Results 81-100 of 1,279 for speaker:Michael Ahern

Finance Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Michael Ahern: No other country in the European Union has such a small debt and that has allowed the Government to borrow now when it needs to borrow. It is because of the prudent policies followed by the Government in the past ten to 12 years that we have the facility to get out of the trouble in which we find ourselves today. This trouble was not caused wholly by what happened within this country; it is...

Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Michael Ahern: That is out of order.

Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2009)

Michael Ahern: I wish to share time with Deputy Thomas Byrne. The challenge facing the Government is to achieve the correct balance between cutting spending, raising taxes and borrowing in the context of the four cornerstones of the recovery strategy — getting the public finances in order; sorting out the banking sector by returning credibility to the system; protecting and creating jobs through...

Leaders' Questions (4 Mar 2009)

Michael Ahern: Of course it is shifting. Look at what is happening in the world.

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: Question 91: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will commit to minimising the impact of the cuts to the youth service budget on young people and youth services in Cork East; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8114/09]

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: Question 92: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that significant reductions in funding to youth organisations working in towns such as Mallow, Midleton and Fermoy, County Cork, may lead to the closure of youth projects and youth groups which are working to address the needs of young people who are disadvantaged due to a combination of...

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: Question 93: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the work of hundreds of volunteers in youth organisations will be undermined if there is a significant cutback in the funding to voluntary youth organisations in Cork East; if she will commit to protecting funding for youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter....

Irish Economy: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: In the few minutes available to me I want to emphasise the exceptionally serious situation which the country faces and the difficulties facing the decision makers and the Government to ensure we do not get totally consumed by the world financial blow up. In 1987 we faced a similar situation and got support from Members on the opposite side of the House. It is a pity that they do not...

Irish Economy: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: They abuse the situation today to further their political aims.

Irish Economy: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: We are a trading nation and 85% to 90% of our GDP is from exports. The rest of the world faces the same problems we do but we are taking a bigger hit than many other countries because of our trading situation, especially with regard to trading with our neighbours across the Irish Sea. Up to 20% of our exports go to the sterling area and the 33% devaluation of sterling has had a serious...

Irish Economy: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: Loans are available through many institutions but they are not being taken up because people are still waiting for further reductions in interest rates and in the price of houses.

Irish Economy: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: All of this means the revenue available to the Government is shrinking. VAT, income tax, corporation tax and stamp duty intakes are shrinking. In the long term this means that the funds available to the Government to pay wages and to pay for all services are reducing. Those who watched the news at 6 p.m. saw that the debt ratio is due to climb to 65% in the next year or two. This is not...

Irish Economy: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: I am voting tonight.

Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Motion (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: I congratulate Deputy Timmins. I agree with him.

Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Motion (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on the Government motion regarding the recapitalisation of our banks, especially the Bank of Ireland and AIB. The background to this decision needs to be reiterated again and again as many seem intent on blaming what has happened here on the Government and have effectively said we have brought down the world financial system, which is...

Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Motion (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ahern: When the Government agreed to guarantee the banks, it steadied the banking system here. The reaction from banks and from Governments in Europe, especially in Great Britain, was very serious as money came flowing back into the Irish banking system. That was a sign that a wise move was taken by the Government. The Government is trying to ensure that Ireland has a sound, solid financial...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ahern: I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the economy. I am disappointed, however, that Deputies Breen and Ring have left the House following their attack on Government in respect of Shannon.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ahern: I am reminded, on hearing Members opposite speak about Shannon, of the remarks of a famous former leader of Fine Gael, the late Deputy Dillon, in regard to rabbits and hares hopping around the tarmac in Shannon. He was, of course, wrong. All pronouncements since then by Fine Gael in regard to such projects have been wrong. Similarly, another former Member of the House, the late Deputy Jim...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ahern: I forecast that the predictions from the opposite side of the House will again prove to be wrong, as they always have been. It is important that every Member of this House sets out the facts in respect of the economic crisis facing this country. This crisis is not the result of internal matters alone. It is often said that the construction industry and the bust in that regard is responsible...

Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Second Stage (20 Jan 2009)

Michael Ahern: Not like the Irish Shipping debacle.