Results 1,661-1,680 of 11,861 for speaker:Brian Hayes

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: It is a lease of a licence that returns to the State in 20 years, as did previous leases. I cannot recall the colleague who said that this was a vagary of the Minister, Deputy Howlin, or the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is the Government's decision. It is the view of both parties in Government that this Bill, and this process, should proceed. The Minister is not taking...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: As Senator O'Brien would testify from her business, it is no different for the private sector than it is for the State. We must have the same rationale and the same competitive edge in the public sector as we evidently have in the private sector. One of the reasons I suspect there could be interest in this lottery internationally is a view that significant savings can be made on its...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: On the section?

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: The definition section refers to the name of the Bill. I must say to the Senator that I do not have responsibility when it comes to ruling amendments out of order. That is not my function here. If one reads the Constitution one will find that Ministers are here at pleasure. She will be glad to know that the Constitution does not require Ministers to attend here to take Bills through these...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: The Senator has my word that I shall not interrupt her. Let us agree to that at the very least. We, the Executive, have no responsibility in respect of the amendment. The Senator shall accept it is a matter for the Speaker of the House, the Cathaoirleach. With regard to the Title, I understand the view of the Senator but we do not agree. She has her view and the Minister, Deputy Howlin,...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: The Senator is right and Deputy Howlin has put it on the record that the measure has nothing to do with the troika. She is right and the Minister conceded that point from the start. As the Minister of State responsible for procurement, I have a little knowledge of the matter myself because these licences are under EU procurement, particularly when it comes to a State asset which the national...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: The fact that the Government has chosen this means to construct the particular competition-----

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Committee Stage (30 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: -----for the purpose of the upfront payment is all to do with the objective that we have set. I concede the following. I have heard the point the Senator made about this being a one fell swoop attempt to generate funds for a new national hospital. I understand and appreciate her view but it is not true to say that the licence does not have to comply with EU law because it does. That is...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Properties (25 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: There are nine former Coastguard cottages in Crosshaven in State ownership, three of which are currently being used. The Office Of Public Works is currently exploring the possibility of disposing of the remaining six properties and it is envisaged that these properties will form part of a State Property disposal programme.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Staff Remuneration (25 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: The cost of mounting the Guide Service at Skellig Michael during the 2012 season was €129,793.47. This includes Guide pay, Travel and Subsistence, Personal Protective Equipment and specialist Safety Training.

Public Sector Pay and Conditions: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: Taking up the point made by Deputy John Browne, the Government has no intention of cutting across the work of Kieran Mulvey and the LRC over the coming weeks. People who are experts in the area and have a track record of bringing people together to work out a solution need time and space. It is the fervent hope of the Government that we can still find some agreement. I am a great believer...

Public Sector Pay and Conditions: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: It is good to have a historical perspective, even on this side of the House.

Public Sector Pay and Conditions: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: I did not interrupt anyone. From speaking to people across the European Union institutions, I know that the reduction in the number of people working in the service at a time of exceptional demand and the reduction in the public sector pay and pension bill without loss of days through strikes and industrial action is quite an achievement. There are two fundamental principles required and I...

Public Sector Pay and Conditions: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: They do know it and they continue to get away with it. It is my task - and, I suspect, that of the Opposition - to remind Sinn Féin of the lie perpetuated in its documents and based on its figures. We need to move the situation forward. If we are to make the savings, it must be done across the board and in the fairest way possible. It must be done in a proportionate way, as in the...

Seanad: Financial Stability and Reform Bill 2013: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: That is why I am conscious of positive initiatives taken by colleagues on all sides of the House. We must learn from the Bill. We need contrary people with contrary views to challenge what the Government is doing. We even need them in government. I am not putting Senator Barrett in that category - on the contrary. We must change the culture given the scale of the crisis and the culture...

Seanad: Financial Stability and Reform Bill 2013: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to contribute to this debate. At the outset, I thank Senator Barrett for his publication and tabling of this Bill, as well as for the previous Private Members' Bills on which he has worked assiduously in this House. In the Department of Finance, we genuinely appreciate this because a parallel process is being worked on at present regarding...

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Availability (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: This is a useful exchange. There is a recognition in government, as there is on all sides of this House, of the importance of the credit union sector in terms of lending for the short and medium terms. It is an absolutely crucial part of the financial environment for the country. The credit union sector has come through a difficult time, as have other financial institutions, but we need to...

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Availability (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and clarifying it. The Central Bank of Ireland issued a circular to all credit unions on 22 February 2013 regarding prudential lending. The circular emphasises the need for credit unions to assess adequately the creditworthiness of applications for credit and in particular the need to collect sufficient information about borrowers'...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: It is clear that the next speaker is unprepared for his contribution because he wants me to use up another 20 minutes of time.

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (24 Apr 2013)

Brian Hayes: I am glad the Senator got a copy of my speech, which was outside as he passed on his way in here. I want to welcome him back to the Seanad following his recent travails. In conclusion, this is an important Bill. It is a key part of what the Government wants to do and there is significant support behind the objective of funding a new national children's hospital. I am sure that is...