Results 14,781-14,800 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Welfare (4 Oct 2016)

Michael McGrath: 522. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to strengthen the law to tackle abuses to animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28311/16]

Other Questions: State Banking Sector (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 10. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans in relation to the possible sale of a stake in a bank (details supplied); the estimate of the amount which would be received for a sale of a 20% stake in the bank; the use the proceeds would be put to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27549/16]

Other Questions: State Banking Sector (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: This question relates to AIB and the position of the State in terms of the possibility of it selling its stake in the bank. The Minister made some comments on Bloomberg TV in London recently, but I ask him to advise the House of his current thinking on the possibility of selling a stake. Has that course of action now been ruled out for 2016 and is it an open possibility for 2017?

Other Questions: State Banking Sector (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I think the right approach is being taken to make the preparations for a possible sale of a stake in the bank, but there is no rush. The market conditions must be right to maximise the return for the State. We will still retain a majority shareholding in AIB for the foreseeable future, but the bottom line is that we want to get back as much of the €20 billion that was pumped into the...

Other Questions: State Banking Sector (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I will repeat our position as a party. We are open minded to the sale of a stake in AIB when the conditions are right. The programme for Government commits that the Government will not sell more than a 25% stake in any institution up to the end of 2018. We hold a 14% stake in Bank of Ireland and for now that should remain the position. That bank needs to make more progress in terms of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: NAMA Operations (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Minister for his reply. The key issue is that there is a major cloud hanging over the Project Eagle sale, which totals £1.3 billion. The Government has conceded the need for a commission of investigation, which only happens where an issue of significant public concern has to be investigated. The Comptroller and Auditor General has told the Committee of Public Accounts...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: NAMA Operations (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I accept that it is in the national interest that there be a smooth work out of the remainder of NAMA's assets. I understand the issues around senior debt, contingent liability and all of that. However, we have to be reassured about the integrity of the sales process. Accountability instruments are already built into the system, but they, in the form of the report of the Controller and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: NAMA Operations (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 3. To ask the Minister for Finance the par value of the remaining loan assets on the books of NAMA; if he will outline NAMA's strategy for the disposal of same and provide an update on planned portfolio sales; his plans to strengthen the existing oversight mechanisms for future loan sale transactions or introduce new mechanisms in view of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: NAMA Operations (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: This question is on the same topic. It is welcome that the Minister has agreed to appear before the Committee of Public Accounts. This is the right decision. The central purpose of my question is to establish whether the Minister wishes to strengthen oversight mechanisms and put new safeguards in place for future NAMA disposals because we are dealing with an extremely serious issue. The...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Motor Insurance Regulation (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 1. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the work of the task force in his Department examining the spiralling cost of motor insurance; when the task force will report; if he is committed to implementing its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27795/16]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Motor Insurance Regulation (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I am seeking to put the spotlight on motor insurance premiums again. I thank the Minister for his work on the task force. I am seeking an update on that work in terms of the meetings that have been held, whether progress is being made and the timeline for the completion of its work and the implementation of recommendations. Is the Government committed to bringing forward recommendations,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Motor Insurance Regulation (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. The starting point in this debate is to acknowledge that the situation is out of hand. The latest example is that Aviva insurance is adding a 20% loading to any volunteer in the community first responder scheme around the country. That is costing the scheme, a life saving service, valuable members. The issue must be addressed because this is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Motor Insurance Regulation (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: I welcome the initiative that has been taken with the working group. The Minister realises the seriousness of the situation. It affects not just individual motorists but is also a major issue for the economy. Transport is a key input cost for the business community and insurance is a central element of that. There are much wider issues in the insurance industry that must be addressed but...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Investments (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 33. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the mandate of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund; if he would like to see greater investments being made; his plans to introduce changes to the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27550/16]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Departmental Legal Cases (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 38. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the State's preparations for the submission of an appeal to the European Courts against the European Commission's ruling concerning a company (details supplied) ; his plans for the escrow account which will hold the funds pending the outcome of the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27548/16]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Credit Union Lending (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 43. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider an amendment to the legislation governing credit unions that would specifically allow them lend to approved housing bodies and local authorities for social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27552/16]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Insurance Coverage (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 44. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the flood insurance models considered by his Department; the preferred option and timeframe for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27551/16]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Home Renovation Incentive Scheme Administration (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 73. To ask the Minister for Finance if, in relation to the current rules that apply to the home renovation incentive scheme, in a circumstance where a person has planning permission in place before 31 December 2016, commences the construction work after 1 January 2017 and has the work fully completed and paid for by 31 March 2017, the person can avail of the incentive scheme; and if he will...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Code (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 74. To ask the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the public consultation exercise undertaken in 2015 by his Department on the tax treatment of expenses of travel and subsistence for employees and office holders; his plans to introduce any changes to legislation governing the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27821/16]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Credit Union Regulation (29 Sep 2016)

Michael McGrath: 76. To ask the Minister for Finance if the registrar has received proposals from credit unions for business model changes since the new regulation making powers came into effect; and the number of amendments the regulations been made to facilitate these. [27880/16]