Results 1,161-1,180 of 4,085 for speaker:Dan Boyle

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: When the old age pension was first introduced in 1908 by David Lloyd George, it was seen as a progressive measure. It was, undoubtedly, the first political statement on these islands — Ireland was part of that jurisdiction then — of governmental intent on looking after the needs of older people in society. It can be argued that it was cynically introduced as the eligibility age for the...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: No. Since 1908, people have been living longer and healthier lives, fortunately, but their health needs and the cost of meeting them are also increasing. The Government is committed to introducing the best possible public health care service for the maximum number of people in society. Where that cannot be met from public resources — it must be remembered we are dedicating €16 billion...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Other than pious aspirations, I am not hearing those questions being asked or answered by the Opposition parties.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I heard the Minister raise Fine Gael's policy from the last general election which was based on 4.5% economic growth for the next five years.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Will Fine Gael implement its policy on that basis? There are fiscal conservatives in the party who would baulk at such a policy decision. The costs of such a policy could only be met by a Scandinavian style of taxation. One cannot say one is prepared to spend money without saying how one will raise it, and Fine Gael does not say that. The reality is that we are talking about tax rates well...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Unfortunately, I only have one minute, which is not long enough to explain my alternative.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: The Government has considered universality and looked at the resources available. It has investigated how the majority of people in that age group can retain a free medical service. To the limited extent it can be, a circle has been squared. We must deal with the reality. The only other alternative is a Scandinavian model.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: If it is not a Scandinavian model it is a German model, which has the same effect of universal health care with 50% of one's weekly salary. Those are the answers.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: If Fine Gael is not prepared to be honest about how to achieve this, the credibility of what it is proposing lies in tatters. We must accept the situation as it is.

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: A comment was made on the usefulness of this debate. It is worth noting this Chamber has a history of debating issues of public offence and censorship. The most famous debate in this Chamber was on the publication of The Tailor and Ansty in 1942, which had some of best contributions ever made in a Seanad debate and is a depressing account of Ireland as it was then as most of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senator MacSharry has consistently called for a debate on BreastCheck and, given the concerns about how the programme is operating in the north west, he is justified in continually raising the issue in the House. The Senator will have an opportunity tomorrow, with the visit of the Minister for Health and Children to the House, although I accept it will not be the perfect opportunity, given...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I accept that, but the intention is to keep alive the Bill that the Senator has presented to the House or to force the Government to come up with a better alternative, and that is what we will seek to do. Senator Bacik also asked about the protection of listed buildings, which ties in with the request from Senator Glynn for a debate on legislation and regulations as they apply to derelict...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I hope that request will sit well with the intention to discuss these issues on a regular basis in the House. I advise Senators that it is proposed that statements on broadcasting standards will conclude at 6 p.m. this evening.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I apologise.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Is the Senator going to assist me in that regard?

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: With regard to the statements on broadcasting standards, I propose that the contributions of spokespersons should be 12 minutes and those of other Senators be eight minutes. Many Members have called for a debate on education. The Leader's office endeavours to organise such debates as quickly as possible and to have the relevant Minister present to respond. To date, there has not been an...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I will respond to that.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: With regard to the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority, although a proposal had been made to create a single agency, they will remain independent organisations with a shared secretariat.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: The Combat Poverty Agency issue is something I personally consider unfortunate. Efforts are being made to arrange for the agency to discuss the matter with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. I am not sure how that situation will be dealt with in the immediate future. We must await events following that discussion. Senator O'Toole and Senator Leyden raised the airport levy. How it...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: They are international airports.