Results 1-20 of 32 for in 'Dáil debates' segment:8865492

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Neale Richmond: I thank the three Deputies for their contributions. I would like to particularly thank Deputy Quinlivan for his chairing of the Oireachtas joint committee and its proactive work in the pre-legislative scrutiny of this Bill. As ever, it is really appreciated in relation to parliamentary work. Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle can clarify - is "rascal" an allowed word in this Chamber? I am not...

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: It is unacceptable language.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Is there anybody in particular the Minister of State had in mind?

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Gerald Nash: I think it is parliamentary.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Neale Richmond: I do not think Deputy Ó Murchú will take umbrage if I describe him as being a bit of a rascal in some of his line of questioning but he raised serious points concerning businesses, if perhaps a little bit more philosophical when it comes to the politics of today.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Gerald Nash: He has been called worse.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Neale Richmond: On supports, two areas are receiving immediate response because of the report by the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment, referenced by Deputy Quinlivan. It is extremely important to show how tough it is for many businesses in general but also because of many of the legislative and policy changes introduced in this House, supported by all parties present, particularly in sectors...

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Question put and agreed to.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: We will support this Bill. It is a strange day and who knows what the future holds now? Others have said - and I wish to make sure my voice is noted on this - that if we are going to have a change of Taoiseach, the people should be asked about it. I do not have control over that, though, and who knows-----

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Well, I do have control as regards what we discuss-----

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: I was only going to say we do not necessarily know that this is the-----

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Would you kindly stick with the Bill, Deputy?

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: I will, but we do not necessarily know that Deputy Richmond is the Minister of State who will be dealing with this into the near future. We do not know what-----

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: With respect to him, whether he is or not, this is the Bill we are discussing.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: It is, and, as I said, we are supportive-----

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: I know your eloquence knows no bounds, Deputy, but could you apply it to the subject matter?

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: Go raibh maith agat. I do apologise. Occasionally-----

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: You get carried away.

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Ruairi Ó Murchú: -----I go off at a tangent. I do not think anyone will be against the idea of Microfinance Ireland coming under State control. I do not think anybody will have any difficulty with any streamlining. It is exactly as Deputy Quinlivan says. It is a fact, though, that we need to look at the relationship between some of these smaller enterprises and the banking and lending sector. We know...

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (20 Mar 2024)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl: Yes, but we are talking only about Microfinance Ireland.