Results 1,741-1,760 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: Small brewers employ some 130 people and are competing against some of the significant players. They do not enjoy the same scale and this provision is an attempt to provide the opportunity for them to compete in the market. We all appreciate the Senator's remarks about the dangers of alcohol and so on. However, this is an equitable measure.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I understand there has been universal approval for the provision of stamp duty reliefs for first-time buyers. The bands account for the houses which the majority of young people are likely to afford. The 2005 budget is about helping and respecting people. It is concerned with new investment in hospitals, schools and roads. It serves to cut taxes, an area in which my party has a strong view....

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: I am glad to be here to outline the provisions of the budget to Senators and to have the opportunity to listen to the debate to come. Most Members have heard what the Minister said in the Dáil and are no doubt forming their initial reactions.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: As an aid to that process, I will highlight some of the more pertinent points. To begin with, we must be clear what exactly it is we are about. The Government wants to continue to ensure that we protect and increase employment in the increasingly competitive environment in which we find ourselves. We must also continue to modernise our economy through major capital programmes. These...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: This will result in stamp duty savings for first-time buyers of second-hand properties and is another measure targeted at the lower end of the market. Changes are also being made to rent relief to help those living in rental accommodation. These improvements will make a real difference to those concerned. In recognition of the cost of third level education, the maximum amount of qualifying...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: It has been demonstrated clearly that there is substantial interest in the programme among civil and public servants and this year's budget contains provision for the property related costs associated with our policy on decentralisation. Considerable progress has been made and the implementation of this multi-annual plan is well on track. I am particularly pleased that the budget contains a...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: It is to encourage competition in the brewing trade.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Tom Parlon: It is in the detail.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: How many?

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: That requires correction. We paid for it.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: The authority is going to Thomastown.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: I thank Senators for their contributions. Those which were not enlightening were, in some cases, hilarious. I am sure if they reach "Oireachtas Report", they will make interesting viewing. Senators John Paul Phelan and Feighan started off the debate. I have the height of regard for both young Senators but I thought their contributions were quite juvenile and naive in many ways in terms of...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: That was the Senator's inference.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: He went on at great length about towns with Ministers. Is there a Minister in Longford, Newcastle West, Thomastown, Carrick-on-Shannon, Kilrush, Loughrea or in Portlaoise? I do not believe there is, yet all these towns are in the first phase. I wish to make it clear that the Government is determined to deliver the full decentralisation package. I think Senator O'Toole said it did not matter...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: It was going to put a gun to civil servants' heads and move them to seven towns. We allowed civil servants to apply to move.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: More than 9,000 civil servants have applied to move. Mr. Phil Flynn wanted to assure himself that Departments would be able to operate efficiently and have sufficient people from all grades. That is why he has come forward with the 28 agencies and Departments. He has recommended to the Government — it has accepted the report — that those 28 agencies and Departments move. Some 4,500 civil...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: I might not just have the single poster which got me such tremendous notice around the country and which cost me €16. Senator Browne referred to people bringing politics into disrepute. Neither I nor any of my people knew what was in the budget nor did we distribute any leaflets until after it was announced. That is a fact.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: Those opposite can talk about it forever.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: Senator O'Meara made a number of comments. I recall that when I was in the House the last time, her colleague, Senator McDowell, referred to the decentralisation of Departments to God awful places with dingy pubs around the country. If that is the Dublin and the Labour Party mindset, we have a major problem. In fairness, everyone agrees with voluntary participation in decentralisation. In...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Tom Parlon: They are.