Results 17,281-17,300 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: Will that the Taoiseach answer the question about moving against the semi-State boards, as pledged by Deputy Bruton? Will the Taoiseach end the system of political appointments to State bodies that has been so abused, not just by Fianna Fáil but by Fine Gael and the Labour Party in the past? There is no indication that the Government will end that abuse in the future. Many of us on the...

Programme for Government: Motion (15 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: I assure the Deputy he is not alone in feeling that way. I wish signal to the Taoiseach certain dangers that arise from what is happening this afternoon. The strongest applause for his programme for Government appears to have come from those who previously occupied his position. I was struck by the remarks of Deputy Martin, the Leader of the Opposition, who advised that the Taoiseach...

Programme for Government: Motion (15 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: The dangers of which they should be aware have been particularly evident in Europe over the past ten days. I wish the Taoiseach God speed and good luck in his negotiations in Europe but he is landed in an extraordinarily difficult situation. To have found himself already retreating from the position held by the previous Government is a perilous development. The issue raised on the Order of...

Programme for Government: Motion (15 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: It is an omission therefore. It is very noticeably not there.

Programme for Government: Motion (15 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: That is fine.

Programme for Government: Motion (15 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: This is a retreat from the programme the Taoiseach previously proposed. It is an apology for election promises. This is regrettable and the Government should be very careful if it is being praised by Fianna Fáil, the party which landed us in this mess.

Nomination of Taoiseach (9 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: I congratulate the Ceann Comhairle on his election to the high office which he has achieved. It is a particularly great achievement considering that he retired from this House eight years ago and will be automatically re-elected at the next election. I say that with great sincerity and I know he will be a very fine Ceann Comhairle. I rise to announce the first split in the Technical Group...

Nomination of Taoiseach (9 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: It is against the rule for Deputy Durkan to interrupt a maiden speech.

Nomination of Taoiseach (9 Mar 2011)

Shane Ross: I wish to say a brief word about Ministers' salaries, something which may not affect Deputy Durkan this evening. However, Deputy Kenny is a forgiving type and one would never know. I fear that because of the parameters and restrictions of the economy, the Government will almost inevitably yield to the temptation to be a Government so similar to the previous one, perhaps not in its style or...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee Stage (29 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: I thank Senator Alex White for tabling this recommendation which I would have thought was self-evidently necessary. The elephant in the room in considering such tax incentives is that they have been abused in the past. They have been used to put things in various areas for political preference, as Members have just heard in this Chamber, as speakers have commented on how they have done a...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee Stage (29 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: In that case, let us have a cost-benefit analysis. Senator Mary White should note that a cost-benefit analysis has been conducted of such incentives. The Minister or his officials will be aware that both Indecon and Goodbody Economic Consultants examined all of these tax benefits in the raw and the round some years ago and came up with some startling conclusions. They concluded that some...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Committee Stage (Resumed) (29 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: Shame.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: We might swap titles. The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, has upbraided me in this House before for referring to this matter. However, the fundamental question is whether this is a disastrous deal that could have been avoided. Are the terms of this deal acceptable or affordable? Will we be able to pay back the money we have promised or accepted in desperation? Why were the...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: The Minister of State has woken up at long last. I am delighted. It is about time. I accept that his experiences recently have been difficult but he must realise that it is unlikely that things will remain quiet for long. Where is the Government's corporate tax policy? Why is it not examining the possibility of introducing fundamental tax reforms rather than fiddling with the system that...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: Totally impractical because the Government has no imagination. All its members know how to do is to be subservient to Europe and the IMF. The Government is responsible for the----

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: I am glad the Minister of State is awake.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: I trust that was not deliberate. The Minister's speech is a document of shameful surrender. When I hold it up before the House I regard it as a white flag from the Government, which comes to the Seanad having been in the Dáil. It represents the Government's capitulation to Europe and the IMF and it sums up the situation in which the Government leaves the country. It represents an...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: I do not share the kind of self-congratulation expressed by others regarding what is happening in the House. Many previous speakers have got it right: the House can sit until at least 4 May next. We are dancing to the Dáil's tune today. We are being told to pass the Finance Bill. Despite what Senator Leyden said, none of the recommendations put forward will be accepted. The Dáil will...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: I am asking him to do so.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2011)

Shane Ross: I am asking him to order the taking of legislation in this House until 4 May. It is insulting that the House is to be dissolved on the same day as the Dáil. The Green Party should be insisting on their Bills being brought before the House in order that they would be ready for the next Government. Why is it not doing so?