Results 41-60 of 9,358 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: It is not acceptable for highly paid professionals routinely to rely on opinions from the Revenue Commissioners. They may need to do so in respect of a complicated transaction but anything that simplifies that process is welcome. I have a bone to pick with the Minister because I bought a car recently and am affected by the proposal on vehicle registration tax, VRT, which is not to take...

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: They understand the times are no longer as heady as heretofore. However, growth rates are still high.

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Members should always talk up the economy.

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: There are good reasons for talking it up.

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Members have good reasons for talking up the economy, both in recent years and this year. There is talk in the United States of recession, which is defined as being two quarters of negative growth. This year, Ireland will achieve rates of growth of which the United States would be highly jealous. One must acknowledge this point. There is cause for concern and some people from my...

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (12 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Question 207: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the provisions being afforded to cystic fibrosis patients; and the plans to improve care for sufferers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4580/08]

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (12 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Question 540: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be dealt with. [4579/08]

Written Answers — Electricity Generation: Electricity Generation (12 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Question 643: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans with regard to the transmission assets of ESB; and if there are Government plans for the privatisation of ESB or EirGrid. [4480/08]

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: I am glad to be here to welcome the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. When one considers the figure of €17 billion involved in social welfare, it amounts to approximately €50 million per day including Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. By any standards, that is a significant redistribution of wealth from the haves to the have nots. That is to be welcomed and I call on everybody here...

Agency Workers: Motion (Resumed) (20 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: The biblical admonition that labour deserves its wages is one of the most ethical and moral precepts in existence. Over time, this simple but effective principle has led societies throughout most of the world to develop laws to protect workers' rights. The process began with the abolition of slavery and continued with the introduction of the minimum wage in America by President Franklin D....

Agency Workers: Motion (Resumed) (20 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Deputy Naughten referred to the HSE, which uses large numbers of agency workers. Many nurses and medical staff are happy to engage in agency work, particularly because such work offers them, at least for a period, some level of flexibility. However, agency work is costing the HSE a great deal of money and it would do well to examine how cost savings might be made in this area. It could...

Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: As a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, I am delighted to contribute to the debate. We are always concerned when the Executive has too much say in making regulations but while section 127 provides the Minister with extensive powers to make regulations, he or she must have regard to 11 detailed qualifying conditions, including a foreign national's...

Student Support Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Feb 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Tá áthas orm labhairt ar an mBille um Thacaíocht do Mhic Léinn 2008. Is fíor a rá go bhfuil a lán dul chun cinn déanta ag an Rialtas i rith na mblianta chun cabhair agus deontais a thabhairt do mic léinn triú leibhéal. Chuir an Rialtas €243 milliúin ar fáil tríd na ceithre scéim éagsúla i 2007. Bhain 56,000 mic léinn triú leibhéal — agus ceathrú leibhéal ó am go...

Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion (Resumed) (5 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: I convey our deepest sympathies and regrets to the families and friends of Pawel Kalite and Mariusz Szwajkos. Any event such as their murder is tragic but it is particularly hard for people in view of the very good relationship Irish people have in general with Poles, both within this country and with the nation of Poland. It is terrible. The old adage of Franklin Roosevelt that "we have...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (11 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Question 394: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if the educational provision for students in the area will be assessed. [10226/08]

Leaders' Questions (12 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Do us a favour.

Cancer Services Reports: Motion (Resumed) (12 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: I am pleased to hear Deputy Moloney's words.

Cancer Services Reports: Motion (Resumed) (12 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: The Opposition in counties Louth and Meath is trying to make the same mistakes again. I pray that we do not repeat the mistakes made in Portlaoise.

Cancer Services Reports: Motion (Resumed) (12 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Too many people in County Meath and County Louth are dying of cancer. I fully support the national strategy. There has been much talk about the Dóchas centre in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda which has provided a great service for people in counties Meath and Louth since it was founded. Many patients publicly and privately attest to the hard work and dedication of the staff...

Cancer Services Reports: Motion (Resumed) (12 Mar 2008)

Thomas Byrne: Lives are too precious. I, for one, will not campaign for what might seem——