Results 8,721-8,740 of 9,832 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: That seems to have been the case because nothing has happened since and there is nothing in the capital plan about a regional hospital for the north east.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: This time last year the Labour Party and Fine Gael trenchantly opposed the budget, yet this year they are claiming credit for implementing it. We implemented it in the budget. What about the bank resolution legislation that enabled the Government to burn junior bondholders, which they trenchantly opposed this time last year in the Dáil? Fine Gael Members have a habit of saying we are...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The Senator should say that to the Ministers.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I, too, look forward to the budget proposals when they are announced. It is important to note the speculation in the newspapers is coming directly from Cabinet Ministers. It is very unfortunate because either a genuine battle is taking place to protect certain things or a sham battle is happening which is putting the fear of God into the Irish citizenry, only to then have proposals...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: We welcome the Government support for Deputy McGrath's Bill on scrap metals and I hope the Government parties will also support our leader, Deputy Martin, who has a Bill relating to corporate donations. That issue was mentioned in Fine Gael and Labour Party policy pledges and we expect the parties to live up not only to their promises but the recommendations of the Moriarty tribunal....

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: Both Houses must pass this motion and the Dáil is not superior. I urge colleagues to second and support the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The St. Andrew's Agreement happened under Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: In the light of the support given to my suggestion by members of the Government party and their recognition that this is a parliament, not a rubber stamp, I am happy to withdraw my proposal.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The Taoiseach made a good speech yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: We did not tell lies during the election.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: As was Fine Gael.

Seanad: Tribunal of Inquiry: Motion (17 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Minister for attending the House to debate this motion which deals with an important issue. Unfortunately, we are in the realm of "I told you so." The Minister came into the Dáil and the Seanad last June with all guns blazing and it subsequently emerged that the judge felt those blazing guns posed a threat to his independence. The Minister referred to the families involved,...

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I support the motion and I support the Minister of State in her efforts. The alcohol industry is particularly influential. I would not state that it is particularly influential with Government but it certainly had an indirect influence on many of my colleagues in the context of various debates on drink driving laws and other issues relating to alcohol. That was not healthy for the body...

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I am not picking on the Senator. I understand there was an issue in Letterkenny with regard to low price alcohol and admissions to hospital which can be directly related to offers in a number of pubs in Letterkenny. I took it as an example but it happens in other towns. If there is a problem in certain towns, and not just Letterkenny, I urge local authorities to use existing powers in the...

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: What is the order for concluding the debate?

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: What time will the debate conclude?

Seanad: Flood Relief (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter and the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Brian Hayes, for coming into the House to respond to it. I refer to the flooding in Drumconrath, County Meath, on the night of the large floods on the east coast on 24 October, of which I know...

Seanad: Flood Relief (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for his response and for his understanding of the issues. The Office of Public Works in an interesting office and deals with very difficult situations. The Minister of State mentioned the community centre. I thank Fr. Connaughton, from the parish of Drumconrath and Meath Hill, for his leadership on this issue. He has much work to do in the community centre....

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: What about the land costs?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 Nov 2011)

Thomas Byrne: What if one does not own land to put in a percolation system?