Results 3,581-3,600 of 9,293 for speaker:Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Flood Damage (8 Nov 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: First, I acknowledge the apologies I have received from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring. I have spoken to one of his departmental officials this morning and have been in contact with his private secretary. I have requested a meeting with the Minister and am happy for the Chief Whip, Deputy McHugh, who is also a Deputy for Donegal, to be present at that meeting...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Flood Damage (8 Nov 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I appreciate his guidance on this matter. I ask the Minister of State to relay to the Minister the request I have made in support of the issue I have raised. There is frustration because the unprecedented levels of water that accompanied this remarkable act of God destroyed the amenities I have mentioned. On that basis, we are asking the Government to intervene....

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I wish to raise two issues. First, I wish to refer to yesterday's sentence in the Tom Humphries case. It has been pointed out today that this is not a unique issue just because of the high-profile nature. There is a real issue with the sentencing that is being handed down, particularly to people who have been found guilty of sex offences. Two years ago I introduced to this House the...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I respect the separation of powers but I am mindful that the CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre was on the RTÉ "Prime Time" television programme last night, a very respected lady, to comment on this issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: If she is able to do so then Oireachtas Members should have the same right. The Cathaoirleach will know that every week I have raised the issues of remaining community amenities, sporting amenities and farming sectors that have not been properly supported following the serious floods that occurred in the Inishowen Peninsula two months ago. The Cockhill Celtic Football Club, which is a very...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: You see, Brexit is not such a bad thing. What is all the fuss about?

Seanad: Driving Test Waiting Times: Statements (25 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I welcome the Minister. I commend my colleague, Senator Victor Boyhan, who has raised this issue relentlessly in the Chamber. I fully support his efforts. If one looks at the numbers for the three test centres in my own county, Buncranna, Letterkenny and Donegal, they are at the top of the list for waiting times. I am sure that the Minister will appreciate the matter that I raise. It is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Renewable Energy Directive: Discussion (24 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I apologise for having to step in and out of the meeting as I had business in the Seanad. I am sorry that I have missed some of the presentations and responses. Teagasc had a synopsis of our responsibilities regarding greenhouse gases and emissions. The EU has set a target of 20% reduction by 2020 and a 30% reduction by 2030. The matter was debated in the Seanad recently, and no doubt...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Renewable Energy Directive: Discussion (24 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Are they interlinked, though? Is there any crossover point where one blends into the other?

Seanad: Broadcasting Act 2009 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2017: Motion (19 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: The designation of the ladies football and camogie finals as major events is welcome. The attendance at this year's All-Ireland Ladies Football Final was fantastic. While it is not the Minister's direct responsibility, I would like to raise the issue of access to the broadcasts of games involving our international soccer team in the North of Ireland. If Sky Sports has the rights to the...

Seanad: Legal Metrology (Measuring Instruments) Bill 2017: Second Stage (19 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I am happy to convey my party's support for the Bill, albeit I express concern at the delay which has turned the passing of the legislation into a matter of urgency. Although it is not the most thrilling piece of legislation, it is important as it transposes into Irish legislation two articles of an EU directive on the legality of measuring instruments. Metrology is the science of...

Seanad: Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2016: Second Stage (18 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." This Bill is to be known as "Jake's amendment". On 20 March 2013, shortly after being prescribed the antidepressant, Prozac, 14 year old Jake McGill Lynch ended his own life using a firearm. Jake, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, was given the antidepressant drug despite research stating that it has no benefit for children with...

Seanad: Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2016: Second Stage (18 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Minister and colleagues for their contributions to this debate. I appeal to the Minister and his Government colleagues not to oppose this Bill and to allow it go to Committee Stage today in order that we can further develop the issues of concern the Minister raised, try to find a way to address the concerns of families like the McGill Lynchs and also address some of the concerns...

Seanad: Flood Prevention Measures: Statements (18 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, for his swift response to the flooding in Inishowen in east Donegal. In fairness to him, he was up there straight away and spent a couple of days in the area. I met him on the ground at a number of locations. He also attended a meeting with councillors and the local authority management team. As such, I acknowledge his personal commitment to...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (12 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I would like to raise for the third time an issue I have raised in each of the past two weeks. I ask Senators to think of the major parks in their own cities, towns and communities. Swan Park, which is an important amenity for tourists at the core of my home town of Buncrana, has been destroyed by floods and will be closed to the public for an indefinite period. It has been estimated that...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I second Senator Rose Conway-Walsh’s amendment to the Order of Business. My home area of Inishowen was badly affected by floods in August, particularly two important community amenities, Swan Park, Buncrana, and Glenevin Waterfall, Clonmany. In Swan Park, the old bridge in the middle of the park was destroyed, as well as all of the green and walking areas. Donegal County Council...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Minister Davitt.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2017: First Stage (4 Oct 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I second the proposal.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: On the debate on Brexit, I want to note that the British Labour Party's shadow Secretary of State yesterday endorsed the view that special European status should be given to the North. That is in line with the findings of Oireachtas reports and a vote in the Dáil. I would like our Government to put that proposition much more firmly in future. It is clearly a common sense proposition...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Building Regulations (27 Sep 2017)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: When the report was published-----