Results 21-40 of 302 for speaker:Noel Harrington in 'Dáil debates'

Water and Sewerage Services (16 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: Wars have been fought around the globe over water but I did not think they would come down to this parochial level. This debate is welcome because most of us agree that water is precious. It has to be treated and supplied in a way that ensures security and high quality. Somebody must pay for that service and I fundamentally believe in the principle that the user should pay. A funding...

International Time Zones (23 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: Question 10: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he had any discussions with either his British counterpart or his European colleagues regarding the possibility of changing our time zone to European Time; his views on the benefits or disadvantages to Ireland if such a change was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16623/11]

International Time Zones (23 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: Question 16: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to conduct a cross Departmental analysis of the potential costs and benefits of advancing time by one hour all year round for Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the passage of a Bill in the House of Commons undertaking a similar study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16624/11]

International Time Zones (23 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: I realise the country is dealing with many more difficult and challenging prospects but this one seemed timely, for two reasons. We just passed the summer solstice and Irish people love to talk about time and weather. It is not an exact science.

International Time Zones (23 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: A person said to me recently that 21 June would be the longest day and, in the same breath, that Thursday would have the shortest night. The subject engages people. It can also be a serious issue in rural Ireland because it affects farming and other areas. The Minister, rightly, stated the reasons it was appropriate to table the question were because of the study, and because the Bill in...

International Time Zones (23 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: Numerous advantages have been highlighted. I need not elaborate them because they are on the record and the Minister is following the matter very carefully. One aspect to consider is work practices in an increasingly global economy. Lunch hours are different in this country than in Europe, as are opening and closing hours for work. One can lose time and effort so, although this may not be...

International Time Zones (23 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: The Minister has said there are no plans to conduct a cross-departmental analysis. Is there any chance he might seek submissions from the public and relevant organisations to get the views of the nation on this matter?

Naval Service Operations (28 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: I compliment the Naval Service on the very professional work it carries out. The Minister referred to liaison between the FMC, the Naval Service and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA. Who takes the lead in those consultations and who makes the decisions? Who makes operational decisions on individual operations?

Order of Business (28 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: Is there a date for the publication of the education (amendment) Bill promised for later in the year? Is there any update?

Ambulance Service (29 Jun 2011)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister for Health for his work to date trying to maintain health services after inheriting a funding debacle from the previous Administration. I am sure every local health service across the country will be deemed as urgent and a priority. However, ambulance provision in west Cork and the services provided at Bantry hospital are pressing issues for my constituents in Cork...

Schools Building Projects (7 Jul 2011)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister of State for his response. When the scheme was announced recently it was met with some disappointment. I accept, however, that it was a different scheme involving the announcement of entirely new schools on new sites. This issue in Skibbereen has been going on for a quite a number of years. There is a clear need to build a new school, where three existing schools are...

Common Fisheries Policy Reform: Statements (20 Jul 2011)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister for agreeing to share time. One could spend 15 hours discussing the Common Fisheries Policy without touching on everything one would like to address. Although fishing is not a nationally popular or well-versed industry, unfortunately, it is the main industry in some parts of the country. The impact of the decisions taken under the Common Fisheries Policy has a huge...

Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy: Motion (Resumed) (15 Sep 2011)

Noel Harrington: I too welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion, which is especially important to me coming from the rural constituency of Cork South-West. I thank the Fianna Fáil group for tabling the motion. I do not agree with its general tenet but it is clear that all parties in the Chamber recognise the important role played by the agricultural sector and its importance in the future recovery of...

Telecommunications Services (28 Sep 2011)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for selecting this very topical issue for debate in the Chamber regarding the possibility of inserting a branching unit to Cork on a new tier 1 express cable or broadband cable which it is planned by an investment consortium to lay between the United States and the United Kingdom, and to Europe. In the coming days we have a chance to make a decision on...

Telecommunications Services (28 Sep 2011)

Noel Harrington: I thank the Minister for his response. It is clear that significant issues are involved. There was a time-sensitive proposal. The underlying reason for raising the issue is for the Department to be proactive in attracting investment and facilitating where possible tier one connectivity to this country. We are an open economy and we need greater investment into tier 1 traffic, in...

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Noel Harrington: I wish to share my time with Deputies John Paul Phelan and McLoughlin.

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Noel Harrington: I welcome the introduction of the Bill. I am very pleased the Fine Gael-led Government has decided to increase investment in the vital tourism sector, including in my constituency, Cork South-West. As mentioned, the primary focus of the Bill is the increase in funding to Fáilte Ireland from €65 million to €150 million. It is not just the increase in funding that makes this Bill...

Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (5 Oct 2011)

Noel Harrington: The main provisions of the Bill refer specifically to the lowering of alcohol limits, that is, blood-alcohol concentration, mandatory testing of drivers and the driving of dangerously defective vehicles on our roads. When the previous Road Traffic Act was introduced earlier this year, it was not possible to address these issues because the required equipment was not in place in Garda...

Farm Safety (6 Oct 2011)

Noel Harrington: I do not wish to take away from the question, but the Minister touched on the marine sector. There is an issue about the use of personal beacons as opposed to EPIRBs, emergency position indicating radio beacons, with which I know the Minister is familiar. There seems to be some resistance in this regard. Perhaps he might investigate the Department's attitude to moving towards the use of...

Fishing Industry Development (6 Oct 2011)

Noel Harrington: The draft proposals from the Commission are worrying. The Minister and his officials face a serious challenge in maximising the total allowable catch for Ireland. I concur with the Minister that the industry-led conservation initiatives have been positive and should be further promoted. I wish him well in the negotiations later this year.