Results 23,481-23,500 of 26,666 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Deputies who have contributed. I will not go over the old points but will address some of the issues. I completely reject Deputy Connolly's remarks. In no way, shape or form are we taking anyone out of the planning process. Third-party observations are totally and utterly respected, and rightly so. Normal people, residents' associations and environmental groups do...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Seanad amendment No. 19 amends section 9 to provide that where the Minister proposes exempted development regulations that are likely to affect the performance of a State authority, the Minister shall consult that State authority before making the regulations. The text as currently written has this as a discretionary consultation, however it is appropriate that any such consultation be...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: During the debate on Seanad amendments Nos. 1 to 18, the first grouping, the Deputy asked a question about reclaimed land and the maritime area. I did not respond to him, but it is covered by one of the questions he has just asked. All the amendment in question will do is bring reclaimed land under the definition of "land". What I was saying about masts, which I think most people will...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I will come back in there. Before I respond to Deputy Matthews, I commend him on his role as Chairperson of the Oireachtas joint committee, specifically in respect of this Bill and the manner in which Committee Stage was carried out, but not just that, given there have been other significant items of legislation for which he has chaired the committee. We have managed to get through the...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Deputy Boyd Barrett, to be fair to him, has engaged with this Bill the whole way through the debate. We have been transparent about everything right the way through the process. If we were to slow down proceedings to the pace some Members wanted, we would not have this legislation passed for five years.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: These amendments relate to Chapters 1 to 3, inclusive, of Part 3 of the Bill, which deal with the definitions for the Part, the national planning framework and the national planning statements. Amendment No. 31 introduces a definition for "transport infrastructure" to section 17 and broadens the term "transport infrastructure" to include a reference to infrastructure for cyclists and...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: That is horseshit.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: That is horseshit.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: On a point of order, I am not sure whether Deputy Boyd Barrett was present when I responded to the charge some TDs made in relation to the Seanad amendment that was brought forward. I responded on the record on that matter. Deputies Matthews and Leddin have spoken about important amendments. I cannot believe Deputy Boyd Barrett has just dismissed them like that, especially for someone who...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The idea that transport infrastructure includes a definition for cyclists and pedestrians is right and proper. It is important they are afforded the same status and standards as everyone else.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: We have already dealt with that, however.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I spoke in the House already in the nearly 200 hours of debate we have had on this Bill. I spoke on this issue when we were discussing the first grouping of amendments, that is, amendments Nos. 1 to 18, inclusive, because the Leas-Cheann Comhairle allowed latitude at that stage. I responded on behalf of the Government. The charges the Deputy made against my two colleagues were wholly...

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I will leave it at that.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: At 7.50 p.m.

Planning and Development Bill 2023: From the Seanad (9 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: He made a charge.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I campaigned against abolition.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I appreciate the contributions of Senators Malcolm Byrne, Tom Clonan, Maria Byrne, Rónán Mullen, Fintan Warfield, Michael McDowell and Alice-Mary Higgins. I have immense regard for Senator McDowell, as he knows. I should put on record that I campaigned against the abolition of this House in 2013 - the referendum was in October 2013 - and my party campaigned against its abolition....

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I am not. He has been on record as-----

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Oct 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: From my perspective, the Bill is a genuine attempt to bring about the start of the reform of the Seanad and deal with the Supreme Court judgment. Senators mentioned the programme for Government and I discussed this with Senator McDowell a number of years ago when we met virtually during Covid. The programme for Government, Our Shared Future, does not make an explicit commitment to the issue...