Results 1,801-1,820 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The administration of agencies is being examined. Members will see considerable developments on this front over the course of the next year but this will be done in the context of social consensus and partnership, not by sacking thousands of people, as seems to be implicit in some of the suggestions that have been made. This has been a difficult and painful but a necessary budget.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The test of it will be if in two or three years' time we will have succeeded in turning around the economy and return towards the trend of a growth rate of 3% or 4%, which the agencies say we should expect to achieve and be capable of.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I was struck in America by the fact that people tend to view the glass as half full rather than half empty. People there were talking in positive terms about the falling house prices putting houses more within people's reach, falling petrol prices and so on. Sometimes we need to look at the positive aspects that are coming through and that are still there rather than just looking...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: That is a fair point.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: On the research side.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The budget for 2009 needed to be formulated against the backdrop of a strong downturn in the domestic and much of the global economy and the recent worldwide crisis in financial confidence. Decisive Government action has been needed to arrest the deterioration on both fronts. With regard to the banking crisis, the Government's leadership in giving guarantees of liabilities under a scheme now...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I expect to.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I assure the Senator they are full in Tipperary.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (14 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: It is proposed to construct new premises on the Old Garda Station site to accommodate the Department of Social & Family Affairs' Local Office and Social Welfare Inspectorate. The project is at the initial stages of planning. Proceeding with the project to construction will depend on the availability of funding.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (14 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Decentralisation Programme is being reviewed in the context of the forthcoming Budget. I will be in a better position to advise in relation to the Dungarvan project following announcement of the Budget details.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (14 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The provision of permanent accommodation for a District HQ at Laytown, Co. Meath is currently under consideration and is subject to the identification of a suitable property solution and the availability of capital funds. In the interim, OPW may provide temporary additional accommodation at the existing station facility.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: At present the Office of Public Works has no vacancies in County Wexford or in South Leinster which could be filled by transfer at general operative level. However, any general operative in OPW can apply for a transfer, which would be considered in the event of a suitable vacancy arising.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The number of properties purchased, leased, built or under construction under the Decentralisation Programme are outlined in the following tables. The numbers in occupation to date is a matter for each individual Department. Note: The following table does not include €24m approximately in respect of furniture, total rent, VAT on fit outs, surveys and fees, per cent for art scheme and other...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I register agreement with three points made by Deputy Crawford. This is legislation that should be matured rather than rushed through the House. That would allow us to take on board the different points made and a really good Bill will result. I endorse Deputy Crawford's praise of LMFM. I was interviewed on the station two or three times even though it is far removed from the part of the...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I regard those sentiments as untrue and deplorable but, alas, not totally untypical of one or two commentators. One would think they might pay closer attention to what goes on in this House but they obviously do not as they are so dismissive. I often have the feeling that these comments are made by people who are, no doubt, brilliant journalists but they have a side that shows politicians...

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: No Opposition has ever alleged that, as far as I am aware.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: It was once said about a small party that no longer exists in this House.

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The other issue I wish to discuss is the question of balance. It is primarily for the RTE Authority and, beyond that, the new broadcasting authority to ensure that balance is provided. Generally speaking, this should not be the role of Governments or politicians or parties. There are people who ring journalists and broadcasting channels regularly to complain of bias of this or that sort....

Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——where we have to be restrained in commentary. It is as if a person used freedom of speech to shout in this House or in a crowded place, "Fire, fire." The question of balance also cropped up in reference to the referendum on the Lisbon treaty. Obviously, I cannot fault in any way RTE or other broadcasting stations for fulfilling their statutory responsibilities. I have serious...

Flooding at Newcastle West. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Deputies for giving me an opportunity to come into the House to discuss the severe flooding in Newcastle West and Athea. While many locations have been affected by serious flood events in recent weeks, it was particularly severe in Newcastle West. Having seen at first hand the devastation caused in the town on the night of 31 July and 1 August and having spoken to people...