Results 5,081-5,100 of 5,192 for speaker:Joe O'Reilly

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Yes. I would like to deal separately with each of the amendments in my name. I move amendment No. 14: In page 32, subsection (2)(e), line 31, after "services" to insert the following: "establishing a quota of mandatory programming in the Irish language".

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I move amendment No. 16: In page 32, subsection (2), between lines 31 and 32, to insert the following: "(f) facilitate and encourage the broadcasting of religious programmes with a mandatory quota.".

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I am pleased to support the amendment in the name of Senator Mullen and on which I congratulate him. The detail of his proposition of the amendment was such that in the unlikely event that his political career were ever to fade, he would have a future in production and direction within one of the broadcasting organisations. He has the potential for another career. Indeed, Senator Norris is...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: He could be and is getting a fine apprenticeship there.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I have given Senator Norris sufficient publicity for his programme.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: In respect of the Minister's point about my first amendment, it would not restrict good candidates from seeking positions on the board. If they are competent, know what they are about and have the right motives, they would not have a problem with a properly ordered process of public investigation. I do not accept the contention that it would deter good candidates. It is correct for the...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I genuinely and enthusiastically welcome the Minister's reply in this instance. I am very happy about it. I feel very strongly that it is important that the Seanad has an input into the legislation, not just in verbiage but in terms of output. For that reason, I am delighted that the Minister has decided to make an adjustment on Report Stage to accommodate this ambition, which is a...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Yes.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I move amendment No. 13: In page 32, subsection (2)(d), line 29, after "disabilities" to insert "requiring the use of sign language and sub-titles". These amendments propose to make the use of sign language and subtitles in programming a legal requirement. The objective is to ensure the full enjoyment of programmes by persons with hearing impairment. Sign language and subtitles should be...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: While I take the point that there are high-level goals, there is nothing wrong in giving specific, practical expression to them. It will enhance the legislation to do so. Later in the legislation, sign language is mentioned "without prejudice to the generality of the previous section", which, in a sense, is a bit loose. It would enhance this section to include the proposed amendment No....

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Regarding the subtitling issue, is the Minister stating that he will include a provision on Report Stage whereby the authority must show achievement in subtitling and sign language on an annual basis?

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I move amendment No. 5: In page 18, subsection (1), between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following: "(c) The proposed Board Members shall go before an oral hearing at the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to allow that committee to direct questions to the proposed Board Members as to their competence for that office having regard to experience and/or...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I have no difficulty accepting the Minister's proposition that there must be significant ministerial control and input because that is a given. I also have no difficulty with the proposal that an Oireachtas committee should make four recommendations. My amendment does not preclude the Minister's proposition and I propose that a public hearing should be added. The committee should make...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I support the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by my colleagues Senators Donohoe and Buttimer. Road safety is of such significance that it is a matter of national importance meriting an immediate response from this House, one, because of the gravity of the issue and, two, to establish further the relevance of this House. There has been an inexcusable delay in the delivery of...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Does the Leader accept that many accidents occur late at night or early in the morning and involve speeding by young drivers and, in some instances, substance abuse by them as well? Will he put this to the Ministers concerned? That is the difficulty that needs to be examined together with the introduction of speed cameras. There also should be a reduced focus on built-up areas at the...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Senator Fitzgerald was correct to draw the attention of the House to the latest report and analysis from Davy Stockbrokers, a reputable organisation. The content is frightening and it is clear the economic storm-clouds are gathering and that we did not exercise adequate prudence in recent years. The level of inflation and the extent of price increases is serious. There is frightening...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 May 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I join with Senators who argued cogently that the Taoiseach should be leading the nation and seeking to create a consensus on an important issue for Ireland's future instead of engaging in divisive party politics in terms of the Lisbon treaty.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 May 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Will the Leader appeal to the Taoiseach to become a statesman for the next three weeks for the sake of Ireland?

Seanad: Order of Business (27 May 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I second Senator Coghlan's proposal for a debate on prices. It is necessary given the cost of energy. Will the Leader arrange a debate on energy during which we could consider the cost of oil and our carbon emissions reduction target of 20% by 2020? We should develop a network of co-operative wind farms. Farmers should be brought together in groups to set up co-operative wind farms, as...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 May 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I appreciate the Cathaoirleach's indulgence. Will the Leader arrange an urgent debate on solutions to our energy situation and on prices?