Results 2,421-2,440 of 9,753 for speaker:Terry Leyden

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: I welcome the Minister, Deputy Martin, and his team of senior officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I compliment them on bringing this comprehensive Bill before the House. The Minister established the interim national consumer agency in 2005 in response to recommendations in the report of the Consumer Strategy Group. This interim arrangement was worthwhile...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: It might have been better if this body were amalgamated with the new national consumer agency to prevent any duplication of functionality. Since its establishment, the national consumer agency has put in place a highly informative and accessible website which clearly outlines consumers' rights and updates them on relevant consumer news, including developments in regard to PIN number...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: It seems there was a flurry of activity which suddenly came to a halt. Perhaps Fine Gael's backroom boys will pay heed to this debate and examine the party's website. We cannot rely on any one party to guide us in this area. That is why the national consumer agency was established.

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: Senator Coghlan proposes major amendments to this Bill because, Fine Gael claims, the measures it contains are not strong enough. The out-of-date data on Fine Gael's website suggest an inactive organisation. The Fine Gael Party must provide more up-to-date information if it wishes to get into power. Perhaps it accepts that rip-off Ireland died in 2005, coinciding with the establishment of...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: That is true. As far as the Minister is concerned, however, it is difficult to prepare a Bill of this size and complexity. Instead of waiting for the Bill to go through, he wisely established the body on an interim basis in 2005. This Bill is so complex it is vital it is passed without delay.

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: I compliment Senator Coghlan on his consistently co-operative approach to the passage of legislation in this House. I hope the Minister will be able to have this Bill passed by both Houses before 18 May or whenever.

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: It is important legislation.

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: It includes many effective provisions, as I will outline presently. I ask the Minister to elaborate on his reference to a non-consumer provision in the Bill. He stated: Section 93 amends the Industrial Development Act 1993 to give retrospective effect to an assignment of powers made by Forfás to IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland on 26 May 2006. The assignment of powers is being made...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: That is certainly a vindication of the Minister's stand in that regard. There is great competition among retailers. All the major retailers, including Dunnes Stores and Tesco, are in my home town of Roscommon. All the local shops are still competing very effectively against the multinationals. When the ban on below cost selling was removed, I was concerned it could put them in jeopardy but...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: That is a factor too. There are fewer stations and that is a major concern. There are property deals——

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: The retail outlets have opened filling stations, so it balances out. It is vitally important prices are clearly displayed in stores. The requirement to display the price of petrol and diesel on large signs is being adhered to 100% by filling stations and that has been of major assistance. The same should apply to supermarkets. Going through supermarkets, I sometimes notice prices are not...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: The board has been already appointed.

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: Next Tuesday, 13 February 2007. Committee Stage ordered for Tuesday, 13 February 2007.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: Will the Leader check the status of the proposed pharmacy Bill, which was promised some time ago?

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: Yesterday, the Irish Pharmaceutical Union lobbied Oireachtas Members. The IPU represents 1,600 community pharmacists who are concerned that the HSE will not enter into meaningful discussions with them. The HSE refuses to negotiate with the IPU, which represents all pharmacists throughout the country, but is prepared to negotiate with the Irish Medical Organisation and others. The health...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: The Opposition was enthusiastic when the HSE was adopted, but I did not see much opposition to the dispensing with of the health boards.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: A debate to determine the Department's opinion on this matter would be worthwhile. As far as policy is concerned, the Minister has the final say.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: The HSE runs the health services, but this is a typical example.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: As the files must be moved from Roscommon to Castlebar, it will cost more to assess and process the woman's claim than it would to provide her with transport to Galway next Tuesday. Why will the HSE not arrange for the health professional to hold a clinic in Roscommon to avoid my client driving to Galway to meet the specialist? It would be a worthwhile debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Terry Leyden: That would be ideal, but an opportunity may not arise in the next few weeks.