Results 15,081-15,100 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I intend to amend the legislation to provide for such auditing. I also intend to apply an across the board reduction of 10% to the party leaders' allowance. Currently, severance is payable to Ministers and other officeholders, commencing the day after the person ceases to hold ministerial or other office. This is payable for a period up to a maximum of two years. I do not believe this is...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: -----and all future officeholders. Summary In total, spending adjustments designed to yield more than €15 billion have been implemented during this crisis. This represents the vast bulk of the required total adjustment. The scale of this adjustment should not be underestimated, nor do we underestimate the difficulties this has caused for many of our citizens. As reliable...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I no longer hold that fear.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: What the people of Ireland have endured has been tough and almost without precedent in the developed world. That we will come through it - and we will - is a significant shared achievement for our people. In time, future generations will be proud that we, as a people, tackled this crisis head on. There remain difficult challenges ahead of us but Ireland and her people will prosper again.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: This means that all pensioners and all those under 66, such as people with disabilities and jobseekers, will have their weekly primary payments fully maintained.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: In addition, there will be no change to either the rate or duration of weekly fuel allowances where payable.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Nevertheless, the pressures on our social welfare budget are considerable. It is, by far, the biggest component of current expenditure. For example, pensions will cost around €200 million more in 2013 than in 2012 and unemployment, while stabilised, has not reduced to the extent we envisaged last year. Even with the increase I announced to the social protection budget, measures must...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: We will reduce the duration of jobseeker’s benefit by three months. This will save €33 million in 2013 and €82 million in a full year. The household benefits package comprises electricity allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes. Given the universal element of the household benefits package, we have decided to reduce the supports available to the...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: We have also decided to introduce changes to the electricity allowance to achieve savings of €20 million next year.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Deputies should know similar changes last year did not have an impact on any recipient. We got better deals from providers. We will reduce the child benefit rate by €10 per month. This measure will save €136 million next year. We are conscious of the impact it will have on many households. Therefore, we are providing for additional supports that are specifically targeted at...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: As indicated, this includes an additional allocation of €150 million over what was previously indicated. The demand for health services continues to grow due to demographic pressures and we must make certain these services continue to meet the health needs of our population. For example, by the end of year, it is expected that expenditure on the primary care reimbursement service will...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: These measures will yield savings of €323 million next year. To contain the growth in the cost of medical cards under the primary care reimbursement service, we are increasing the prescription charge for medical card holders. This charge is being increased from 50 cent to €1.50 per item and the monthly cap for a family is being increased by €10 to €19.50. The...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: People over 70 years, with an income of €600-€700 per week for a single person and €1,200-€1,400 per week for a couple, will have their medical card replaced with a GP-only card.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The increased demand on overall services is being met through reform of health structures, changing the way services are delivered and securing efficiencies and pay savings. The discussions on savings through an extension of the Croke Park agreement will be critical to meeting the funding needs of the services next year and beyond. Other measures, including efficiency and improved income...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The student contribution in higher education will be increased by €250 in each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. This is necessary to help maintain higher education services at a time when the Exchequer is severely constrained.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: We are reducing the allocation to higher education institutions by €25 million. Using their existing own resources-----

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: -----as well as very considerable Exchequer allocations, the higher education sector, Deputy McGrath, will be able to maintain services in 2013. Further details of the education measures are set out in the expenditure report and will be announced in detail by the Minister for Education and Skills. Other Departments In addition to jobs, social protection, health and education, important...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Within the justice sector, reductions in Garda overtime and-----

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: -----various other payroll and efficiency measures will yield over €60 million.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Budget Statement 2013 (5 Dec 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Following agreement between the housing bodies and NAMA, I expect the flow of properties from NAMA for social housing to increase significantly next year and an additional €10 million will be allocated to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure we make real progress in delivering these units to those on social housing lists who need them. A range of...