Results 11,161-11,180 of 24,339 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ardagh raised the issue of climate change and the Minister will come before the House on 7 December for a debate on the matter. Mental health was raised by a number of Senators and as Leader of the House I take the request very seriously. I try, on Members' behalf, to facilitate debates with Ministers and since the beginning of this Seanad we have had ten cross-departmental debates...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Feighan spoke about the new far-right party but that is a matter for them. In answer to the point raised by Senator Humphreys, I would be very happy for the Minister for Health to come to the House to discuss maternity as it is an important issue. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of gender in education and I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House for a debate. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It was unfortunate but he is committed to coming back to the House and I would be very happy for him to do so post-Christmas. Board appointments are a matter for the Department and the Minister, not for this House. It is a matter that has to be resolved, however. Senator Ó Donnghaile asked for the Taoiseach to come before the House but he will not be here before Christmas because we...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator attends the meetings I attend every week.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not going to get into a game of broken promises. Since I came into this position I have worked in good faith with all sides of the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not going to be accused of playing a game. I am giving an honest answer. We have legislation to pass and if the Senator wants to be here in the first week of Christmas that is fine. His colleagues do not, however,

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I was a member of the Constitutional Convention and was one of only two people who missed none of its sittings.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Minister for the diaspora and the Government are committed to exploring the issue. If it takes time so be it because we need to make sure we do it right. There is a profound implication in what is being proposed and we will work to make it happen. The Constitutional Convention does not have the power to instruct but to recommend. Senator Norris raised direct provision and there is a...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I think the Senator's matter is more suited to a Commencement debate. I want to announce to the House that, from today, I am only going to reply to people who stay for the full Order of Business. A lot of Members have left and it is not fair to those who have stayed.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I report progress.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: At 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday, 22 November.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on transport, tourism and sport, to be taken at 12.45. p.m. and conclude not later than 2.45 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 2.35 p.m.; No. 2, Planning and...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the 22 Members of the Seanad who raised matters on the Order of Business this morning. Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom fíorfháilte a chuir roimh an gComhairleoir Brendan Thornhill from Wicklow, who is in the Visitors Gallery. I welcome councillor Brendan Thornhill from Wicklow to the Visitors Gallery. Senators Ardagh, Devine, Higgins and Coffey raised the...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Craughwell raised the Social Welfare Bill. I am glad he jumped the gun a couple of months ago when he complained that Fine Gael Senators had met the Minister, Deputy Varadkar. I welcome the engagement of the Minister with the civic engagement group and with Members of the House on the Social Welfare Bill. It is important that PRSI contributions and classes of pension entitlements...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Fitzgerald Stadium is one of the most scenic and picturesque grounds in the country. I had the pleasure of doing local radio commentary there and was able to look across at beauty's home. Those who are from Cork would prefer to come out of there with happier memories than in the recent past. It is important that those who support the bid for the Rugby World Cup get behind it and that those...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It was not an insult at all.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I was not insulting Sinn Féin.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: All I can say is that the Sinn Féin Party is a high tax party.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It is a tax-and-spend party.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The irony of it is that-----