Results 11,461-11,480 of 24,571 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It is important that we work with Taiwan to forge links and develop relationships. I know from our own relationship with Taiwan and the representative here, Simon Tu, that it is very positive. It is important that we keep all options open, recognising that we do have a one-China policy. Senator Coffey raised an important issue regarding the appointment of hospital groups. I would be happy...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the North-South issue and I would be happy to bring that matter before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP. Senator Feighan raised the matter of ashes. I am not a member of the Vatican. The Leas-Chathaoirleach is probably closer to it than I am in the matter of the distribution of ashes.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Gallagher raised the matter of juvenile arthritis and the need to appoint a third consultant. I would be happy to invite the Minister for Health to the House in that regard. Senators O’Donnell, Paddy Burke and Mulherin raised the issue of transport. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, will be in the House on 16 November. Senator O’Donnell also...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Minister of State is coming to the House and will be happy to deal with that question as well.

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I was not in the House for Second Stage when the Bill came before the previous Oireachtas. I acknowledge the presence of a former Senator, Ms van Turnhout, who was a pivotal member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children that I chaired. Senator Colm Burke was a member of that committee as well. That committee undertook pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. I welcome the Minister of...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I acknowledge the presence of Mr. Padraic White and people from Alcohol Action, including Ms Suzanne Costello, who have been very strong on this issue. The retail sector has a duty of care and responsibility. It had a voluntary code and, to a limited degree, that worked or perhaps it did not work. I always found Mr. White accessible and amenable on any issues that I brought to his...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (26 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I will conclude now. I did not get a chance to speak on Second Stage and I chaired the committee that brought many of the recommendations to the former Minister and I want to give the Minister of State my support. The key point is that we have to take a stand and start to address how we can combat the misuse of alcohol in our society. That requires a collective response from all sides of...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on agricultural product prices and the decision by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude not later than 6.30 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called upon to reply not later...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Leyden should not make statements like that.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That is very unparliamentary.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Leyden should withdraw that comment.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Who was the Minister who changed that?

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Who was the Minister who changed the groceries order?

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I extend the sympathies of the House to the former Senator and Deputy, Noel Coonan, on the very sad death of his wife, Pauline. Those of us who had the privilege of meeting Pauline recognised her as a very warm, loving, caring, strong and powerful woman. We send our deepest sympathies to Noel and the family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Now for a happier announcement, I...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I wish her and Darragh every success and many years of happiness together. The Minister for Education and Skills is happy to meet with her at 5.30 p.m. rather than coming into the House if that is acceptable to her. He is deeply conscious of the issue she has raised. I have raised the matter with the Department on her behalf. I know that a letter was sent to the school sometime in October.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: If that is in order with the Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I would rather not divide the House because to be fair to the Senator there are means of having the Minister come to the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I understand the importance of the issue the Senator raised and I have been endeavouring to bring the Minister in to talk to the Senator and he is willing to meet her and talk to her about the matter. Rather than bring him into the House I hope that the Senator would accept the bona fides of the Minister this afternoon. It is a very important issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator McDowell raised the issue of Seanad reform. Not being party to the correspondence he refers to I am in a vacuum. If he would be happy to share with me the piece of correspondence I would be happy to peruse it and give him a more detailed response. As far as I know the Government position on the Manning report has not changed since the Taoiseach was last here. Whatever some Members...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of media ownership. We are lucky to have very independent media. I would be happy to have a discussion in due course regarding media ownership and so on. Senator Nash raised the issue of the industrial relations strategy. While it is important to acknowledge that there is a very strong mechanism in the State to deal with industrial relations, as the...