Results 9,581-9,600 of 24,339 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I did not intend to be political in respect of this matter but if Senator Davitt wants to have a debate about his party's stewardship of the banks, I would be happy to facilitate that any day.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I remind Senator Davitt of one thing: regardless of whether he likes it, the banking system collapsed when his party's regime was in power.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The fundamental point is that we are all united in our condemnation of the banks and their failure to look after people and treat them fairly.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: That is why the Government is bringing the banks in next week and it is the reason the Taoiseach made his very forceful comments. I understand that the Central Bank is independent, but if it needs more power, let us provide it. I am happy to support any action on behalf of citizens who have been treated appallingly by the banks. As a country, we bailed them out and they have an obligation...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: He cannot win. If he had not gone out, Senator Davitt would be in here giving out about him.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Cathaoirleach is a very patient man. On a serious note, I thank on behalf of the House everyone who was so proactive in the recovery from the storm. I thank local authorities, the ESB, Met Éireann, our first responders, the Army and everyone else who has been involved, including volunteers. Senator Lombard understated the damage done to his property and we lost three people, which...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: If I may, Brexit affects us specifically as a country and as an island.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: A decision has been taken on Brexit but no decision has been taken in Catalonia as of yet, at least not by the Spanish Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: My point is that rather than divide the House, we should accept that the Minister is unavailable. I understand the Senator's motivation in seeking the debate. If he wants to have it without the Minister, he can do that this afternoon, but it will not serve what I think is his purpose. If the Senator withdraws his proposal to amend the Order of Business, we will endeavour to facilitate a...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is the people's decision. The Government has decided that there will be a referendum and the people will vote on it. Senator Coghlan will have an opportunity, as will everyone else, to vote as he chooses. That is the principle of democracy which we fought to have. It is the right to delete or retain. That is the prerogative. The debate will happen at a later time in a referendum...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I am happy to accept Senator Gallagher's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, has been before the House to deal with the fodder crisis issue in the past. I am happy to have the debate as the point the Senator raises is a valid one. Senator James Reilly referred to Sparkassen banks and also to the fraudulent phone...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not trying to be awkward. The Minister is not available today and he may not be in the country next week. I am not sure of his schedule - he may be travelling - but I will endeavour to have the matter scheduled for debate next week. If not, I will put it on the agenda for discussion when the House resumes.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I cannot schedule a debate if the Minister is not available.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We can have the debate today without the Minister, if the Senator wishes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Business of Joint Committee (18 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: That is fine. Can I make a brief comment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Business of Joint Committee (18 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I am glad that Deputy McGrath has promoted me to the position of Deputy, with which I am very happy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Business of Joint Committee (18 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is a pity that he did not do his homework properly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Business of Joint Committee (18 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Professor Malone, in his remarks last week, who is an eminent qualified person, answered the charges levelled in the paper put forward. I did not accuse Deputy McGrath of any dishonesty and he can check the record of the committee.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Business of Joint Committee (18 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Deputy can check the record of the committee and he will find that I never used the word "dishonest".

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Business of Joint Committee (18 Oct 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I did not do so. The Deputy can present that to me if he so wishes. I respect the right of any member to have a view on this committee. I chaired the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children for five years impartially and fairly and I have acted in the same way on this committee. If the Deputy wants to engage in any further personal attacks then he can do so at his peril...