Results 3,161-3,180 of 24,326 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I will conclude on this point. Although he is responsible for children, when will he live up to the seal of office he received as a Minister of State by protecting and defending children? When will the Government show leadership?

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ormonde should vote with us.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I join Senators Coffey and John Paul Phelan in asking the Minister, at the eleventh hour, to accept the amendments. At a time of economic crisis the country requires the Government to be pro-enterprise and pro-jobs. The Bill has the potential to destroy the greyhound industry which will have an impact on tourism, employment and our sporting life. It will also affect our balance of trade...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: That is what Fianna Fáil masquerade as.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: The 1958 Act allows for regulation. I worry when I receive e-mails from people who have neither the courtesy nor the courage to sign their names. I am neither a ruralite nor an urbanite. I support the rights of those involved in an industry and a sport which creates jobs and does no harm. On any greyhound track one will see people who are creating employment. Greyhound owners and...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not making a Second Stage speech. I am debating section 15.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: Yes, I am dealing with those amendments. The Minister does not have a clue about requirements and definitions regarding litters and bitches. I would say he has never set foot on a greyhound track or spoken to a trainer or owner. He has no understanding of the industry. There is an obligation on the Minister of State to stop the Bill in its tracks and recommence negotiations and dialogue...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: Listening to the Minister of State, I was reminded of a delegate to the county board in Cork, the late Mick "Langton" McCarthy, who, when he did not get his way, used to throw his hands up to heaven and ask: "Where are we going?" I must ask the Minister of State where he and the Government are going with this legislation. It is extraordinary that having had light regulation in the banking...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: That is not unusual either. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Amendment No. 12 not moved. Question proposed: "That section 14 stand part of the Bill."

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: Let us place this matter in perspective. The greyhound industry is worth €560 million and provides employment to 11,000 people on a full and part-time basis. In addition, the export market relating to the industry is worth €39 million. Next week the annual festival will take place at Cheltenham, the Mecca of the horse racing industry, at which Ireland will showcase the talent of its...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: The Minister of State can reject it all he wants. He is entitled to do so and I have no problem with him.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: Yes, I am. The Minister of State has not listened to any of the arguments made on the amendments tabled. He has failed to take on board anything we have stated. He has stated nothing at all. If Senator Glynn is uncomfortable, he should vote with us and not mutter across the floor.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I understand the Senator is annoyed and I share his frustration.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I have what?

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I have not. I could make a very nasty remark but I will not because I am a gentleman. I did not hear the Cathaoirleach take umbrage at what Senator Glynn said about me a minute ago.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: Thank God, you did not. Whether we like it, the Bill is an attack on the greyhound industry. There are people involved in it who provide employment, take the Irish name worldwide and make the country proud. If the Bill is allowed to pass as it stands, we will tell a different story, whether the Minister of State and the Members opposite like it.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator's voice has gone up ten decibels.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: There is a part of me that wonders how I can follow Senator O'Malley's histrionics, given she overreacted to what Senator Coffey rightly said.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: This section is a gross insult to the greyhound industry and dog breeders, as Senator Coffey said. Senator O'Malley should have taken time to read the explanatory memorandum, which refers to those connected with animal welfare. I agree with her that we should have a serious debate and the Bill should fundamentally be about animal welfare. Everybody accepts the requirement of duty of care...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Jerry Buttimer: I would like the Senator to comment on their unwritten statement of intent to get rid of the greyhound industry. Senator Coffey tabled a reasonable amendment, which calls for the designation of an official or veterinary practitioner by the local authority to become the authorised person. Given the Government, of which the Minister of State is a member, has imposed a prohibition-embargo on...