Results 8,301-8,320 of 9,832 for speaker:Thomas Byrne
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the House and for his continued commitment to debating here. It is hoped this will be an interesting, engaging and honest discussion. I use the word "honest" in the context of our having been told at various points by the Labour Party, although not so much by the Minister, Deputy Howlin, that the IMF is forcing the sale of State assets. I note the...
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I can quote from the memorandum if the Senator wishes.
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: On a point of information, may I quote from the memorandum of understanding, as was signed originally? It is in dispute in the Chamber.
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: It states: "Building on the forthcoming report of the Review Group on State Assets & Liabilities the Government will undertake an independent assessment of the electricity and gas sectors with a view to enhancing their efficiency."
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: Moreover, it states: "State authorities will consult with the Commission Services on the results of this assessment with a view to setting appropriate targets for the possible privatisation of State-owned assets."
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: That is all it says about it. It is Labour's way or Frankfurt's way.
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I quoted the agreement directly.
- Seanad: Sale of State Assets: Statements, Questions and Answers (19 Apr 2012)
Thomas Byrne: Call Deputy Noonan.
- Seanad: Small Business: Motion (28 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I second the amendment. I thank the Labour Party for instigating the debate, which is very useful. I also thank Senator White because she knows more than most people about the challenges facing small businesses. I wish to address a number of issues in this debate and I hope that, if they are not within the Minister of State's remit, he will refer them on. The Labour Party motion mentions...
- Seanad: Small Business: Motion (28 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I am not. I am saying that what the former Minister, Deputy à CuÃv, brought in does not seem to be in effect at present.
- Seanad: Privacy Bill 2012: Second Stage (28 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I compliment Senator Norris on introducing the Bill, which seeks to implement a commitment of both the previous and current Governments. I thank the Minister, who is not shy about attending the House, for his excellent and detailed contribution on this issue. Senator Norris's contribution was so good and the Minister's response so positive, yet cautious, that there must be a strong argument...
- Seanad: Medicinal Products (27 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: Tá mé an-bhuÃoch don Leas-Chathaoirleach as ucht an dÃospóireacht seo a roghnú ar an Athló, dÃospóireacht a bhfuil an-thábhachtach, i mo thuairimse. I raise the specific issue of narcolepsy which has been diagnosed recently in at least 32 children in Ireland who received the Pandemrix vaccine at the time of the swine flu epidemic. Narcolepsy is a malfunction of the sleep-wake...
- Seanad: Medicinal Products (27 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I want to raise a number of issues on the record. As I stated, I intend to raise this repeatedly because this is a developing situation. In the experience of my constituent no contact has been made between the Department of Education and Skills and the school involved. I am sure there will be direct contact in that regard with the Department of Education and Skills in that the schools...
- Seanad: Pyrite Review Group (22 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I will not use all of my time. I am seeking clarification on the progress the Government is making on the issue of pyrite. There is no need for me to speak about the issue in detail. It is heartbreaking to visit people who are affected by this issue because their houses are falling apart. I have seen numerous examples of that in recent years. The pyrite-related damage that is being done...
- Seanad: Pyrite Review Group (22 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I thank the Minister for his response. I look forward to the meeting he mentioned. Like the residents, I have put my faith in the response of the Government on this issue. We are concerned that it seems to be dragging on a little while the problems of residents are getting worse. The cracks in many houses are getting bigger as the weeks go by. I had a frightening experience last week...
- Seanad: Finance Bill 2012: Second Stage (21 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: We are reserving the right to submit amendments until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. I hope that the Cathaoirleach will agree to this.
- Seanad: Programme for Government: Motion (21 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: I second the motion. It is welcome to have this debate as we approach the first anniversary of this Government's election. One of the biggest broken promises of all was the promise to implement the findings of the Moriarty tribunal which was published a year ago today. However, nothing has happened on that. Fianna Fáil will not be found wanting in reacting to any other tribunals in...
- Seanad: Programme for Government: Motion (21 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: There have been no changes of any substance whatsoever, except to disimprove people's lives. There have been no changes in the approach to banking, although the system was opposed vigorously by the Government when in Opposition. There have been no changes to budgetary strategy, but the Government now claims the credit for a budget it completely opposed previously. It was ironic to hear...
- Seanad: Programme for Government: Motion (21 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: The Government's amendment speaks about returning the economic, financial and political stability in the country to rebuild our international reputation. This is a much repeated mantra. I accept there was instability in the previous government. However, what have Ministers of the current Government done and how do they quantify that our reputation has been restored? What steps has the...
- Seanad: Programme for Government: Motion (21 Mar 2012)
Thomas Byrne: Fine Gael and the Labour Party took on the Government and the election based on finances that were available to them beforehand through confidential briefings and on the IMF deal. They promised that they could make all these changes, although they could not be done. I am reminded of the stag hunting ban and the organisation Rural Ireland Says Enough. Deputy McEntee defined rural Ireland by...