Results 2,881-2,900 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2006)

James Bannon: I would like to highlight the plight of many people, including farmers, in the midlands due to the serious flooding in the area of the River Shannon. The ESB must be forced to reduce the water levels on Lough Derg and downriver from Athlone, Lanesborough and Longford because serious flooding is taking place in those areas. Farmers in Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon are seriously affected...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2006)

James Bannon: Hard-pressed people in the midlands need support. The Government must take immediate action and provide flood relief. I raised the issue with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, during the debate on the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill. Public meetings will be held over the Christmas period. I have alerted the Government to...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: Alarm bells are ringing concerning climate change. We have one of the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions per head of population in the world, exceeded only by the US and Luxembourg. Action must be taken urgently. Our planet is being destroyed. A debate is needed and I call on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to address the House on this issue. Next...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: What does the Leader mean?

Seanad: School Closures. (6 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: He will deliver.

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (6 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I thank the Minister of State for taking this motion, the purpose of which is to highlight need for the provision of an update on the status of the application by Scoil Etchen, Kinnegad, County Westmeath, for a proposed building project, which is urgently required to facilitate the demand for places at the school caused by the increased population levels in the Kinnegad area. Everyone who...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (6 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I hope after 20 March 2007 everything will be ready to roll.

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (6 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I have every confidence in the board of management. We will forward any outstanding recommendations to the Minister of State. I hope the Department will not be found wanting in delivering this project.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health and Children to the House to debate the poor quality health services around the country. Every week brings a new scandal in the health care system. It was brought to my notice that the HSE is now assessing domiciliary care applications that were submitted in 2005. There is a waiting list of almost two years for a decision on applications...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: A carer's allowance cannot be awarded until such time as a domiciliary care allowance is granted. There is a significant conflict of interest which the Minister for Health and Children needs to address. What is happening is scandalous. I know of a significant number of people who are waiting for their applications to be processed——

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: ——but nothing is being done.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: Yes. On the issue of pensions, last night the Progressive Democrats announced a commitment to increase pensions by 50%. One could be forgiven for believing the party had not been in Government for the past ten years.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: Why does the party not pay the increase now? Does it expect to be in Government on its own after the next general election? It will be wiped out.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: Why is there a two-year waiting list?

Seanad: Post Office Network (20 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the House. However, if this matter were to be given the consideration it deserves, it would be necessary to have not only one but several Ministers present. I realise, however, this would not exactly be in keeping with practical and procedural constraints. For a serious review of the post office network to be carried...

Seanad: Post Office Network (20 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me again to highlight the crisis facing the post office network. We are all aware that 300 post offices have closed in the past two years. What action will the Government take to prevent the closure of more rural post offices? This was not addressed in the Minister's reply.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, to the House to discuss the inadequate service signage on dual carriageways and motorways, which is costing us jobs. Business has plummeted in Rochfordbridge, Kinegad and other small towns and villages bypassed by motorways because of inadequate signposting of services in those locations. In Rochfordbridge 17 jobs have...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: Areas in the midlands are inadequately signposted. Longford, Mullingar and Athlone are very prominent towns in the midlands.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: They are not adequately signposted.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

James Bannon: There may be the odd photograph of a prominent politician.