Results 2,721-2,740 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I am delighted that this positive response is reflected in this evening's debate and that the motion has received unanimous support. I hope that it will also be acted upon. It is one thing to accept a motion, but to follow through is another. Such co-operation begs the question of whether this jaded Government is running out of ideas and initiatives of its own.

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: Such co-operation on behalf of the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats Government is rare and therefore open to suspicion. With such unprecedented backing, there is nothing to stop the committee from being up and running before Christmas if we pass this motion, which enjoys unanimous support. The Labour Party document on Dáil reform, Putting our House in Order 2003, which is being...

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: For us in the Seanad, the potential of such a committee is enormous. While the Seanad has the freedom to look at issues that are perhaps not always on the political radar, we may not be as effective in dealing with public concerns and suggestions as we should be. It seems to me that we have a case in point in the Government Green Paper on energy, which was as noteworthy for what it left out...

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: There have been many false dawns in the debate on the role of the Seanad, but we must make it more efficient and relevant to the general public. This motion is a worthy addition to that reform agenda. I am delighted but, as I said, suspicious of Government co-operation, which more than anything sends out a clear message that it is on its way out.

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I am afraid——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I thought Senator Ross would support me. With all the talk about decentralisation, the national children's hospital represents a huge opportunity missed. I felt the most appropriate place for this hospital was the midlands.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: We have a great road network north, south, east and west.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: It would be extremely accommodating for the citizens of Donegal, Galway, Cork and the midlands.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: People from the midlands and west of Ireland must go to Dublin the night before——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: Yes, I do. Farmers from all over Ireland are across the road in Buswells Hotel and politicians are tripping over themselves agreeing with their 2007 budget submission.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I call for a debate on the income crisis in farming at present. Farmers' incomes are declining rapidly and many issues are raised in their submission document which must be addressed.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: A large number of stealth taxes have been introduced by this Government during the past nine years.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: We have seen the escalation of costs associated with farming. Those are issues that must be addressed. Farmers feel that there is a weak Minister for Agriculture and Food who sold us out to the EU. We must have an urgent debate on the decline in farming incomes, an issue of concern to us all. I also support the call for a debate on the new draft register of electors. I am puzzled by and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I agree with Senator Scanlon on the roll-out of the home care packages for our elderly people. What is happening is scandalous and disgraceful. We are told by the HSE that there is nobody in place at the moment to sign off on the packages. The delays are all due to bureaucracy and red tape. At the same time, we had HSE representatives circling this House all day today——

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: ——promoting their image and so forth. It would be better if they stayed within their remit and get rid of their answering machines. Last week I had to make representations on behalf of a very elderly person——

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I encountered 11 voice mailboxes rather than a human being at the other end of the telephone line. This is something of which the HSE must get rid. I also call for a debate on the condition of our county, secondary and regional roads in the context of road safety. Some of our roads and signage are in a deplorable state. What is happening in this regard is scandalous. One sees overgrown...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: It is important that we have a debate on the condition of our roads, many of which are in a deplorable state, despite what the Minister has said on numerous occasions, namely that there is plenty of money for our county roads.

Seanad: Energy Policy: Motion (25 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I second the motion introduced by the Independent group. I have spoken on this issue previously and raised it on many occasions in this House and in other forums on which I serve. I commend the Independent group on introducing this motion. I also commend the initiative taken by Fingal County Council on energy and insulation standards, which will require new houses to be 60% more energy...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I echo other speakers in complimenting the Garda and Fire Services on the manner in which they handled situations throughout the country last night. However, many individuals, including taxi drivers and gardaí, have indicated to me the lack of resources available to emergency services personnel, especially gardaí. These people work with limited resources and this has been highlighted time...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: On a point of order, to what area was he referring?