Results 4,061-4,080 of 4,773 for speaker:Paudie Coffey

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: I want to add my voice to the opposition to the cuts in child benefit on behalf of middle Ireland, those on middle incomes who work and pay for every turn they make and everything they do. It is quite regrettable that the Minister proposed these cuts and that they will take force in the Bill. While child benefit is a substantial part of the public purse, over the years it has been a stable...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: I support the calls from many Senators for an inquiry into the mismanagement of the banking sector over recent years. The inquiry should include a review of the role of the Financial Regulator in this debacle. The negligence of the Financial Regulator in allowing the banks to run amok has had huge implications. We are familiar with the effects of unregulated lending on all sectors of the...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (15 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: I thank Senator Fitzgerald for sharing time and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. In the short time available I will try to be a voice for those who are not heard, namely, the most vulnerable who are the targets of the callous cuts contained in the budget. I am especially opposed to the unnecessary cut in the blind person's pension. Given the small number who receive it,...

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: I am not sure the Senator's Green Party colleagues agree with him.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: We are tired of listening to this type of comment. It is unfair.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: Senator Boyle is trivialising it and we are tired of hearing that type of remark.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: The Senator should put humans first for a change.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: Put the humans not the frogs first.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: I shall be brief. I welcome the debate because climate change is a very important issue that should continue to be debated in this House on a rolling basis and at many levels throughout the country. People spoke about raising public awareness of the issue. It must be extended into places such as local authorities and even our schools by way of debating competitions. Climate change must be...

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: That is okay. I understand.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: It is agreed but it is a pity we had not got more clarity on that because this is an important debate and it is unfair to interrupt speakers. I understand the reason for that. The Cathaoirleach is in the Chair and he must follow the Order of Business as set down but it is disappointing that we do not have more clarity in terms of the order. I ask that there be more clarity in future debates.

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I know the Minister of State will take on board my point regarding the housing stock. We can start to convince people on the ground in this regard. I mentioned children coming home from the schools. Senator Carroll is right. Our younger people are probably more aware of this area. We must offer incentives to the older generation such as conversion systems from...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: It has been the same in Waterford for the past ten years. It is cute hoorism.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: We cleaned up Fianna Fáil's mess before.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: This is the first time Fianna Fáil has had to clean up the mess it made.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: It is a good morning for a hanging.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: Yesterday the Leader promised a debate on competitiveness in the economy. I respectfully suggest this is probably too little too late and that today might see an opportunity to address competitiveness, whereby businesses could begin to compete and create and protect jobs again. Today the people will pay the price for what essentially has been incompetent and misguided leadership in the past...

Seanad: Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2009: Motion (8 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: No.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Paudie Coffey: The Senator is a good hand at it himself.