Results 11,361-11,380 of 24,571 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Micro-plastic and Micro-bead Pollution Prevention Bill 2016: Second Stage (23 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I know. I just wish Senator Humphreys was back in our bed because the Labour Party was a very good partner and we worked well together.The proof is that the country is flying again. It was a partnership Government that brought it back, to be fair.

Seanad: Micro-plastic and Micro-bead Pollution Prevention Bill 2016: Second Stage (23 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I regret that Labour opted not to come back into the bed. The former Minister of State, Senator Coffey, has outlined - as will the Minister of State, Deputy English - why the Government cannot support the specific wording of the Bill but that it will agree to the principle of what is trying to be achieved. It is important that rather than divide the House, we take what is good from the Bill...

Seanad: Micro-plastic and Micro-bead Pollution Prevention Bill 2016: Second Stage (23 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: We had members of Fine Gael opposed in the previous Seanad in the by-election.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Joint Sub-Committee on Public Petitions, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 3, Statute Law Revision Bill 2016 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude not later than 5.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, statements on the horticulture industry, to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Leas-Chathaoirleach is wrong.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the more than 18 Members who have raised many important issues on the Order of Business. I begin by joining Senator Ardagh, who called for a debate and legislation to deal with the use and misuse of prescription drugs. She will find no argument on that from this side of the House. The figures she recited were in yesterday's report and we have heard about the traumatic impact the...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator knows what I mean.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I would not like to incur the wrath of the Leas-Chathaoirleach but he knows what I mean. I join with Members in paying tribute and sympathising with the family on the death of Mr. William Trevor. Senator Conway-Walsh referenced "The Ballroom of Romance" and his short stories. Given that he was born in Cork in 1928, one could say he got his brilliance there.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: A comment from a 2011 interview struck me when he said writers should not feel obliged to explain and things should be left to the reader. He did that in his work. I pay tribute to him and sympathise with his family on his death. Senators Craughwell and Wilson raised the matter of the Defence Forces, which is very important. The Minister of State has committed to coming to the House and...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: We have also seen increased spending on the Air Corps and we very much commend the work being done by our men and women in the Naval Service in the Mediterranean. Equally, there is the issue of increased expenditure in the naval fleet, which is to be welcomed. The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, is committed to ensuring the Defence Forces remain an attractive career choice and to do that,...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I will refer the matter back to the Senator after the Order of Business and get him the information.I am sure he will be pleasantly surprised. However, I agree with him that we must work together to ensure members of the Defence Forces are rewarded for the work they do.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Conway-Walsh raised the cost of partition and of not being a united country. I congratulate her on raising the matter. I am sure she will join me, along with Senator Noone and Senator Colm Burke, in welcoming the unemployment figures. The national survey from the Central Statistics Office, CSO, shows that employment is continuing to increase in this country. I am sure Sinn...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator always sees the glass half full. Some day the Senator will come to the House and remember that the glass is full. For 16 quarters in a row more people have been at work. If the Senator had his way-----

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: There was an unemployment rate of 15.1% when Fine Gael and the Labour Party formed a Government in 2011. We had the courage to go into government and to work for the people. You would have them unemployed. Then you would be outside the gate with a placard stating that nothing is happening.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Do not come in here and talk out of both sides of your mouth. Why not admit the fact that there are more people at work?

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Unemployment has decreased by 12.6% during the terms of this Government and the last Government. More people are at work and fewer are unemployed. It is the 16th consecutive quarter of jobs growth. Surely the Senators opposite could welcome and celebrate that, rather than bemoan the fact.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I do not begrudge you getting an increase in pay from your party. I hope you welcome that as well.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I have no bother with having that debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The bottom line is that the Sinn Féin representatives, if they are honest, should not hand the money back to their party. They should give it to the State so we can invest in employment opportunities for all sectors of society. If they are honourable about that, they should do it.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Do not talk out of both sides of your mouth.