Results 101-120 of 1,308 for speaker:Maria Byrne

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Before I go on, I welcome Liam McDonnell from Coláiste Pobail Setanta, Dublin 15, who is working as an intern with Senator Currie. Liam, you are very welcome. I hope you are enjoying your experience in the Visitors Gallery here in Seanad Éireann. Amendment No. 36 is in the name of Senators Higgins, Ruane, Flynn and Black.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Amendments Nos. 37 to 40, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Is the Senator pressing the amendment?

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Amendments No. 41 and 42 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for that commitment.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: It is a stand-alone amendment.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Before we move on, I welcome the ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Ms Ana Laura Cachaza, minister Nicolas Vidal, counsellor Juan Taccetti and Agostina Salvaggio, second secretary. They are here with Senator Carrigy. They are very welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Amendment No. 54 is out of order as it poses a potential charge on the Revenue.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Motion for Earlier Signature (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State and his officials for coming today. When is it proposed to sit again?

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Motion for Earlier Signature (8 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Death of Former Taoiseach: Expressions of Sympathy (7 Feb 2024)

Maria Byrne: I pay tribute, along with all our colleagues, to former Taoiseach, John Bruton. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Finola, children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, his sister Mary, and our esteemed colleague, his brother Richard. I go back to when John was Taoiseach. Like Senator Conway, I was present when he was elected Taoiseach. I was a member of Young Fine Gael at...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Vacant Properties (31 Jan 2024)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell for coming to the House to discuss the very important issue of vacant and derelict properties, especially in Limerick city and county. A number of people have been on to me who are very welcoming of the grant but they have some issues with it. Is the Minister of State aware of the average wait time? I know people have to wait 13 months for...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Vacant Properties (31 Jan 2024)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State. It is positive that the scheme is under review. If there were stage payments it would allow people to move into their homes sooner. If they were able to get the money back as they completed the work they would be able to reinvest the money in their homes. This is very welcome. I also welcome the fact that there is discretion around the 13 months. I know...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (31 Jan 2024)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Cathaoirleach very much indeed. I rise today to speak about the fact that I have been contacted by so many small businesses. The months of January and February are a very lean time for businesses. There is much concern out there, especially with businesses in the hospitality trade. There are an awful lot of extra costs be it the minimum wage, the sick pay scheme or...

Seanad: Family Carers: Motion [Private Members] (31 Jan 2024)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this all-important issue which I know is a subject close to her heart. As she is aware, I am involved in a respite house, St. Gabriel's Foundation, in Limerick, and we would not be up and running if not for the Minister of State's dedication and commitment. I acknowledge that and put it on the record. We sat with a vacant building for...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Jan 2024)

Maria Byrne: I welcome yesterday's news on what the Cabinet has approved for the rent-a-room scheme. It is an issue I have raised here many times, including in two Commencement debates. It is a win-win situation for older people but also for those who need student accommodation. People can rent a room for up to €14,000 and it does not affect their medical card. It is welcome news because many...