Dáil Speeches

NAMA Debate

September 17 2009

Paul Gogarty contribution to Dáíl debate on NAMA legislation

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill

February 19 2009

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this not particularly happy subject. I have decided not to use notes, as I would rather speak from the heart to see what comes to mind. Sometimes, one would not say what comes to mind, were one being diplomatic. However, some tough things must be said.

Speech on Economic Situation

February 05 2009

There is little good news to speak about. I welcome that my Green Party colleagues and I played a part in securing additional funding for schools, home insulation and projects that will create jobs. I am happy overseas aid was not cut by as much as it could have been and the fact that a little humanity was shown in that mathematically viable cuts - such as abolishing the social welfare and pension Christmas bonus - did not materialise in the end, thank God

Banking Crisis

October 01 2008

I will begin by referring to the end of Deputy Durkan’s contribution on this amendment when he used the phrase “more confidence”. The quickest way to instill confidence is to pass this legislation. This is why while I agree with the sentiments of the amendment wholeheartedly, it would be flawed to place this type of constraint on the Minister. I agree that the worldwide financial system is shattered. As far as I am concerned, it is a global pyramid scheme. The financial markets have long since left marking their speculation against value. If one could return to the gold standard at least one would have something to measure it against. Today, most of the world market is based on speculation. It is based on
human emotion, greed and fear. It is not based on any reality.