Published June 30th, 2006 in Economy, Social Partnership
It is completely and utterly foolish to say that because social partnership happened from 1987 onwards that it is responsible for our economic success. The reason people say this is that it is a great way of patting ourselves on the back for the economic success that has taken place.
The economic success has got far more to do with two other factors — the great decision taken by Donogh O’Malley more than 40 years ago to have free education, a magnificent decision; and the other, which is less palatable to this House, is the incoming multinationals who provided the jobs and the engine for the economic recovery. Continue reading ‘Social Partnership: Unrepresentative and Undemocratic’
The Tallaght hospital is in danger of being run down as plans for a new National Children’s hospital are finalised. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children should come to the Seanad to discuss a variety of issues. I particularly seek a debate on the Adelaide Hospital. The leaders of the Adelaide Hospital are meeting the Taoiseach today about what they regard as a highly critical situation for the hospital. Continue reading ‘Tallaght Hospital: A Critical Situation’
Published June 16th, 2006 in Bank Abuses, Consumer Affairs
One of the great problems of the success of the Celtic tiger is that the property market has taken off to such an extent that so many people cannot afford to buy houses. It is an issue the Government has been unable to address successfully.
It is not just people on the modest incomes mentioned in the motion who are excluded from the housing market. It is also people with middle and high incomes. There are people at every level of income who cannot get on the property ladder. Continue reading ‘House Prices: The Banks are Lending Recklessly’
Published June 2nd, 2006 in Other Issues
The Supreme Court judgment is a great relief and will do a great deal to defuse the public unease which was undoubtedly and rightly stirred by the newspaper reports and photographs of rapists who would have been released on what is a technicality, albeit a strong one.
However I have certain reservations about the Bill.
Continue reading ‘Mr A case: the Supreme Court Decision is a Relief but the New Legislation is Flawed’
