Results 101-120 of 5,754 for speaker:Gerard Craughwell

Committee on Public Petitions: Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report 2022 and Related Matters: Discussion (11 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: I want to deal with the thorny issue of migration, that Mr. Deering dealt with and showed great compassion about when he spoke. I think I am one of the only Members of the Oireachtas who actually went to Sicily to look at the wretched people being brought in from the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian Government invited us out at the time. I do not want to sound cold when I say this. I want...

Committee on Public Petitions: Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report 2022 and Related Matters: Discussion (11 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: I am delighted a man of Mr. Deering's stature has maintained the independence of the office his forbearers had. It is so important we have Mr. Deering there. Most important, I would like the Ombudsman to tell his staff how much they are appreciated. At a time of crisis, the people need somebody they can trust and turn to. Over the 40 years of the Ombudsman's existence, we have always...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (11 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: I welcome Senator Bradley to the House and congratulate her on her appointment. She can trust in me for any advice she needs about the place. I am one of the few independent voices in here. The Cathaoirleach will recall that during the passage of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023 through this House a number of questions were put to the Minister with respect to the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: The Leader will know that over the last few years I have spoken quite a lot on the search and rescue contract that is now passing from CHC to Bristow. Today, I want to draw to the attention of the Leader, and perhaps she will draw it to the attention of the Minister, a crash that took place in February of this year in Norway. I refer to the Norwegian national oil and gas operator. The...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: I too wish to be associated with John O'Mahony. He was a very decent man, a towering man. When you met him, you knew you were standing in the presence of greatness. I believe his last interview was given from his hospital bed. That would be the nature of the man. I extend my sympathy to John's family. I propose to amend the Order of Business to increase the time for the Defence...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: Yes. I ask that the Cathaoirleach do that. This is very important legislation. I make no secret of the fact that at the outset of the debate, I will ask the Tánaiste to withdraw the Bill and pause the debate altogether. I have legal advice that I will share with him when he comes to the House indicating there are constitutional issues with the legislation. We hear a lot of bad...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: Yes.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: Under Standing Order 62(3)(b) I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: I move amendment No. 1: In page 9, lines 10 and 11, to delete “in relation to a political matter or matter of Government policy” and substitute “except on a matter of political controversy”.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: I welcome the Tánaiste back to the House. At the last meeting here his colleague and spokesperson on defence in the Seanad raised a very important issue.It related to members of a GAA club or credit union, for example, and the fact that, here it is required that they state their occupation, they would clearly be recognised and identified as a member of the Defence Forces. On foot of...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: Or identifiable.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: We have actually talked ourselves into a more confused state this afternoon.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: The new subsection (1A) states: "(1A) Without prejudice to the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and any regulations made thereunder, a member of the Permanent Defence Force shall not— [...] (c) address a meeting of a political organisation or society.”. They can attend because they are not specifically barred from attending. That is one of the issues. My colleague,...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: Come on. It is there.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: It is the truth.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: The debate on the Bill, disgracefully, has been guillotined. Under Standing Order 62(3)(b), I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: A few days ago, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin, said those serving in the Defence Forces must be held to a higher standard because they are part of a force that is meant to protect society. That statement was backed up by Lieutenant General Clancy. I am sorry to say, I felt he should have spoken up for the honourable people in the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: These are reported matters.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: Okay.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 Jul 2024)

Gerard Craughwell: No, it is not.