Results 161-180 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

Tom Parlon: There is nit picking and nit picking.

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

Tom Parlon: I listened with interest to Senators' contributions. Despite an offer to be relieved, I was pleased to remain for the full debate. A number of Senators raised the issue of the Stability and Growth Pact. Ireland supports the pact on the basis of sound public finances in the EU. The discipline which has resulted from the pact has been good for Europe and Ireland. Sound public finances are...

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

Tom Parlon: He wanted us to breach it. He said we should not pay benchmarking, which would be a clear breach of Sustaining Progress. Partnership has served the country well over the years and the Government is committed to honouring its pay commitments, provided the conditions in the agreement are met. We cannot prejudge the outcome of the performance verification process, the first round of which is...

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

Tom Parlon: Due to the consolidation of the progress gained to-date in the voluntary housing area, it is expected there will be a record output of approximately 1,700 units in 2003 and there will be an increase in the number of households that will benefit under the various affordable housing schemes. A number of Senators raised the issue of infrastructure. Despite suggestions to the contrary, investment...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Rural Renewal Scheme. (27 Nov 2003)

Tom Parlon: I welcome this opportunity, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, to speak about the rural renewal scheme in the Seanad this evening. Prior to introducing the scheme in the budget for 1998, the Minister for Finance had been aware for quite a considerable time of the problems of the upper Shannon area and that the area was not sharing in the economic success enjoyed by much of the country at...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Building Programme. (27 Nov 2003)

Tom Parlon: I am glad the Senator has given me the opportunity to outline to the House on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science the current position regarding the allocation of funding for school building projects. The 2003 schools building programme is on the Department's website and is designed to give the maximum amount of information concerning the schools capital programme to managers,...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Traveller Accommodation. (2 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: The role of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of Traveller accommodation is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial framework in place within which local authorities, including South Dublin County Council, can provide accommodation for Travellers. The Department supports local authorities in undertaking Traveller specific...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Decentralisation Programme. (2 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on behalf of the Minister for Finance. I fully appreciate the keen interest in the issue of decentralisation, both within and outside the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: Almost 1,000 jobs are promised throughout the constituency.

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: Did the Senator dream this up?

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: I saw her voting with the Government today.

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: It is a pity the Senator did not see the news programme "Six-one", as there was unprecedented and almost universal acclaim for a tremendous budget. I hope he will get an opportunity to see the news at 9 o'clock.

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: A debate in this House has become a regular part of budget day each year. I thank the Independent Senators for tabling this motion which provides Members with an opportunity to comment on the budget. It also allows the Government to hear those views and, at the same time, to put on record the objectives which underpin budget 2004 and the measures that will deliver them. I begin by reminding...

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: The social welfare package announced today involves the expenditure of a total of €630 million in a full year. The Government will continue to evaluate public expenditure in a way which allows it to free up resources to direct them to the areas which are most in need. It has done so today. The level of additional benefits announced today by the Minister for Finance is well ahead of the rate...

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: The old age contributory pension will be increased to €167.30 per week. The new rate for the old age non-contributory pension will be €154 per week. Widows' and widowers' contributory pensions for those aged 66 and over will increase by €11.50 to bring the rate up to the level of the old age contributory pension. The new weekly rate for widows and widowers aged 80 or over will be...

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: Taking into account the need to keep inflation down, the Minister has decided to make only minor changes to indirect taxation. Taxation on cigarettes and other tobacco products will increase by the equivalent of 25 cent per packet of 20 cigarettes. The VAT-inclusive excise duty rate on petrol and diesel will be increased by 5 cent per litre. These increases will take effect from midnight...

Seanad: Order of Business. - Budget Statement: Motion. (3 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: One need only look at news on "Six-one" to see how wise the people are. This budget represents a prudent combination of targeted tax and expenditure measures which will bring real benefits. At the same time, it protects the vulnerable in our society. We have more jobs in our society and a better standard of living for all, especially for those on the margins. We are seeing real benefits in...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (9 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: Senators will be aware of the background to this Bill. It is a short Bill of two operative sections and is concerned with mechanisms to ensure the better conduct of tribunals. While these mechanisms will be of general application, the Bill has been prompted by concerns which became apparent following the resignation in June 2003 of Mr. Justice Flood as chairperson and as a member of the...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (9 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: I thank the Senators for their contributions to the debate and I appreciate their co-operation. There is a substantial degree of consensus on the need to expedite this matter. I welcome Senator Terry's remark that the legislation is overdue, and that she appreciates the urgency that applies to it now. I can confirm to Senator Terry that the Office of the Attorney General and the Attorney...

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill, 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Dec 2003)

Tom Parlon: I thank Senator Terry for her close attention to the Bill. However, her amendments are more in the nature of drafting points than substantive amendments. The Bill has been carefully drafted with the full involvement of the Attorney General's office in the process. Accordingly, I am not convinced that the amendments proposed are necessary or improve the work of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel....