Results 2,481-2,500 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: I ask the Leader to organise a debate on volunteerism to highlight how little the State is doing to support volunteers and voluntary organisations throughout the country. As we all know, these organisations are cash-starved. Most of the volunteers' time in organisations is taken up with fund raising to pay the high cost of insurance, rented accommodation, etc.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: We can see how little the State is doing for carers. In many cases carers who look after elderly people under the carer's scheme are means tested. We can see how little the State is doing for the elderly and how little support is given to voluntary organisations who are set up around the country to look after the elderly. The same goes for the youth of this country.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Taoiseach mentioned some time ago that he was setting up a committee to look into the issue of volunteerism. More money will be spent in organising this committee and preparing a report than will be given to the voluntary organisations over the next ten years.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: We have seen a similar scenario in the former health boards. Every time an issue had to be examined a committee was set up.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: That committee would prepare a report. There are approximately 150 reports on the health services, and none has ever been implemented.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: I hope the same does not happen to the committee set up recently by the Taoiseach. It is important for us to have a debate on the issue of volunteers and volunteerism in society today. I compliment the members of the Garda Síochána on the fine and excellent job they have done with limited resources.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Garda is under-resourced——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: ——and its morale is at an all-time low because the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform speaks from the two sides of his mouth on several issues. This is annoying and frustrating for gardaí.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Gallagher, to the House. Regrettably, he is part of a Government which does not enforce its own legislation or initiatives. Its every action sends a message of low priority in respect of driver behaviour and the consequent threat to road safety. Hence, can Members be surprised when some drivers pick up this signal and...

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Senator is good at doing so himself.

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: I move: That Seanad Éireann, —mindful of revelations that up to 800,000 individuals may be inaccurately recorded on the elector register; —aware of the huge potential for disenfranchisement and voter fraud that this situation causes; —bearing in mind the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ensure a modern electoral system; calls for...

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: Something must be done to ensure that these people are put on the register. It is already difficult to get young people to vote. They are busy, work long hours and, to be honest, are of a political generation that feels separated from the political process and, in many cases, let down by the Government. We should not make it harder to convince them to take part in the democratic process....

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Senator has one minute remaining.

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Minister is incorrect. We have been highlighting this problem for two years.

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Government has taken its eye off the ball for the past three years on this issue.

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: The Minister of State is charged with responsibility for the electoral register and he has failed to deliver on it.

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: There would be no need for the amendment if the Minister of State agreed with the motion.

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: Did the Minister of State read the amendment?

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: Is that in north Westmeath?

Seanad: Electoral Register: Motion. (10 May 2006)

James Bannon: I heard the Senator was a little further north.