Results 1,621-1,640 of 1,827 for speaker:Chris Andrews

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]

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: We must get the balance right. While it might be tempting to cut spending on vital infrastructure for short-term gain, I hope the budget will take the long-term view and provide for investment in major infrastructure. Obviously, not all infrastructural projects can be delivered upon within the original timescale. We must prioritise and I believe we will do so. Caution is necessary in...

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: It would not cost an arm and a leg to establish such a programme. It would send a positive message to carers while costing almost nothing to deliver. I suggest that we draw on existing resources in Departments to create an interactive national website that is dedicated to family carers. We should support carers in such a cost-effective manner. We need to remind family carers that any...

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Which Minister of State positions would the Deputy abolish?

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Which Ministers of State would have to go?

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Deputy Durkan surpassed himself today——-

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: ——in his ability to speak for four minutes without offering any alternatives or positive suggestions. I regret the Deputy is leaving the House. It is difficult to understand how Deputy Durkan reached the conclusion that the private sector has remained untouched other than by a few job losses. Also, it is difficult to understand his theory that the global downturn has not yet impacted...

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: In addition, the budget will provide an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate its leadership and to restore confidence. It is clear that people are concerned and worried. As stated, there is no silver bullet, magic wand or road map to follow because nobody has been through this before. The constant drip of negative news in past couple of months, over which the Government had no...

Written Answers — School Enrolments: School Enrolments (24 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 1072: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if tax exiles are entitled to have their children educated free in Irish primary and post-primary schools or if they are expected to pay for their education; the number of children of tax exiles who are receiving free education in non-fee paying schools here; and if there are plans to review this. [11705/09]

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Question 285: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on claims that Israel is partaking in a campaign of house demolition and eviction of Palestinians from Jerusalem; and the steps he is prepared to take on this issue. [9561/09]

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: It is good to hear Deputy Rabbitte standing up for us.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: I wish to share time with Deputy Michael McGrath. I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak. Ulysses is always difficult to understand, however one reads it. The purpose of the Bill is to amend the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 to enable the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission to make investments in the public interest in listed credit institutions and it...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: It was probably an old Labour Party socialite. Is it socialist or socialite, I am not sure?

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Deputy Burton could not resist. I will not lower myself.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: On a humorous note, I saw a cartoon recently which I thought was very Irish in its humour. It was in reaction to the banking crisis. It showed a picture of two rats sitting in suits chatting to each other and one said to the other, "I hear that we are never more than ten feet from a banker". I thought that was a very Irish view of the banking sector and it highlights the depth of anger...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: I have not mentioned Tallaght although I still have a few minutes left.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2009)

Chris Andrews: Time flies when one is enjoying oneself. I said I would not rise to Deputy Burton's remarks. She said this proposal should be brought back to the House for further approval. I find it amazing that she would imply that the Labour Party would approve of anything because they have opposed everything for as long as I have been a Member of the House. The Government's recapitalisation scheme will...