Results 1,741-1,760 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I do not intend to follow the road of that type of grossly politically partisan contribution. Up to 20 years ago conventional political wisdom had it that the two groups in the South we should never publicly criticise, even where some criticism might by justified, was the Garda Síochána and the church. Today, there are no institutions beyond criticism, scrutiny and accountability and it is...

Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I listened to the Deputy. Why does he not listen to me?

Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Deputy should listen to me, please.

Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The temptation was resisted to brush matters under the carpet.

Morris Tribunal: Statements (Resumed) (22 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I contrast that with what happened with certain security scandals of a similar or even greater gravity, as people died as a result of them. Examples include the cases of Pat Finucane and Rosemary Nelson, where a similar awareness that a can of worms could be opened became evident and the sort of action we took here was not taken. Given the length of time tribunals take and their cost, it is...

Written Answers — State Property: State Property (21 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: This property is not under the remit of the Office of Public Works.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (21 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Flood mitigation works were completed at Clyard and Thomastown, Kilmaine. Efforts to find a solution to the problem at the Neale are ongoing. An aerial survey of the area has been completed recently and the results are currently being analysed. Mayo County Council are awaiting the results of a ground-water survey from a hydrogeologist. Subject to the agreement of the National Parks and...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (21 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 227 together. The figure of €387.5 million represented the total value of proceeds from the disposal of State properties countrywide between January 2004 and December 2007 inclusive. The following tables show the total list of properties in Dublin disposed of in the last 4 years and the value achieved. 2004 Building Price € Lad Lane,...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (21 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works have no plans at present for the disposal of further properties in Dublin in 2009.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (21 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together. The Commissioners of Public Works have not disposed of any property in Dublin in 2008 which was no longer needed due to the decentralisation programme. It would be inappropriate at this stage to indicate publicly property disposals planned for the future.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (21 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works has been informed by An Garda Síochána that Ashford Garda Station remains a strategic requirement and therefore consideration cannot be given to the disposal of this State owned property.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: When I was a Member of the Seanad, I always considered it was an independent House. This motion is being taken in both Houses and we are permitted to complete the process here in parallel with that in the Dáil. Senator Fitzgerald mentioned a democratic deficit. I wish to make two points in that regard. The contributions made by Members of both Houses on the Bill with regard to what the...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: A point I heard made in Washington last week is that it is easy to put down all the difficulties to cynical, unscrupulous financial operators, or whatever words one wants to use. The aspect of social concern must also be recognised. People in different countries, including the United States and Ireland, were trying to make home ownership more accessible to as wide a number of people as...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: As a fellow socialist I see considerable merit in the worker director model. However, the reality is that it has only been applied in the semi-State sector in this country. It is not being applied elsewhere in particular because it would deter inward investment. It is also the case that, should we say, the managerial classes in this country are of a somewhat conservative disposition and...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Senator Leyden raised the matter. Worker directors are employees elected by fellow employees to boards.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: To introduce such changes a degree of consensus would be required among employers. If the Senator has any doubt about my view on this matter he is welcome to ask the employer organisations. They would be adamantly opposed to a system of worker directors. Inward investing companies and multinationals would also object. There is no culture of worker directors in the United States and they...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank Senators for their thoughtful contributions. I thank the Fine Gael Party for its support for the scheme, even if expressed with some reservations.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I am in the process of answering the questions Senators have put.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: As Senators will know, the Government took swift and decisive action on 30 September to ensure that confidence in the financial system in Ireland remains strong. In the time since that decision was taken it has become clear that Ireland is far from alone in what has become a worldwide turmoil. I was present last weekend at the joint IMF-World Bank meeting and heard at first-hand from...

Financial Resolution No. 15: (General) Resumed (16 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: It must be a legitimate debating point.