Results 11,001-11,020 of 24,339 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Sinn Féin will not go into government.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That is part of the problem. The only party that wanted to go into government after the election was Fine Gael.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ó Clochartaigh is a great man for opposing everything and supporting nothing. He speaks on everything. I will revert to Senator McDowell's point on the Seanad Bill. The issue of presidential voting rights is not black and white. I was a member of the Constitutional Convention, which gave a strong endorsement to extending the franchise.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The convention voted on the issue. It had a very good discussion on the topic before reaching a conclusion. The important point is that it is critical to prepare in advance. Senator McDowell spoke about fidelity and loyalty to the State and the right to vote. How is it proposed to allow the 700,000 people who acquired an Irish passport this year, whoever they may be, the right to vote if...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: -----little quibbles get in the way and change the discourse in a referendum campaign. Politicians use the electoral register, which is clearly in rag order. If one looks at how it is compiled in many places, one finds that the names and addresses often do not match up. I visited New York to observe the recent presidential election. I was struck by the fact that the US and Irish electoral...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That is my point. If one extends the franchise, one must arrive at a decision as to whom it should be given, apart from those who live in the country. Would we extend it to all those who hold a passport? For how long can they have been living outside the country? Must they visit the country every six months or must they stay abroad? This is not a black and white issue. The President is...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: At times, the Senator did not do too well in that regard in his former incarnation. I suppose he will welcome Bertie Ahern back today. I presume that would be another good move for the country. It is sometimes lost on Members that it is the prerogative of the Government to accept or reject the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention. The right to vote is a precious and cherished...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: He has been a very welcome visitor to the House. He attends often at very short notice and is willing to engage and discuss with Members, as I am sure Senator Ó Clochartaigh will-----

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Mac Lochlainn should look at his own members in Stormont who do not interact on many issues. The mirror should be looked at as well.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: What is their response to marriage equality in the North, for example?

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Sinn Féin has a poor record of advancement there.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Talk to the people up there.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: You do not.

Seanad: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Ar 10.30 maidin amarach.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Ms Nicola Sturgeon (29 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Lá stairiúil ba ea an lá inniu. Lá iontach é atá lán d'ionadh. Ar mo shon féin agus ar son gach duine atá bailithe le chéile anseo i Seanad Éireann, gabhaim mo bhuíochas le Céad-Aire na hAlban as ucht an turas a dhéanamh go dtí an Seanad agus go mórmhór as ucht a hóráide cumhachtaí agus...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2016, referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Social Welfare Bill 2016 - Second Stage, to be taken at 4 p.m. and to conclude no later than 6.15 p.m. with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the 18 Senators who raised matters on the Order of Business. I also thank the groups and Members for their co-operation this morning during the visit of the Scottish First Minister, Ms Sturgeon. As everyone will agree, it was an extraordinary event, one of which we should be proud. I thank the secretariat and staff of the Seanad Office - Mr. Martin Groves and the team - for their...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: -----affordability and risk-sharing in relation to the cost of the drug. The Minister for Health is engaging on this very sensitive matter. The cost of high-tech drugs is an issue about which we need to have a conversation but it is not one on which we should be pitting people against each other. I am happy to engage further with Senator Ardagh on the issue. Professor Michael Barry of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: -----and puts forward a proposal on the cost and pricing of this drug that represents value for money for the health service, patients and the taxpayer. As I said, the Minister for Health is currently engaged on this issue. I hope that a resolution can be reached soon.

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Victor Boyhan called for a debate on the refugee crisis. I am happy to ask the relevant Minister to come to the House. The Senator is correct that it is an important matter in respect of which we should not seek to obfuscate or dilute our responsibility. To be fair to the Minister, she has never flinched from that responsibility, nor has the State. This is about ensuring that we...