Results 2,201-2,220 of 3,241 for speaker:Brian Ó Domhnaill
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Bhí duine éigin eile ag caint.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Yes, I reported progress. Bhí daoine eile ag iarraidh caint ar seo freisin. There may have been other contributors. We were waiting for the Minister to respond to amendment No. 37 which relates to the water charging policy because we are not sure what the water charge will be and, therefore, we want built into the legislation an ability to pay clause. In other words, where people...
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: The Minister of State has attacked us on this side of the House for standing up for the ordinary citizen.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: It is true.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: I do not think I or any other Member antagonised anybody during our contribution. We simply stated the facts on the line and I stand over my facts. Like the Minister of State, I have dealt with utility companies such as Eircom, ESB, Bord Gáis, and I have not found them to write off any bills for those who cannot pay. They have entered into long-term repayment plans for those who...
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: I can show the Senator proof.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: If we speak to any constituent across the country, including the many in Donegal to whom I have spoken, we know that it is happening on a weekly basis. I took a telephone call from an elderly woman today who has received a legal letter from the ESB, even though she has paid the bill and she has proof, but the ESB will not accept it.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: I am only stating the facts. The Senator can defend the Minister of State, as that is his job, but he should hear considered debate.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: What is happening here is very simple. The Government is ramming through this Bill. I must praise the Leader, Senator Cummins, for allowing this debate to continue until next Monday. However, all Stages of the Bill are being rammed through the Dáil next Wednesday. Why is that?
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: If this is so transparent, open and good for the Irish people, then why not allow debate in both Houses? Why have it on the days running up to Christmas when we hope that the media and Deputies are busy elsewhere with other things going on? Why is that the case if this Bill is so excellent? We have a water charging plan. The Minister of State talks about Oireachtas committee members, but...
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Happy is not in the legislation.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: I do not accept that.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: I have already been on record to state that I have absolutely no faith whatsoever in the CER. How can anyone have faith in the CER when everyone's income is going down, yet it allowed the ESB to increase its electricity charges by 15% year-on-year over the last three years? That happened at a time when the average wage was reduced by around 35%. That is a crazy situation, yet we are giving...
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: I know it is an issue of major concern for Members of the other House who also happen to be our constituents because they vote for Members of Seanad Éireann. I am only reflecting the concerns expressed to me by Members of the Dáil, including Fianna Fáil's environment spokesperson, Deputy Barry Cowen, who is deeply annoyed at the manner in which this legislation is being rammed...
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Yes. I have not heard anything to suggest I should not press it.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Tá brón orm. I thought I had indicated that I want to speak but I had not. Section 17 relates to a water charges plan and it is a very important part of the Bill. It sets out the criteria and the manner in which the charging can take place. It sets out where Irish Water can consult with the Commission for Energy Regulation. It states that a charges plan shall apply in respect of...
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: The charges-----
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Does Senator Keane want to clog up the courts system?
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: People will be criminalised.
- Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (12 Dec 2013)
Brian Ó Domhnaill: Is it a case of let them go and suck diesel?