Results 10,161-10,180 of 24,339 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (23 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: If I said "black" the Senator would say "white".

Seanad: Order of Business (23 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I did not realise that but I want to congratulate her as well.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and adjourned not later than 2.15 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes; No. 2, statements on the second interim report of the Commission on Mother...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I made an offer to the Senator yesterday, which she did not take up.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the 24 Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. Senators Gallagher and Kieran O'Donnell raised the important issue of motor insurance and the need to reduce the costs of insurance.Not only has the Minister of State, Deputy Murphy, who has responsibility in this regard, set up a commission to examine this matter, to be fair to him, but we have also seen for the first...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator is the one playing politics with the matter.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We have read the Senator's press release-----

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We have heard his party's remarks on various local radio stations. As I said yesterday, we should work to achieve solutions rather than play politics.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I commend Senator Daly on his proactive approach and sincerity. Rather-----

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Methinks Senator Mac Lochlainn protests too much. The other issue Senator Conway-Walsh raised was the independent appeals office. As she said, perhaps she should raise it as a Commencement matter. I do not have information on the matter to hand so I cannot give her a definitive answer. Senator Black referred to the untimely death of the journalist, Dara Quigley, and I join her in offering...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is beyond my pay grade to say where the Book of Kells should be kept but it is important that we preserve it. I thank Senator Butler for his firm advocacy on behalf of the people of Ireland and in terms of the importance of Ireland's Ancient East. Senator Warfield raise the issue of Seanad reform. I hope that the current Seanad is modern and effective and that all of us, as...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator might find disagreement on that. However, it is his prerogative as the proposer of that idea to seek support for it among other Members of the House. I cannot answer for all members. It is a debate we have had and will have again in the next couple of months.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senators Feighan and Richmond raised the issue of an all-island approach to the hosting of the Commonwealth Games, which is an important issue we should consider in terms of the promotion of North-South relations. I share Senator Mac Lochlainn's view on the first responder and fire and rescue personnel issue. As the Senator will be aware, I have raised the issue with various Ministers but I...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: That is why the centre of Irish politics must always hold.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We can bring solutions to the Irish people in terms of the lack of investment in infrastructure. I hope that Irish Water, which has a strong investment plan and programme of investment for water infrastructure and the delivery of clean drinking water to communities like Rathconnell, will do that. I commend Senator Davitt on raising that matter this morning.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I will ask the Minister to communicate with the Deputy on the matter.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Colm Burke referred to the Committee on the Future of Healthcare. The Minister could not allow Senators to be members of that committee because of opposition in that regard from the other House, which was disappointing. The committee's report, which we all await with bated breath, will, hopefully, contain key recommendations around the development of infrastructure in our hospitals....

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Noone raised the issue of the genealogy tourism project in Kilkenny. It is a good news story for today's Order of Business and I commend Senator Noone on raising it. It is important that genealogy is used as a tool to promote Ireland, in particular in North America and Canada, whose people love to trace their roots across generations.I commend those involved in Kilkenny. I hope...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: To be fair, the Minister is willing to engage one-to-one with the Senator on that matter. My office will have to check with the Minister's office about his availability for Tuesday, but I am happy to try to do that.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 May 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I will see what I can do.