Results 23,721-23,740 of 26,350 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Section 3 of the Bill has nothing to do with the back to school clothing allowance at all. We all want to get to the substantive amendments before the House today. I do not think it serves any purpose, but I clarify for Senator Healy Eames that the back to school clothing allowance is not referenced in the section.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The reason is the Minister for Health overspent by ¤400 million.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It is.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Social Welfare Bill 2012 is on the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It does not care.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It is disgraceful. We are not crying crocodile tears.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Labour Party made commitments and broke them. It has broken every commitment to date. The Labour Party has no credibility as a party.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Labour Party has no credibility. Members of that party should be ashamed of themselves.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: What is the position with regard to home helps whose hours were cut this year? Senator Gilroy is not here this morning, but I heard him mention this issue was resolved. It has not been resolved in my area and nobody there whose hours have been cut has had their hours reinstated. Will the Leader confirm the original 500,000 hours taken out by the Government and the proposed 450,000 hours...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It certainly will be appropriate, but it is appropriate now and I will explain why. We heard pronouncements from various individuals like Senator Whelan over the last couple of weeks, who was wringing his hands and crying on public radio about how terrible this was. If he was here this morning, which he is not, I would tell Senator Whelan, and Senator Heffernan, who is not here either-----

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: -----and Senator Landy, who is not here either-----

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I would tell them that, while they could come into the Chamber yesterday and apologise, apologies will not put bread on the table for anyone. Apologies are not going to reverse the respite care grant cut.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: That is magnificent. Go buy him a coffee after the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes. I am asking the Leader whether he believes the Seanad has a role in reviewing legislation and in sending legislation or aspects of legislation that are wrong back to the Dáil. I would also ask other Senators who have proclaimed that they are for Seanad reform and Seanad retention, which I am-----

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: They want Seanad reform. The eyes of the general public are on this House at the moment.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: If the Seanad is ever going to do a service for the Irish people, it is to say "Sorry, parts of this legislation are wrong". I can understand the difficulties with child benefit and I welcome the fact the Minister yesterday announced she would be bringing forward a report. However, I cannot, and I do not think any colleague here in his or her right mind and right conscience can support cuts...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I am appealing to all Members across the House, those of all parties and those of none, to particularly ensure today, on the respite care grant, that the amendments tabled are passed and that the Bill is sent back. I would say specifically to those who talk about Seanad reform and retention of the Seanad to stand up and actually show the worth of the Seanad, because I believe the Seanad has...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: There is a big gap of 20% in funding.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: They were.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: You were sending out press releases.