Results 121-140 of 562 for speaker:Larry Butler

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I will provide the facts if the Senator does not interrupt. I refer to public investment. The Government has dramatically increased State pensions and child benefit. I am sure Senator Buttimer will agree these are important matters. We have improved in terms of the numbers of doctors, nurses, teachers in schools——

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: The Government has employed a dramatic number of new teachers in schools.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I refer to doctors and nurse. The Government stands by the investment made in these people, who work in our services every day.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: It is not appropriate to run down the people who deliver services on the front line, such as teachers, nurse and doctors.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: We cannot control world events and must be careful to channel our efforts into those areas that we can control. The Government has taken action in that regard this week. It is important that the Government continues with its work in the economy in respect of support for those who now are becoming unemployed. We have supported them in the hard times and will do so again.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I refer to those who are on pensions or are old age pensioners. Members will agree the amount of the old age pension has been increased to what I consider to be a reasonable standard. The same is true for children's allowances. The Government has done all these things. While Senator Buttimer might complain about what has been done, these were all important improvements——

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: ——in the economy. I agree there has been good and careful management of the economy in the past ten years.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: While Senator Buttimer speaks of how Fianna Fáil mismanaged the economy, when his party was in government, it was unable to increase the old age pension by more than €10.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: The most miserable increase in social welfare——

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: At the time, the Fine Gael-led Government doubled the national debt.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: Thereafter, Fianna Fáil was obliged to step in to put matters right. The Members opposite should not tell Fianna Fáil Members about their record.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: On a point of order——

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I wish to raise a point of order.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I now withdraw my point of order.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: Senator Fitzgerald stated in her contribution this morning that she did not consider the debate yesterday to be of great importance. I want to take up this with the Leader also.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I ask Senator Buttimer to be quiet this morning.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: The Senator interrupted 30 times——

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I will speak when I receive co-operation from the other side of the House. On my contribution on the economy yesterday, I was interrupted on 30 occasions by Senator Buttimer. I have proof of this to hand. If the Members on the Opposition side tell me they want a constructive debate on the economy and yet interrupt a speaker on 30 occasions——

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: If Senator Buttimer believes this was being smart and clever, he should note it was not.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Jul 2008)

Larry Butler: I call on the Leader to speak to the leader of the Fine Gael Party regarding Senator Buttimer's interruptions. Senator Buttimer certainly has no respect for Senators speaking on this side of the House.