Results 741-760 of 2,638 for speaker:Christopher O'Sullivan

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Ambulance Service (8 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Topical Issue matter on the ambulance service in the west Cork area. The service is stretched and we urgently need extra ambulances to serve the people of the region. It is important that I explain the geography of west Cork. It is a huge area, bigger than most counties. For example, from the edge of Cork city to the Dursey Sound...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Ambulance Service (8 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the Minister of State. It is important that he mentioned the Government-funded air ambulance helicopter service. It is an extraordinary service, which ran on voluntary donations and charity fundraising for years. It is important that the Government is now backing it because without it we would be in dire straits. Even with that addition, it is still not enough. There are still...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: How much time do we have?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee on the important issue of assessing the report of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. I thank the EPA for the important work it does with research and monitoring etc. This does not always get acknowledged but it is important we acknowledge it here. I wish to speak about water quality obviously, but also on the derogation...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: Is the phosphorus not more from wastewater treatment plants rather than agriculture?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I accept that. I know some people do not accept the science but I do. I want to get to the point because of time constraints. With regard to the best approach to improving water quality and stopping nitrates from getting into water bodies, is the reduction of cattle numbers not just a blunt instrument as there is already a lot of naturally occurring nitrogen in the soil? Would a better...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: If I could just-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: This has a further reaching impact on biodiversity. I was trying to get an answer on the solution and I am not debating the science. Concerning the overall impact on biodiversity in an area of west Cork, I think there are unintended consequences. I gave the example of a farmer with 60 or 70 cows who, generally, is a one-person operation, is sustainable, and does everything right regarding...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I am just making the point because we are discussing the biodiversity report.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I am just making the point that there is an unintended consequence on biodiversity.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: It was not a question to the EPA; it was just a comment to the committee.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Nov 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: Would that be more effective than just reducing cow numbers?

Anaerobic Digestion (National Strategy) Bill 2023: First Stage (25 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to make provision for a national anaerobic digestion strategy and to provide for related matters. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me to introduce the Anaerobic Digestion (National Strategy) Bill 2023. At the outset, I wish to state that what this Bill does is very simple. It creates a mechanism whereby the...

Anaerobic Digestion (National Strategy) Bill 2023: First Stage (25 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Childcare Services (25 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the Minister of State. I appreciate her reply. I expected that the first response would relate to the increase in funding. That was why I acknowledged the increase at the start of my contribution. It still does not help the small providers in my constituency. The Minister of State mentioned the efforts to create a 3% increase in capacity. That is fine and it may work in...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Childcare Services (25 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I appreciate the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is here. It is disappointing that the Minister is not here. The last time I raised the early years sector under Topical Issues, the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, let me know that he would not be available. We then waited until he was available to submit this Topical Issue and he was able to take it himself. He is the most relevant person...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Flood Risk Management (24 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I appreciate the response. In a way, we in Glanmire are lucky in that the schemes have commenced. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my colleagues in east Cork who are still waiting on the Midleton scheme. That said, as the Minister of State acknowledged in her response, her constituency was impacted. I know she will take what she has experienced over the past week back to the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Departmental Bodies (24 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: 143. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department intends to publish the minutes of the recent Government task force on offshore energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46734/23]

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Special Educational Needs (24 Oct 2023)

Christopher O'Sullivan: 446. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the criteria involved for the allocation of therapist allocation for special schools; the reason a school (details supplied) has not received any allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46733/23]