Results 1,601-1,620 of 1,823 for speaker:Chris Andrews

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: By taking these steps now, we can realistically aim to recover by the year 2012 or 2013 and I welcome some very positive measures introduced. In this Bill, the Government has spread the burden as fairly as possible and has ensured that those who can afford to pay the most will carry most of the pain. For example, the plan to close a potential capital gains tax legal loophole allowing Irish...

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: The first is concerned with addressing the banking situation to restore credibility nationally and internationally and get credit flowing. The establishment of the NAMA is necessary and critical to restoring our damaged banking system. There is a case against the establishment of the NAMA, but the case in favour of it is stronger. This measure will restore the credit flow to businesses...

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: We have put in place measures to deal with that and ensure credit is flowing and will flow.

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: There is no silver bullet or magic wand. It will have to be done carefully and in a manner which is not like a rush of blood to the head, which Deputy Bannon would recognise.

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: We need stable government and a stable banking system, and this is being done.

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: The fourth pillar is concerned with investing in those who are out of work so they can return to employment as soon as possible. Measures outlined to support people who have lost their jobs include enhancing access to the back to work enterprise allowance scheme, which will facilitate almost 1,400 additional claims and encouraging further education through earlier eligibility for the back to...

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: The view on Ireland and the rest of Europe is that because we entered it later than the US we will not emerge until next year. However, the important thing to remember is that we will inevitably emerge from this recession. I believe in and support the steps taken by Government to ensure that we in Ireland are well positioned to take full advantage of that upturn.

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (6 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 85: To ask the Minister for Defence the major equipment purchases planned for 2009 and 2010; the progress being made in sourcing new equipment and vehicles; if the global economic downturn is resulting in a reduction in equipment prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17649/09]

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (6 May 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 107: To ask the Minister for Defence if reports that Irish troops serving in Chad have been ordered not to play football or other sports due to the risk of injury and that troops are being served cold meals because fuel supplies are low are untrue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/09]

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 659: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on putting a procedure in place in which tax exiles would have to pay for their children's primary, post-primary and third level education. [15221/09]

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this Bill. Clearly we are in difficult and challenging economic times. The decisions we will need to make will be very difficult but they will need to be made. Of course it is never easy to take money away from people or reduce their income, but that will need to be done across the board, because we need to make ourselves more competitive...

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: The State is seeking to ensure that children get quality child care.

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: The aim of the scheme is to provide one year of quality preschool education to children for the year prior to entry to primary school.

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: It is to provide quality child care.

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: I believe the child care providers in the State are very good, particularly community child care providers. They provide quality child care to our children right across the community. A former Labour Party handler stated recently that any savings made from the cuts to the early child care supplement should be ring-fenced for funding quality half-day preschool places for every child for the...

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: This is what we have done.

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: The scheme will benefit parents who would otherwise have paid for this service. It will also benefit disadvantaged children whose parents would not be in a position to pay for their attendance at preschool. The scheme also safeguards jobs in a sector that is likely to be hit hard by the economic downturn. Most facilities have small margins and low pay and are very vulnerable to a reduction...

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: The Deputy can take the argument up with Fintan O'Toole. He clearly believes -----

Social Welfare Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Apr 2009)

Chris Andrews: If Members have a difficulty with what Fintan O'Toole said, they should raise the issue with him. I was interrupted when I said he said that if we had the commitment, we had intelligent government. He went on to say we could therefore expect to see a similar approach in other areas. I think that is true. We can expect to see a similar approach and innovative decisions being made. The...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (31 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 343: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures, in view of the ongoing allegations of war crimes being carried out by the Israeli army in its recent war in Gaza, he will take to ensure that these allegations are fully investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13211/09]