Results 221-240 of 1,677 for speaker:Ned O'Sullivan

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Ned O'Sullivan: There appears to have been a Freudian slip on Senator Phelan's part because I did not refer to Fine Gael.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2010)

Ned O'Sullivan: As a former town councillor, I echo Senator Glynn's comments. I know that both town and county councils are concerned about their future. In the context of the suggested abolition of the Seanad, what protection will there be for local authorities? I was very unhappy at the reference in the budget speech to the proposed abolition of this House. If I never got a second term here, I would...

Seanad: Student Support Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed). (18 Jan 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, and compliment him and the Government on grasping the nettle on this very important and urgent change to the system for processing third level grants. I note the commitment to providing a speedy and effective service that will be seen to be fair. Senator Norris spoke eloquently about how many students were disadvantaged by being in college for...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (8 Mar 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I did not have the pleasure of working here with Senator Willie Farrell, but I did know him as a voter, when he used to come to Kerry at election time, and I found him, as did everybody else, a pleasant and charming man and most interesting company. He used to play a bit of golf in Ballybunion; I am not certain whether he had relatives in that area, but he used to go there quite a lot. I am...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (25 May 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Tréaslaím leis an Chathaoirleach as ucht a bheith tofa mar Chathaoirleach an tSeanaid agus guím rath Dé air leis an obair thábhachtach atá roimhe. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leis. I had not intended to contribute because many colleagues, especially new Members and the Cathaoirleach, are anxious to be reunited with their families, but one might as well be out of the world as out of fashion....

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Will the Leader arrange an emergency debate on energy provision and security and ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to come to the Chamber and make a statement on ongoing difficulties in a major project in the mid-west? The Shannon LNG project, which is under the auspices of a multinational energy provider, the Hess Corporation, is well...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Perhaps we might discuss it more immediately. Our colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, has been proactive on this matter in the other House and we in this Chamber should act likewise. This issue is very important for energy security and 500 jobs are at stake in the Kerry region. On a lighter but not entirely jocose note, I am happy about the...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (1 Jun 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Senator O'Donovan and I have been friends for a lifetime. I am regarded as his main sidekick in the House. I will be at a major loss because he will be obliged to spend much more time in the House carrying out his official duties. I will, therefore, be forced to do much more socialising on my own.

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (1 Jun 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: On a serious note, Senator O'Donovan is an outstanding Member of this House and he was also an outstanding Member of the Dáil. He is something of a legend in the electoral history of Fianna Fáil because he managed to win a seat in a constituency where it was seen as being almost impossible for my party to do so. By a quirk of misfortune, he lost out in 2007 when he was destined to serve...

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Motion (1 Jun 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I move amendment No. 1: After "improved" in the last line to insert the following: "supports the conclusion of the Duffy/Walsh report which found that lowering of the basic JLC rates is unlikely to have a substantial effect on employment in the tourism and hospitality sector; — supports the implementation of policies that will attract young people into the tourism sector and encourage them...

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Motion (1 Jun 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Yes, in the national interest. I have collected some statistics which I might as well show off. The tourism sector delivered approximately €4 billion in foreign revenue earnings and €1.3 billion in tax receipts. It underpinned 200,000 jobs in 2009, right in the middle of the banking crisis. This is quite an achievement. Tourism in general is a good news story. The chief executive...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Seán Lemass once famously stated that all election promises are null and void once an election has been held. It is more than likely that Mr. Lemass's tongue was firmly in his cheek when he said that. However, the current Administration appears to believe he was serious because the parties which comprise it are literally abandoning every promise they made during the general election...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: The Fine Gael Party is fragmenting in both Houses.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: She touched a nerve with a few of your own as well.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I could not agree with Senator Keane's proposal that we shorten the Order of Business. It is a valuable and unique opportunity for every Member to bring to national prominence matters that are of importance on a national or constituency level. There would not be much support for shortening the time. I agree, however, that speaking time should be measured and that we should receive feedback...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Can the Leader have something done at Cabinet level for commercial ratepayers? I am thinking particularly of small family businesses and single retailers, like myself, who have struggled during this recession to keep our businesses going and our staff employed. The one unchangeable and fearsome bill received every year is the rates bill. The rateable valuation system needs a total...

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Report Stage and Final Stages. (7 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I second amendment No. 3.

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Report Stage and Final Stages. (7 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I support Senator Zappone's amendment and compliment her on bringing forward a thoughtful and cogently argued amendment. I hope the Minister will be able to take it on board.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: I did not get a chance to speak yesterday when I had intended to call for a debate on the arts. I am thankful to the Leader who anticipated my request when he announced he would arrange for such a debate in his summing up. I would like such a debate to be held before the August recess and my county colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, should be...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (14 Jul 2011)

Ned O'Sullivan: Is that agreed? Agreed.