Results 16,141-16,160 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: That is fair enough. I will talk to the Government Whip on that matter.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I think that is a question for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: This is a serious matter and while I do not want to be flippant about it, people might be driven to sunbeds. It is important to protect children in this regard and I understand the legislation will be introduced this year.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I understand that legislation will be considered very shortly by the Cabinet. Assuming the Cabinet approves of it, it is expected to be published before the end of this session.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: As I indicated in my reply to Deputy Troy, this is a most serious matter. People have been very seriously affected by the rains overnight. The national emergency response co-ordinating committee is meeting and all relevant Departments are represented on that body. A statement will be made after that meeting. I will convey the Deputy's views to the Minister for the Environment, Community...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I enjoin the Deputy in expressing concern, support and solidarity with the households and businesses that have witnessed devastating flooding overnight. I enjoin him also in commending not only the local authorities but all the emergency services which have been working since yesterday evening on dealing with this emergency in many areas. I wish to bring the House up to date on what is...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: In regard to the supports available for flood management schemes, I was anxious to protect this vital area in the context of last year's adjustments to the public capital programme. Climate change is affecting our weather patterns. We are experiencing wetter summers, as was predicted, and we have just come through the wettest June on record. For this reason, the allocation through the OPW...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Deputy McDonald will be fully aware that I am a strong supporter of the Croke Park agreement. I have published and commented on the two reviews that have been carried out on the agreement to date and I am strongly of the view that it has delivered significant savings to the State, including payroll costs of €1.5 billion and non-payroll costs to supplement that. Equally important is that...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: There is a certain irony in taking lectures on the use of public funds from Sinn Féin right now.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: If Deputies do not mind, this is a democratic forum. I know Sinn Féin Members like to shout people down but we would like to be heard.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: There is a certain irony in Sinn Féin Members lecturing people on claiming expenses or spending public money.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The taxpayer pays out and the highest claimants are in the Sinn Féin Party. We are determined to establish solidarity in the public service. We have made more strides in the past 12 months than in the history of the State. To do this in the context of people's constitutional and legal rights is very difficult. The Deputy is much more attached to the soundbite than the reality. The...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: I will repeat myself for clarity. In so far as, and as long as, the public service unions deliver and adhere to their side of the Croke Park agreement, the Government will adhere to its side.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy mentioned that the Taoiseach is on his way to Brussels with the Tánaiste for a very important European summit. The agenda item we have sought for the best part of a year, to refocus the EU commitment to growth and jobs, will be crystallised today with concrete measures to the value of €130 million. That will have an impact on our requirement to stimulate the economy. I will...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: The procurement of services is central to the reform agenda of my Department. Areas that were closed shops in the past in terms of audit services and, more especially, legal services are properly tended for so that we get better value. I intend to do that. I have already had discussions with private sector firms that have innovative ways of carrying out the tender process. It will migrate...

Written Answers — Ministerial Transport: Ministerial Transport (27 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: In response to the Deputy's question on the extent of money spent on ministerial transport for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 as my Department was only established in 2011 that is the only year for which I can provide details for my own Department. In relation to the Office of Public Works, which is under the aegis of my Department, I can provide the Deputy with details for the 3...

Leaders' Questions (27 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Deputy O'Dea writes some of them.

Leaders' Questions (27 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: A permanent solution.

Leaders' Questions (27 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Never in the IRA.

Leaders' Questions (27 Jun 2012)

Brendan Howlin: Keep your money, Angela, we will be fine.