those of us who were here on that occasion, it is something we should never forget. Those were difficult times. It has been a difficult decade. I have called that period, "The lost decade," and it has been much more difficult for some than for others. It has taken a decade to balance the budget. That is how long...

Seanad: Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018: Second Stage (10 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, known as MiFID II, is the cornerstone of European Union financial markets legislation, covering the regulation of investment services providers. It is changing how markets operate for the better, ensuring safer and more transparent markets across the EU. MiFID II represents a major piece of financial markets reform and is ambitious in its...

Seanad: Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018: Second Stage (10 Oct 2018)

Michael D'Arcy: I thank Senators for progressing the Bill in the manner in which they are doing so. I will stay with today's Bill. Senator Conway-Walsh asked several questions about other legislation. As I do not have the relevant information available to me, I do not propose to comment on the matters raised. The Bill makes it an offence to intentionally mislead the Central Bank. It is, therefore, very...