Results 161-180 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (27 Jan 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I speak genuinely. In fairness to the Deputy, he has highlighted many disability issues since he was elected to the House, particularly because of his family circumstances. I was in the Chamber when he praised this Bill and I am happy to acknowledge that. The Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights has received many submissions. Its meetings about this Bill were...

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (3 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I, too, am delighted to make a contribution to the debate on this Bill. I compliment my good friend, Deputy Finian McGrath, on his reasonable approach. Perhaps he should print his speech and give it to his colleagues on the Opposition side who might read it with some interest.

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (3 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am glad the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Noel Ahern, is present, because I am always happy to congratulate him on the work he is doing. Representing the constituency of Dublin South-West, I am aware of his efforts, particularly in housing and programmes counteracting drug difficulties. He has been especially supportive of the Tallaght...

Written Answers — Physical Education Facilities: Physical Education Facilities (3 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 185: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the development of the physical education hall at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, with details of the building schedule being followed; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that concerns are being expressed by local residents with regard to the entrance to the facility and future uses of the...

Written Answers — Toll Charges: Toll Charges (8 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 366: To ask the Minister for Transport if legislation is to be introduced to deal with the issues preventing the control of toll charges at the West Link Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3770/05]

Finance Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Reading the Finance Bill at breakfast this morning, I was reminded of Karl Marx's observation that all history is based on economics. Regardless of the truth or otherwise of that statement, anyone reading the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen's first Finance Bill must conclude that our recent economic history has placed him in an enviable position. The Bill contains much good news and I am...

Finance Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: There was nothing wrong on 1 December. It amuses me that many of my good colleagues on the Opposition benches have distributed glossy information leaflets to their constituents informing them of all the positive announcements in the Fianna Fáil Party's budget. Take home pay, pensions and benefits were increased. I have seen many leaflets produced by other parties, and fair play to them...

Finance Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: The changes include an increase of €230 in employee PAYE tax credit to €1,270 per annum. In 2005, workers on the average industrial wage will earn €11,300 more and pay €200 less tax than in 1997. The minimum wage was removed from the tax net. A worker on the minimum wage will be far better off this year than previously. Exemption limits for those aged over 65 years increased to...

Finance Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Before the break I spoke about the efforts of the Minister, Deputy Cowen. I praised his efforts 70 days ago in introducing the budget, which was well received on all sides. I want to examine the list of positive measures in the Bill. First, it removes completely a significant number of people from the tax net. It confirms a cut in stamp duty for first-time buyers of second-hand houses,...

Written Answers — Price Inflation: Price Inflation (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 210: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding action being taken to control the rise in the cost of living; the initiatives which are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4144/05]

Written Answers — Driving Licences: Driving Licences (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 219: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of driving licence applications that are being declared false on renewal and that were issued in the period September to December 1994; if he is investigating the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4146/05]

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (9 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 248: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on plans to provide educational facilities in the new communities in Ballycullen and Fortunestown in Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many families must bus their children to schools outside the area; the consultations she has had in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (10 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 163: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his participation in the recent discussions at 10 Downing Street, confirming decisions made to progress the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3800/05]

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: If I stray from the subject I know the Acting Chairman will rein me in. This is an interesting debate and it is interesting that the Acting Chairman should try to control it with the directive given. I listened to the debate last night and to the otherwise excellent speech by Deputy Gilmore.

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: This is a subject which people talk about, no less in my constituency than anywhere else. I represent a constituency where the community in Bohernabreena in the greater Tallaght area had to tolerate the problems associated with Friarstown dump for many years. We are still putting a lot of pressure on the council as we go to it every day to talk about waivers. We are trying to ensure that the...

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I know the Deputy listened very carefully and that he understands the points made. I have sympathy with the notion that the Government would look at how our local authorities are dealing with the waste problem. At the same time we must understand their position. Deputy Gilmore would be the first to say that. Local authorities are entitled to their independence and to make their own decisions....

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: As we do.

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: If the Deputy was from Tallaght, he would do the same. I am not ashamed of where I live.

Written Answers — Communications Masts: Communications Masts (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to prevent the erection of telecommunication masts in residential areas; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5176/05]

Written Answers — Electricity Infrastructure: Electricity Infrastructure (16 Feb 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 158: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will discuss with the ESB the possibility of the company moving their overhead cables in Tallaght underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5177/05]