Results 2,841-2,860 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Adjournment Debate Matters (18 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 21 and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Michael Ring - Bed capacity at Áras Deirbhle and the district hospital, Belmullet, County Mayo; (2) Deputy Brian Hayes - the new contractual arrangements for the provision of ICT in schools; (3) Deputy Joe Costello - the...

Written Answers — Garda Investigations: Garda Investigations (18 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 96: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report from the Garda authorities into their investigations into last week's fire in Capel Street, Dublin 1; his views on whether the matter has consequences for head shops generally. [8538/10]

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (23 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (23 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Deputy Mattie McGrath has nine minutes.

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (23 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I am happy to do so and to support partnerships in constituencies.

Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (23 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 381: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the habitual residency clause for persons returning here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9062/10]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (23 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 382: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of an association (details supplied) that there appears to be a significant delay in processing carer's allowance applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9063/10]

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Thank God for that.

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I was worried for a minute.

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate. I note that the Road traffic Bill 2009 restates and amends the Road Traffic Acts 1961-2006 and introduces new provisions to reduce the current blood alcohol content for professional and novice drivers as well as introducing alcohol testing for drivers involved in collisions and roadside preliminary impairment...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I am going to chance my arm, anyway. I could talk about mineral prices because I am a 7-Up drinker. As the Deputy said we get fleeced, although I am quite happy to go into all the pubs in Tallaght. I presume I could also talk about the Luas, Shamrock Rovers, unemployment, Garda resources, Gay Byrne and even Deputy Mattie McGrath, but I shall try to contain myself.

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: This is important legislation and I shall leave it to the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, to defend himself, which I am sure he will do very well. I am always happy to-----

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Absolutely, and that is what loyal Fianna Fáil people do, as Deputy Durkan well knows. I shall send him the handbook some day, if he wishes. The Minister is always responsive to me when I contact him as regards different issues in relation to Dublin South-West, very often about the extension of the Luas which I am glad to see is now progressing.

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: This is relevant to the Bill because if people get on the Luas they will not be tempted to drive their cars when they have a few drinks. One can go from Tallaght all the way to the Point Theatre, enjoy a night out and not worry about consuming alcohol and driving home.

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: Indeed, and I had better tell the Deputy-----

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I have no complaint about my good friend, Deputy Bernard Durkan. I am a big fan, and I am not going to tease him. It is important, however, to make the point that I do not have any country blood and I am not, therefore very well versed on rural issues or as regards how this matter affects rural people. I have received extensive correspondence, including some from pubs and lounges in the...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: No I did not - and Brittas. I am listening to what people are saying and am particularly interested in what Members are telling me about the difference, as they see it, between life in an urban area - where there is easy access to public transport or one can walk home without difficulty - and that in rural Ireland. I do not know a great deal about rural communities apart from the one in...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I have some sympathy in that regard while at the same time having other experiences in my area. That is why I am prepared to fight all the time for the further provision of decent public transport in all areas. Certainly, that is true of the greater Dublin region, and I have already talked about the Luas and the difference it has made to many communities, not alone on my side of the city...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: -----they come out of the pub to be told that the bus service is not available. That is why I very strongly support the Dublin Bus Community Forum. I appreciate the fact that the Leas-Cheann Comhairle has allowed me to make that point. I shall continue to fight to ensure that public transport is available to all our communities. If we can restore confidence among communities in the public...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Charlie O'Connor: I am sure he will be happy to have an election in 2012.