Results 1,461-1,480 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (31 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I thank the Minister of State and his officials for their courtesy and help during the last few weeks when we debated this important Bill. Fine Gael accepts that the option of privatisation should exist for Aer Lingus. We must acknowledge that it almost went bankrupt in the past ten years. We must also accept the global realities in the airline industry and take account of other state...

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: It is important to acknowledge the sacrifices Aer Lingus employees have made to save the company. It is fair to say, however, that once one leaves a position — whether one is an ex-Minister, an ex-Senator or a formercivil servant — one is, unfortunately, quickly forgotten. I do not hear colleagues referring often to former Senators but that is a fact of life. Senator Dooley raised a...

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: As there are big issues involved, I hope the Minister will keep his word. For the sake of future industrial relations we must act honourably. Given the current fiasco in the postal service, people may use the Aer Lingus example as an argument against reform of An Post but I hope that will not happen.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 5: In page 4, subsection (1), line 41, after "Minister," where it secondly occurs, to insert "and with the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas,".

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 6: In page 5, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following new subsection: "(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing an agreement referred to in subsection (1) or (2) shall, include provisions relating to—— (a) Aer Lingus slots at airports which it services; and (b) minimum levels of service," The second part of the amendment is self-explanatory....

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I thank the Minister for his reply, however, I am still not sure of the status of the slots. The Minister said categorically that Aer Lingus does not own but has grandfather rights to the slots. Will he clarify what exactly that term means? I do not agree with the point made by Senator McDowell. The Labour Party is having a cut at us and I am surprised it does not accept that the Government...

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: Can one inherit grandfather rights? If I bought Aer Lingus tomorrow morning, would I have the slots?

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 7: In page 5, lines 34 and 35, to delete subsection (3). This is a technical amendment which deals with duplication.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 8: In page 5, lines 36 to 42, to delete subsections (4) and (5). Question, "That the words proposed to be deleted stand", put and declared carried.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 9 In page 6, lines 1 to 8, to delete subsection (6). Question, "That the words proposed to be deleted stand", put and declared carried.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 11: In page 6, between line 12 and 13 to insert the following new subsection: "(2) An employee shareholding scheme referred to in subsection (1) shall include the establishment of a shareholding scheme in respect of former employees of the Company.". This amendment relates to those who have left midway before the completion of the whole scheme and this ensures that former...

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 12: In page 6, subsection (1), line 45, to delete "or former employees". These amendments relate to the pension rights of former employees and seek to ensure their full entitlements would be granted.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: While I accept the Chair's ruling that amendment No. 10 is out of order, it was tabled to provide the same pension rights for Aer Rianta workers as for those of Aer Lingus.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: Fine Gael accepts that it is forced to refrain from moving it. Amendment No. 14 not moved.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 15: In page 9, before section 12, to insert the following new section: "12. With effect from the coming into operation of this section, each enactment specified in the Second Schedule ceases to apply to the Company to the extent specified in column (3) of that Schedule." All we are seeking through this amendment is to ensure the list in the Schedule would be published in...

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 1: In page 4, subsection (1), line 15, after "Finance" to insert ", subject to the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas". I welcome the Minister of State and his officials to the House. This Stage should not take long unless Senator Dooley has problems with the legislation. It is proper to take those three amendments together. There are two Houses of the Oireachtas....

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I accept the comments of the Minister of State. There was a good debate on the Finance Bill in this House yesterday. I realise that there are restrictions on this House in its dealing with Finance Bills. The future sale of Aer Lingus will be a major national issue and it will particularly affect employees and former employees of the company. One difference between the two Houses is that the...

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 2: In page 4, subsection (2), line 18, after "may" to insert "with the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas".

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 3: In page 4, subsection (3), line 25, after "Exchequer" to insert "Capital Budget". This is a straightforward proposal, that the proceeds of the future sale of Aer Lingus would be invested in capital projects as opposed to current expenditure. That is the main purpose of the amendment.

Seanad: Aer Lingus Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Fergal Browne: I bow to the Minister of State's superior knowledge and withdraw the amendment.