Results 23,521-23,540 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: I have not finished yet. I took the Ceann Comhairle's advice on another issue as well, and I presume we shall get that information or in any event somebody else can raise it with the Taoiseach. I took his advice and tabled a number of parliamentary questions. The information I received on a question relating to the number of prisoners on early release or one type of release or other over...

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: It is, and it is on legislation as well.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: If the Ceann Comhairle had not interrupted me, I would have told him by now. Almost a quarter of the total prison population has been on early release. The critical question I raised, on foot of that, was regarding the number of people on bail-----

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: There is promised legislation.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: The Ceann Comhairle will not make inquiries. I can make them myself. A quarter of the total prison population is on early release.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: A vast number have been on bail while charged, and the bail amendment Bill that I have raised 100 times before in the House is relevant. The Ceann Comhairle keeps interrupting me all the time. Can I ask-----

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: I am being respectful, and giving respect to the House involves answering questions when asked.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: What does the Ceann Comhairle mean there is no date for the legislation? Criminals are going around this city, and others as well, shooting people while on bail.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: The legislation is item No. 72 and the Taoiseach knows that as well as I do.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: Then, notwithstanding the forthcoming event, Bastille Day, which is the real guillotine time, I suggest that, after some period of contemplation, the Bill should be brought before the House as soon as it returns after the summer break. May I suggest that after a period of some contemplation a conclusion is made of a satisfactory nature? Then, without any other intervention, the Bill should...

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: What does the Taoiseach mean by that?

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: Is it not possible? I am disappointed now.

Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: Does the Tánaiste wish to take me there?

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: I never refused an offer. If I am being offered time, I will be delighted to oblige. How many minutes do I have?

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: My colleagues are looking at me with disapproving glances so I had better not speak for 20 minutes. Does the Minister have a preference?

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: This is the Bill.

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: If the Chair wants me to contribute on it for 20 minutes, I will have no difficulty doing so.

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: This Bill is innocuous in theory. That is what it is meant to be because it is part of the PR exercise that now occurs daily in this country. The pretence is that it is but a small imposition that will not be felt by those for whom it is intended. The theory is that it is to generate greater respect for the services we provide, but that will not really be the effect. The Bill will...

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: I believed the Chair was going to encourage me to conclude as quickly as possible.

Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages (7 Jul 2010)

Bernard Durkan: This is not a personal matter. I concluded a long time ago that the HSE is not the ideal body to administer health services. I ask the Minister to revert to the old system, which was at least accountable to some extent. It was transparent to some extent and could be challenged. Members were able to receive answers to parliamentary questions on vital issues in the House daily. They did...