Results 141-160 of 371 for speaker:Michael Conaghan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Access to Finance for SMEs: Discussion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2014)

Michael Conaghan: The Irish public owe a debt of gratitude to the credit union movement. One never sees prestigious awards and so on being made to credit unions. Credit unions provide a great service for people who are not used to or are fearful of banks. I am a member of a credit union. Our economic environment has changed. While I am sure that up to now credit unions were on a steady path, were trusted...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Access to Finance for SMEs: Discussion (Resumed) (5 Jun 2014)

Michael Conaghan: I would welcome a response on whether there is a debate within the credit union movement in regard to its past and future role.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Access to Finance for SMEs: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2014)

Michael Conaghan: I will not introduce another rant.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Access to Finance for SMEs: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2014)

Michael Conaghan: How does this segment of economic activity here compare with other countries? In broad, general terms, are there similar patterns? Can we learn from the experience in other countries? Are we perhaps ahead of them?

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Proposed Police Authority (30 Apr 2014)

Michael Conaghan: 13. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of best practice in other jurisdictions and to enhance transparency and accountability in our policing infrastructure if he will consider establishing a policing board as a matter of urgency. [19070/14]

White Paper on Universal Health Insurance: Statements (Resumed) (17 Apr 2014)

Michael Conaghan: Our system of health care is frequently described as a two-tier system in which ability to pay, rather than medical need, is a deciding factor. Such arrangements do not reflect our better side as Irish people and as human beings. We are instinctively caring and compassionate. Our institutions should reflect these instincts and values, and that should particularly be the case where vital...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Investment Commitments to SME Sector: National Treasury Management Agency (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Conaghan: I have a very general question. Whether one is borrowing or lending, confidence in the economy is a significant consideration. Confidence is an illusive entity or a variable, but in terms of the witnesses' experience and skills in measuring what is currently going on, are there high levels of confidence in the economic recovery? From their work and their contacts with people coming to...

Social Housing and Homelessness Policy: Statements (Resumed) (3 Apr 2014)

Michael Conaghan: There are queues forming. These are not queues of people waiting to attend concerts, rather they are of young families waiting for houses which they can turn into homes. This is heartbreaking because the queues are not moving. As someone who has been interested in the issue of social housing for a long time it is important to put in context why this is happening. The context can only be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Role and Functions: Personal Injuries Assessment Board (1 Apr 2014)

Michael Conaghan: This is a very impressive success story, which is not told enough publicly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Role and Functions: Personal Injuries Assessment Board (1 Apr 2014)

Michael Conaghan: It needs to get out beyond rather isolated institutions like this. One does not now hear the word “compo” and other clichés. The PIAB has transformed a significant sector of legitimate public interest, which is saving the State a lot of money.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Report on Access to Finance for SMEs: InterTradeIreland (25 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: Its economy did not collapse, though.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Report on Access to Finance for SMEs: InterTradeIreland (25 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: I have two general questions. First, the witness said that an increase in demand from the SMEs for new or enhanced funding was indicative of a recovery. Would he comment on how he estimates the recovery from a Northern perspective in terms of our challenges here in the South and the strength of that recovery? I am sure he has some interesting insights into that. Second, in regard to SMEs...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Report on Access to Finance for SMEs: InterTradeIreland (25 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: Is that not to be expected? Is that not the way the machine works?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Report on Access to Finance for SMEs: InterTradeIreland (25 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: One has to have something to offer before one can employ people. One has to be sure of one's-----

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: Not for Fianna Fáil.

Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (11 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: I presume some of this property in which offices operate is rented or owned. Is it all departmental property?

Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (11 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: Where is the head office?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Action Plan for Jobs: Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (4 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: People sometimes comment on what the Government and this Minister is doing as if we started in a very favourable position. Some commentators and Deputies tend to forget that the contextual framework of the economy had to be restructured, with a new floor put in and credibility established in order to attract foreign direct investment again. People seem to forget that this economy collapsed...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Forthcoming Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council: Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (4 Mar 2014)

Michael Conaghan: I wish to make a general remark in terms of pan European policies on recovery and growth. On the notion of a two-speed Europe, I get the impression that a more accurate description would be a three, four or five-speed Europe. Is a two-speed Europe an accurate description of the challenges to a pan European idea? What are the threats to recovery? Will the Minister make any comments on a...

Allegations in relation to An Garda Síochána: Statements (Resumed) (26 Feb 2014)

Michael Conaghan: It has held special Dáil debates. The Minister was before the relevant committee for four hours. The Government established two inquiries led by competent, qualified, highly regarded specialists in their field. As to the purpose of all this, it is to separate fact from fiction, to distinguish truth from hearsay. However, the Government review must go further. The Government must...