Results 181-200 of 562 for speaker:Larry Butler
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: This morning I wish to highlight the fact that a debate on the economy is required as a matter of urgency. Listening to those on the other side of the House, I have formed the opinion that they do not realise the severity of the situation from a financial point of view.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: Listening to Senator O'Toole this morningââ
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: We must have a debate on the economy because there is a need to identify that for which we can afford to pay.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: I will stand for as long as I am obliged to. Those opposite may interrupt me as much as they like. Unfortunately, it will take me much longer to conclude if they continue to interrupt.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: It is bad manners not to listen to what another Member has to say. I do not want to give anybody a lecture this morningââ
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: ââbut we were all elected to the House and we deserve to be heard.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: The economy is extremely important because, via the money it produces, we are able to afford to provide the services people require. It was somewhat rich of Senator O'Toole to defend his colleagues. He did it well and that is what he is paid to do. My attitude this morning would beââ
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: ââto stop the whingeing and support the budget, which is necessary for the economy.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: As the relevant Minister stated, the education system will be reverting to the position it held one year ago. However, the capital expenditure relating to that system will be increased this year to improve school facilities.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: Did I interrupt the Senator?
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: Did I interrupt the Senator?
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: I did not. The Senator is just displaying bad manners.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: I have been delayed by those who are interrupting.
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: A good debate on the economy with the Minister for Finance present would solve many of the problems. It would enable us to examine if there is room within the budget's parameters â and we must stay within those parameters â to find savings. If savings can be found in some budgets, that would be fine. That is the way to go. We must do this the right way and invite the Minister for...
- Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: I welcome the Minister, who is always prepared to come to the House to answer questions. It is fair to acknowledge that the announcement in the budget in respect of medical cards was poorly thought out. I thank the Minister for reviewing the position and for getting the balance right. We upset many older people who provided the country with wonderful service in the past. I take this...
- Seanad: Nursing Home Standards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to the House and commend her on the exceptional job she is doing in this important area concerning our older people. I agree with Senator O'Toole on how enforcing standards in nursing homes could be simplified. We do not want to complicate this area. Senator O'Toole also raised the availability of recreational facilities in nursing homes. I...
- Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: I agree with some of the comments about the banks. It is now a critical situation for small and medium sized businesses which are being squeezed daily and weekly for finance. They depend on restructuring their businesses at certain times of the year, as has been made clear. There is no question that the marketplace is telling us we have a major problem and that the banks will require...
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: It has come to my attention that some of the banks are not passing on the cut in interest rates to businesses.
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: That is disgraceful.
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)
Larry Butler: Businesses are finding it very difficult to continue. At the very least they require lower interest rates, which help everyone, including those hard pressed with mortgage and business repayments. However, I defend the cautious approach of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance to the banking situation in finding out exactly what the underlying problems are within the banking system, of...