Results 20,421-20,440 of 24,376 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid Testing for International Travel into and out of Ireland: Discussion (8 Dec 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I apologise for being tetchy or cranky. As public representatives, we are receiving complaints from people who are travelling that they are not being asked for forms and results. I appreciate that there will be long queues and difficulties but if we are serious about trying to keep a variant out, there is a view that we should be checking all documentation around Covid. That is the view in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid Testing for International Travel into and out of Ireland: Discussion (8 Dec 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank Ms Buckley for the clarification. I apologise for being tetchy but we are getting mixed messages. This is part of the overall mixed messaging problem about which we are getting complaints. As the Chair said, there have been numerous media presentations about this issue, so I am glad we have clarified the matter. To ask an overarching question regarding the carriers, have they...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will begin by welcoming the swearing in of the new American ambassador, Ms Claire Cronin. The house majority leader was sworn in yesterday in Boston in a very historic setting on the house floor. I congratulate Ambassador Cronin on her appointment and wish her every success as she takes up her role here in Dublin. I propose that we invite Ambassador Cronin to address the Seanad as soon...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I welcome Mr. Justice Mahon to the meeting and thank him for his work. I commend him on his proactivity in his addressing the backlog and in his handling of his role. The civilian Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, ODF, is one that works very well. In the context of where the Chair started from regarding the Women of Honour, I understand from Mr. Justice Mahon's presentation to us and...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Arising from Mr. Justice Mahon's comments, I propose that the committee meet in private session at its earliest convenience to look at the issue of extending the complaint period beyond 12 months with a view to amendment of the legislation and the process. Mr. Justice Mahon has given a very good response. Mr. Justice Mahon's comment in regard to the Women of Honour does not necessarily...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will make two final points. Mr. Justice Mahon's remarks are ones that we should take cognisance of and reflect upon as part of our work programme. On the issue of complaints about Defence Forces personnel, has Mr. Justice Mahon received any complaints or made any inquiries in regard to members of the Defence Forces, retired or current, being involved in far right activities and the use of...

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: If they are personal, should they be allowed given the personnel are members or former members of the Defence Forces? It is a bit like a priest in Melchizedeke of old - once a priest always a priest.

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: What is the position in the case of a private citizen who is a retired member of the Defence Forces? Is a retired member of the Defence Forces always a member of the Defence Forces?

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: A personal viewpoint is not necessarily a viewpoint as a member of the Defence Forces, similar to as applies to us as politicians or applied to Mr. Justice Mahon when a member of the Judiciary.

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports from 2017 to 2020 and Related Matters: Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (20 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank Mr. Justice Mahon for engaging with us today. I know it is not his job or task, but the new section of the Office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces website has not been updated since October 2019. I accept we have had a pandemic. I appreciate the work of the Ombudsman on our behalf. It is important that we have full confidence in that office and that it is properly resourced. I...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I ask the Deputy Leader for a debate as a matter of urgency in light of the CAMHS report today on child and adolescent mental health services in counties Cork and Kerry, where 46 children have been diagnosed as suffering "significant harm" while attending the services. It is a damning report on the whole issue of the care of our young people who are in a state of significant vulnerability....

Seanad: Broadband Roll-out: Statements (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank Senator McGahon for sharing time. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, to the House. This is a gargantuan project. This is, as Senator McGahon rightly referenced, akin to a modern-day electrification of the country. We saw what rural electrification did. This is linked centrally to the ongoing development and evolution of the social and economic development of our...

Seanad: Local Government (Surveillance Powers in Relation to Certain Offences) Bill 2022: Second Stage (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach and I thank him for allowing me to join this debate. I welcome the Minister of State and I commend Senator Malcolm Byrne for this legislation. I also welcome the opportunity to support the Bill and to speak on it. It is an important piece of legislation but it is also an important conversation that we need to have in a wider context....

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Get somebody to act.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: The Deputy was a member one time.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Mullen raised a very interesting point. I am not going to name names on the floor of the House but the appointment of the chair by the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, is a good appointment. The person is eminently qualified. In fairness to Senator Mullen, there is a need for debate and transparency in all processes. I think what Senator Mullen may be trying to achieve is to...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I think what Senator Mullen is saying is that we need a debate on it in the House. That is the importance of what he is asking for. I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate on transport. The National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland has been published. All of us received a copy in our pigeon holes today or yesterday. It is the strategic framework for future investment...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland: Discussion (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: Given that the Minister has another engagement, I will not belabour any points with him, because in fairness to him, he needs to go to a press conference. We need a further strong conversation. Councillor Pat Dunphy has raised with me the Waterford to Cahir N24 scheme. I will defer because the Minister has to be gone by 4.15 p.m.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland: Discussion (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will be there for the Estimates, but I hope the Minister might give me a one-to-one meeting, given that I gave him a free pass today.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland: Discussion (26 Jan 2022)

Jerry Buttimer: I will be glad to meet the Minister one-to-one. He has to go to a press conference.