Results 41-60 of 1,095 for speaker:Jimmy Devins

Ferns Report: Statements (Resumed). (9 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: I wish to share time with Deputy Hoctor. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this important issue. The catalogue of depravity revealed in the Ferns Report makes for sorry reading. We owe a debt of gratitude to the authors of the report, particularly Mr. Justice Murphy, for producing a clear and concise report in the timescale allocated. In the limited time...

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (15 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: Question 100: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied with progress under REP scheme 3 and the consultation process on REP scheme 4. [34113/05]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme. (15 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, for the comprehensive reply. I agree that REPS 3 has brought great benefits to Irish farming and to the wider community. The increase in farmer numbers is proof of that. I have two supplementary questions for the Minister of State. First, is REPS 3 still available? My second question relates to the proposed introduction of REPS 4. I welcome the...

Written Answers — Food Industry: Food Industry (15 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: Question 129: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the progress of the prepared consumer food sector within the food industry here. [34110/05]

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: I welcome this opportunity to speak on the current housing situation. I have listened carefully to what has been said in the debate so far and must raise the question whether all of us in this House are living in the same country. Listening to some Opposition Members, one could be forgiven for believing that no houses have been built in Ireland in recent years. The reality is that over 77,000...

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: It was the tenth year in a row in which a record number of houses was built.

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: It is also worth noting that over 500,000 new houses have been built during the past ten years. Currently, approximately 19 houses are being built per 1,000 people of population in Ireland, which is the highest rate in the EU. It would be interesting to compare this with the United Kingdom, our nearest neighbour, where the rate is only four houses per 1,000 people.

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: In light of these statistics, I have no doubt that my friends in the Opposition must recognise that enormous strides have been made in the provision of new houses during the past few years.

Housing Policy: Statements (Resumed). (16 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: However, there is no doubt that it has been difficult for some people, particularly first-time buyers, to get on the property ladder due to increasing prices. This difficulty has been present for some time and I commend the Government, which, recognising the difficulty, put in place measures to improve access to home ownership for first-time buyers. These measures include stamp duty...

Job Losses. (22 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to contribute to the debate. Yesterday the workforce in Tractech was informed that a so-called review of the factory was ongoing and that in 60 days a decision would be made on whether the company would maintain a manufacturing base in Sligo. While no decision has been made and everybody is the town is hoping against hope that the factory will...

Job Losses. (22 Nov 2005)

Jimmy Devins: That is not parliamentary language.

Written Answers — Rural Environment Protection Scheme: Rural Environment Protection Scheme (8 Dec 2005)

Jimmy Devins: Question 46: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the prospects of REP scheme three in 2006. [38306/05]

Written Answers — Live Exports: Live Exports (8 Dec 2005)

Jimmy Devins: Question 60: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the level of live exports of cattle to date in 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. [38307/05]

Water Services. (2 Feb 2006)

Jimmy Devins: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise submissions concerning water metering. As the Minister is aware, water meters are being installed on all non-domestic premises across the country. This process has been ongoing in County Sligo for some time because it was one of the original pilot counties selected. However, some issues have arisen which I wish to bring to the attention of...

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Jimmy Devins: I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I am delighted to have this opportunity to speak on the Finance Bill 2006.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Jimmy Devins: There is no doubt in my mind that this budget was universally accepted as one of the most successful budgets in the history of this country. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Cowen, for the thought and diligence he put into preparing and presenting the budget. There has been a lot of media coverage during the past few days regarding the tax exemption schemes, in particular the urban and...

Further and Higher Education: Statements. (1 Mar 2006)

Jimmy Devins: Education was, is and will remain the single most important factor in ensuring that we, as a country, develop to our full potential. It has always been a core tenet of the party to which I belong that a high quality education system should be available to all our citizens regardless of age, sex or ability to pay. I am delighted that in the Minister for Education and Science we have a person...

Further and Higher Education: Statements. (1 Mar 2006)

Jimmy Devins: The continued expansion of Sligo Institute of Technology bears witness to the importance this institution plays in the third level system. In the year that Sligo Institute of Technology celebrates 30 years of existence, it is fitting that we reflect on exactly what the college has achieved in that time. From very humble beginnings — its gestation, birth and early existence were opposed by...

Company Closures. (1 Mar 2006)

Jimmy Devins: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me raise this important issue. As no doubt the House will be aware, Saehan Media recently announced that it is to cease manufacturing capability in Sligo in the near future. This will result in the loss of approximately 90 jobs and will bring to an end the company's involvement in Sligo dating back to the mid-1980s. In its heyday the factory employed...

Lourdes Hospital Inquiry: Statements (Resumed). (8 Mar 2006)

Jimmy Devins: I thank the Chair for allowing me to speak on the Lourdes hospital inquiry report by Judge Maureen Harding Clark. Our thanks go to the author, who has presented her findings in a clear an unambiguous way. The report is a model of how such an inquiry should be carried out. There has been much comment on the report both in the House and the media and, in the limited time available, I do not...