Results 3,961-3,980 of 24,398 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I ask the Deputy Leader for a debate as a matter of urgency in light of the CAMHS report today on child and adolescent mental health services in counties Cork and Kerry, where 46 children have been diagnosed as suffering "significant harm" while attending the services. It is a damning report on the whole issue of the care of our young people who are in a state of significant vulnerability....

Seanad: Broadband Roll-out: Statements (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank Senator McGahon for sharing time. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, to the House. This is a gargantuan project. This is, as Senator McGahon rightly referenced, akin to a modern-day electrification of the country. We saw what rural electrification did. This is linked centrally to the ongoing development and evolution of the social and economic development of our...

Seanad: Local Government (Surveillance Powers in Relation to Certain Offences) Bill 2022: Second Stage (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach and I thank him for allowing me to join this debate. I welcome the Minister of State and I commend Senator Malcolm Byrne for this legislation. I also welcome the opportunity to support the Bill and to speak on it. It is an important piece of legislation but it is also an important conversation that we need to have in a wider context....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland: Discussion (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Given that the Minister has another engagement, I will not belabour any points with him, because in fairness to him, he needs to go to a press conference. We need a further strong conversation. Councillor Pat Dunphy has raised with me the Waterford to Cahir N24 scheme. I will defer because the Minister has to be gone by 4.15 p.m.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland: Discussion (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will be there for the Estimates, but I hope the Minister might give me a one-to-one meeting, given that I gave him a free pass today.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland: Discussion (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will be glad to meet the Minister one-to-one. He has to go to a press conference.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will begin by welcoming the swearing in of the new American ambassador, Ms Claire Cronin. The house majority leader was sworn in yesterday in Boston in a very historic setting on the house floor. I congratulate Ambassador Cronin on her appointment and wish her every success as she takes up her role here in Dublin. I propose that we invite Ambassador Cronin to address the Seanad as soon...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I welcome Mr. Justice Mahon to the meeting and thank him for his work. I commend him on his proactivity in his addressing the backlog and in his handling of his role. The civilian Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, ODF, is one that works very well. In the context of where the Chair started from regarding the Women of Honour, I understand from Mr. Justice Mahon's presentation to us and...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Arising from Mr. Justice Mahon's comments, I propose that the committee meet in private session at its earliest convenience to look at the issue of extending the complaint period beyond 12 months with a view to amendment of the legislation and the process. Mr. Justice Mahon has given a very good response. Mr. Justice Mahon's comment in regard to the Women of Honour does not necessarily...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will make two final points. Mr. Justice Mahon's remarks are ones that we should take cognisance of and reflect upon as part of our work programme. On the issue of complaints about Defence Forces personnel, has Mr. Justice Mahon received any complaints or made any inquiries in regard to members of the Defence Forces, retired or current, being involved in far right activities and the use of...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: If they are personal, should they be allowed given the personnel are members or former members of the Defence Forces? It is a bit like a priest in Melchizedeke of old - once a priest always a priest.

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: What is the position in the case of a private citizen who is a retired member of the Defence Forces? Is a retired member of the Defence Forces always a member of the Defence Forces?

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: A personal viewpoint is not necessarily a viewpoint as a member of the Defence Forces, similar to as applies to us as politicians or applied to Mr. Justice Mahon when a member of the Judiciary.

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank Mr. Justice Mahon for engaging with us today. I know it is not his job or task, but the new section of the Office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces website has not been updated since October 2019. I accept we have had a pandemic. I appreciate the work of the Ombudsman on our behalf. It is important that we have full confidence in that office and that it is properly resourced. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, and Disability and Transport: Discussion (19 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I compliment the witnesses for their very thorough, thought-provoking, well-researched and tremendously delivered presentations. I propose that in the context of the presentations made today, there are significant areas of concern regarding the management of-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, and Disability and Transport: Discussion (19 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Having been here since 1.30 p.m., I am happy to share my time with whoever wants to share time. Given the magnitude of the presentations today and the myriad of issues that have been presented to us around the management, ownership and behaviour of those who use e-scooters, I think that as part of our private meeting this week or next week, we should have a discussion on how we can take...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages (17 Dec 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I welcome the Minister back to the House in the context of employment contributions. I wish to raise two issues on this section that are not strictly related to the Social Welfare Bill but have an implication on what we are talking about this morning. The first issue is regarding the gratuity payable to members of local authorities where there is an issue in terms of their pension and...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Dec 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: Today, 38 years ago, two brave Irish men died in the line of duty serving and protecting us. We remember trainee Garda Gary Sheehan and Private Patrick Kelly and we thank them and their families for their service. It behoves all of us who aspire to and want to have a united Ireland that we stand up and represent all of our people. On this most sacred day for those families, it is incumbent...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2021: Second Stage (16 Dec 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I welcome the Minister. This is important legislation, in that it gives effect to an expenditure increase of €558 million, which is an extraordinary amount. I thank the Minister's officials and her departmental staff for their courtesy to us. Two thirds of the budget spend is on protecting core rates of social welfare. In light of what we are trying to achieve as a society and a...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2021: Second Stage (16 Dec 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the Senator. I hope that the Government will explore with the Irish Hotels Federation a way of looking after these businesses. It is an important industry that provides thousands of jobs. I support the work being done by my colleague, Deputy Colm Burke, in the Lower House on the issue of carers, including home carers. As the Minister knows, the Health Information and Quality...