Results 18,561-18,580 of 32,583 for speaker:Richard Bruton

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Company Closures (8 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: I have been informed that when C&C bought the business concerned in 2012, the transport function was split between a primary and a secondary fleet. The primary fleet employed 12 drivers and the secondary fleet was a contract haulier. In April 2015, it was decided that the contract haulier would become the transport partner for the business concerned. I have also been informed that...

Topical Issue Debate: Company Closures (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: I thank the Deputies for raising the matter. I am very conscious that the announcement of a possible transfer of the operation in Clonmel by the company creates problems for the workers there, and my first thoughts are with those workers and their families, as well as the members of the local community, who have received this very difficult news. I understand the company concerned was...

Topical Issue Debate: Company Closures (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: I can assure the Deputies that I am absolutely committed to developing a balanced spread of employment throughout the country. It is encouraging to see that, for the first time, Tipperary has seen employment growth across our agencies - IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the local enterprises offices - and 260 additional people are at work in Tipperary in 2014 as a result of their efforts. That is...

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: One cannot decide in legislation to remove the pension rights of certain individuals as compared to others.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: Everything must be done in a proportionate manner, one which applies to all equally. That is the approach the Minister has taken and, in doing so, he has insisted that the lowest benefit will be available to the highest paid.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: The House should support that approach.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: To be fair, we are seeing a progressive improvement in the way the health service is being managed.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: In the past 12 months, an extra 1,000 people have been employed in the health service and 200 extra beds have been opened. There is an increase in the number of people being treated in our hospitals. Undoubtedly there is pressure on our hospital beds, but there is a response. The waiting times in the hospitals are down on what they were in February, so we are making progress.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: However, we must be realistic and recognise that part of the change that is necessary for reform is to get better access at primary level. One of the Minister, Deputy Varadkar's priorities is to open up access-----

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: -----to primary care to a wider range of people.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: From 1 July, children under six years of age and people aged 70 and over have access to primary care and that will take the pressure off hospitals over time. The Minister's legislative priorities are dictated by the approach he has taken. He is starting with primary care and the Deputy will recognise the importance of the next priority which relates to alcohol-----

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: Alcohol legislation will be the next legislative measure. He will proceed through his legislative programme on that basis.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: On the first question, the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach are in Brussels today and there will be an opportunity for discussion on the Greek crisis. Following the referendum we know what the Greek public is against, but what we now must know is what the Greek Government is for.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: Having looked at this issue for a long period, we must have a viable strategy to restore growth for the Greek people. The Greek people need to see credible proposals.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: When the Taoiseach returns following those discussions, I hope there will be an opportunity for a debate on the Greek issue. We wait to hear what the Greek Government will put forward. Both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are clearly open to hearing proposals. Ireland has a good record in the approach it took. We managed to get debt relief through longer maturities and lower...

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: The significant percentage increases are being provided to people on lower pay and lower pensions. That is the approach. The package, which relates to legislation introduced under emergency powers, must provide some relief for everyone affected, regardless of their position in the pay schedule.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: Deputy Martin, who has been in the House for a long time, knows that-----

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: -----the membership of committees reflects the parties' strength within the Parliament. It is only fair that people who are on a committee represent the party that appointed them. This is in accordance with long-established procedures.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: I am informed that, on Second Stage, six hours of debate were devoted to this Bill. It has been well ventilated in the House. Indeed, towards the end of that debate, there was difficulty getting speakers-----

Order of Business (7 Jul 2015)

Richard Bruton: -----and quorums were being called to continue it. A Government must govern. If parties decide to try to block legislation, the Government must eventually make a decision. The subject matter of the Bill came from the Law Reform Commission and there is broad support for ending the imprisonment of people for debts of this nature. It is sensible legislation and should progress to Committee...