Results 1,721-1,740 of 1,933 for speaker:Chris Andrews

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]

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.