Results 141-160 of 303 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Noel Harrington

Finance Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: Difficult decisions must be taken and Deputy Ferris knows exactly what I am talking about. I know that Deputy Ferris's compass is generally working but maybe once there was a slip-up along the line. He knows exactly what happened. We are doing the best we can. It is acknowledged that Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputies are working extremely hard to rebuild the country's reputation...

Other Questions: Road Safety Statistics (19 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister. If we are to tackle the safety figures, we need to know the reasons. Fatigue is one such reason, but another reason for single vehicle accidents is linked to a different strategy, namely, our suicide strategy. That there may be a link is regrettable. That the evidence is only anecdotal is a pity. The RSA's figures make no reference to this link. Perhaps something...

Other Questions: Road Safety Statistics (19 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of road fatalities in 2012; if he will provide comparative figures for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8394/13]

Other Questions: Road Safety Statistics (19 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: I congratulate the Road Safety Authority, Garda Síochána, Department, road users and everyone else involved in achieving a substantial improvement in the figures relating to road traffic fatalities in recent years. While one death on the roads is a death too many, we are on the right track. I am concerned, however, about what appears to be a spike in road traffic fatalities so far...

Water Services Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Water Services Bill. It is vitally important legislation. While I recognise that it will introduce charges for domestic consumers of water, that is necessary for many reasons: fairness, water conservation, future investment and the continuing safe provision of water. It must be noted that, globally, wars are fought over adequate, secure water...

Promissory Notes Arrangement: Motion (Resumed) (13 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the promissory notes arrangement. First, I congratulate the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and his team on a job well done. It has been generally accepted by all independent commentators that this was the best deal available in all the circumstances. In fact, some were either shocked or disappointed, perhaps, that such a good deal was...

Order of Business (7 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: The Deputy has spent most of his life on TV3.

National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the National Lottery Bill. Much of the Bill is concerned with the creation of an independent regulator for a new national lottery brand and amending the original legislation regarding the issuing of the next licence. At the outset, I wish to declare that until a few years ago, I was a national lottery agent but, thankfully, I am no longer such.

National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Feb 2013)

Noel Harrington: Indeed and it is a lot more volatile. I welcome the provisions in the legislation to create a regulator for a new national lottery but I have some concerns, nevertheless. The idea of creating yet another regulator is somewhat problematic. We have regulators for communications and energy as well as various other independent regulatory authorities, and I agree that they should be...

Topical Issue Debate: Broadband Services (19 Dec 2012)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister for his reply and for his commitment to delivering what he regards as vital infrastructure. I join him in welcoming the appointment of Lord David Puttnam as our digital champion. It is a brilliant appointment and I believe his passion and knowledge will bear fruit. I was in his home and I have seen what he can do, which is quite remarkable. While I do not want to pour...

Topical Issue Debate: Broadband Services (19 Dec 2012)

Noel Harrington: I thank the office of the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this topic. It is one of those debates that comes to this House and its committees quite often - the idea of providing adequate broadband to the country. It is parallel in importance to railway, road or other infrastructure in terms of driving economic activity. Broadband, literally, is vital in this day and age, not just for home use...

Order of Business (13 Dec 2012)

Noel Harrington: The Deputy is wrong.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Financial Resolution No. 15: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2012)

Noel Harrington: I wish to share time with Deputies Twomey and Kyne.

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Financial Resolution No. 15: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2012)

Noel Harrington: I welcome the opportunity to speak on what has been a very difficult budget. It has been one of the most challenging budgetary processes this country has experienced. It goes without saying that any effort to correctly balance Ireland's books by €3.5 billion could be expected to meet with approval or popularity. Nevertheless, it had to be done and it is worth noting it was agreed by...

Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2012)

Noel Harrington: What is the Deputy on about on the Dublin riviera?

Credit Union Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2012)

Noel Harrington: Political amnesia is an awful thing. Deputy Finian McGrath was one of the main crutches holding up the last crippled Government which signed off on those pensions and contracts.

Credit Union Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2012)

Noel Harrington: It is sad to see such amnesia. I welcome the Bill and congratulate the Minister on bringing it forward. The credit union movement has the largest membership of any organisation in the State, with more than 3 million members out of a population of 4.5 million and with approximately 400 individual credit unions. It has an extraordinary number of members, with 72% of the population being...

Topical Issue Debate: Courts Service (7 Nov 2012)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister for his response. I am particularly pleased that decisions will be taken after a consultation process with stakeholders. I would be the first to say if it does not pay to have a venue, it should be shut down. That is the reality of the world in which we live. I was aware the decision would be taken by the Courts Service but it was only fair to give the issue an airing...

Topical Issue Debate: Courts Service (7 Nov 2012)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Office of the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue and thank the Minister for his attendance in the Chamber. While this issue may be a little more parochial than the previous matter, perhaps Deputy McCarthy will have an interest in it nonetheless. The imminent closure proposed by the Courts Service of the courthouses in Kinsale, Skibbereen and Clonakilty is causing some...

Topical Issue Debate: Courts Service (7 Nov 2012)

Noel Harrington: It is very easy to collect the aforementioned €400 in Skibbereen. Other consequences may be a little more serious. Obviously, the District Court is a court that affects most ordinary people more often. The current cost of holding District Court sittings in Kinsale, Clonakilty or Skibbereen is approximately the same, that is, €9,500 or €10,000 per annum. I also should...