Results 21-40 of 3,550 for speaker:Dominic Hannigan

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I was concerned to see reports that PRSI contributions will not be enough in three years' time to pay for pension benefits and that the pensions system will move into deficit. The clock is running out in regard to what we do about our pensions. In 40 years' time, when many of us in this Chamber will hope to enjoy our retirement, there will be just two workers for every retiree. That...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Statements. (18 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: The Government and the IDA have a pivotal role to play in the continued development of the economy. Globalisation is upon us and it is vital that we continue to be competitive in the world market. To do so, we require serious investment in the country and we need to think hard about where the next benefit to the economy will derive from. In the next five to ten years, there will be new...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I am also concerned at Prime Minister Brown's proposals on electronic border controls from 2009 because we have a land border with Northern Ireland that poses many problems in this regard. A person from Dundalk who needs to go to the UK seeking a new job as a football manager, for example, may find it easier to travel from the North than from the South. He or she could simply drive to...

Seanad: Education and Training: Motion (24 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I welcome the Minister of State. The global economy is forcing many western countries to examine how to remain affluent. For many years, we have known that industries such as textiles and manufacturing are moving east. Until recently, we were under the illusion that IT companies would remain here, but they have begun moving east, creating problems for Ireland in terms of retaining jobs....

Seanad: Education and Training: Motion (24 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: The current target is to reduce illiteracy levels to between 10% and 15% of the population by 2016, meaning 500,000 will have basic literacy skills. It is an unacceptable target and must be changed. The Department has been advised of the Right to Read campaign which seeks to improve literacy among schoolchildren. According to the campaign, it is important that children have room to learn in...

Seanad: Education and Training: Motion (24 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: These people need to be supported by us. Everybody has the right to go back to school or college and upskill and learn new skills. We must help middle-aged workers who are out of a job and give them the skills to take part in the information economy. That is how we make our workforce stronger, retain multinationals located in this country and encourage new companies to come here. In...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second and Subsequent Stages (24 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I welcome the Minister to the Chamber. I am glad to hear him say that there are lessons to be learned from this process because it helps no one when legislation is rushed through Parliament. My colleague in the Lower House referred last night to the fact that soon afterwards we uncover the inevitable mistakes and loopholes. It has been remarked that the content of the amendments introduced...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: While I am glad the threat of power cuts at Moneypoint appears to have been averted for the present, I am concerned that a matter as vital as our nation's electricity supply can be threatened by a disagreement between a German contractor and a Polish subcontractor. When the contracts were signed, penalty clauses should have been inserted to deter this type of instance from occurring. While...

Seanad: Education Schemes (25 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: It is nice to see Deputy Haughey back in the House. I am pleased to address this issue, which relates to the McIver report, established in 2003 to review the issue of post leaving certificate courses, PLCs. PLCs were introduced in 1985 and have been a tremendous success with hundreds of thousands of students across the country attending them and becoming better educated. In counties Louth...

Seanad: Education Schemes (25 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive report. The Minister said the number of spaces has increased by 60% since 1996-97. There is a cap on the number of places in some counties, for example, the cap in County Meath is one student per 1,000 people. The national average is approximately four students per 1,000. Will the Minister review the allocation as it affects County Meath, with a...

Seanad: Order of Business (31 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I second Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business. I am concerned to hear reports that nine out of ten of the nation's crèches fail to comply with the standards set out by the Health Service Executive. Reports suggest that some children are subject to being locked up while others are subject to bullying and these reports are a cause for concern among parents. It is important to...

Seanad: Housing Market: Statements (31 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I welcome back to the Chamber the Minister of State. I appreciate the time given to a discussion of the housing market because the country is experiencing a housing crisis. An entire generation of people in their 20s and 30s is finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market. Some Senators have spoken about the effect of interest rates on the ability of people to repay their...

Seanad: Housing Market: Statements (31 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: It is a question of the availability of housing, not just prices.

Seanad: Housing Market: Statements (31 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: What does that mean? Tell that to the 2,000 people who are waiting for houses in Meath.

Seanad: Witness Protection Programme Bill 2007: Order for Second Stage (31 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Seanad: Witness Protection Programme Bill 2007: Second Stage (31 Oct 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is a great pleasure to introduce this Bill. It is vital for tackling the growing problem of gangland crimes and serious crimes here. Although we have heard time and again about how serious crime is being tackled, the reality is that the problem appears to be getting worse. This Bill is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Nov 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I note reports that the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, is already considering the deferral of those income tax cuts he promised six months ago, despite asking people at the time to trust him in this regard. I hope this change in economic scenery will not result in his slashing of budgets in sectors such as the arts. Yesterday I learned the Arts Council seeks funding of...

Seanad: Energy Security and Climate Change: Motion (7 Nov 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: Often, Government motions are amusing and this motion is no exception. Senator Boyle believes it might be pompous to raise this subject, but asking us to support and commend the Government on its commitment to develop a policy is amusing. A Government must be real. Rather than promising to do something in future, it must do something now. Ireland produces too many greenhouse gases....

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: I second Senator Walsh's call. We have a similar situation on the Ashbourne bypass in County Meath which could easily cater for 120 km/h but is limited to 100 km/h. I would like the Minister to come and tell Members if he would consider reviewing speed limits.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2007)

Dominic Hannigan: The county councils deal with local and secondary roads. The National Roads Authority deals with bypasses. I apologise to the Cathaoirleach. The county councils have no responsibility for our national roads.