Results 301-320 of 4,773 for speaker:Paudie Coffey

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I spoke about the children, not the teachers.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: Senator Cassidy did not mention children once.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: Fine Gael also would like to see included a definition of homelessness. A housing Bill is passing through the Oireachtas without a clear definition of homelessness which is one of the most significant challenges facing us with regard to housing. Will the Minister of State take on board the views of the House? It is clear that strong views are held on a clear definition of homelessness....

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: It is generally agreed that this is a positive and progressive Bill dealing with housing. It would be a shame for it to progress beyond the House without a clear definition of homelessness. It is a significant challenge which we face and this is an ideal opportunity to address that challenge. This amendment serves to define and clearly enshrine or acknowledge in legislation what it means...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I move amendment No. 6: In page 10, subsection (1), line 7, to delete "works or services" and substitute "works, services and tenancy services". I refer to section 11 and we are talking about housing services, which are an important function of local authorities across social and affordable housing, grants, loans, etc. Section 11 refers to ancillary services. If we examine where local...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I am heartened to hear the Minister of State talking in this fashion. I am willing to withdraw amendments Nos. 6 and 7 for the time being. I hope the Minister of State can examine the matter and provide for further developments at a later stage.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I support the general thrust of the amendment. Consultation should be a two-way street. Where housing authorities have gone to the trouble of preparing a housing services plan for their administrative area, it should be forwarded to the Minister, every local authority adjoining them and the Health Service Executive. I have not tabled an amendment but it should probably be forwarded to...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I move amendment No. 26: In page 16, subsection 4, between lines 29 and 30, to insert the following: "(c) ensure adequate provision of housing to prevent and reduce homelessness.". Chapter 3 relates to the question of social housing support. The Bill should place homelessness as a top priority. This amendment is intended to advance that idea. The amendment aims to ensure that housing...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: Together with a number of other Senators, I acknowledged the progressive nature and general thrust of the Bill, which will certainly improve housing services. We are adamant that homelessness should be given a higher priority in this Bill. The amendment merely seeks to insert an additional subsection (c) to section 19(4) to "ensure adequate provision of housing to prevent and reduce...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: Will the Minister of State clarify once more where he proposes to allow for the implementation of the homelessness strategy in this legislation? While I am sorry to ask him to reiterate this, I would appreciate it if he would do so because this is a very important matter. I do not doubt the Minister of State's genuine concerns in this area and I acknowledge the work he has done on the...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I do not for one minute doubt the genuine attempts of the Minister of State who, while he has been in office for a relatively short time, has done enormous work in the whole area of housing and homelessness, which I publicly acknowledge. However, I concur with Senator Norris. I am a relatively new Senator, having only been here since July last year, but I have a lot of respect for this...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: That is not good enough.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I also support the calls of my colleagues for a debate on public sector reform. I empathise with the front-line staff in many of our public agencies, many of whom are demoralised by the prevailing comments in this regard. It is not their fault as they try to deliver services on a daily basis. However, it is the idea of the public service, its bulk and management that requires attention and...

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I wish to share time with Senator Healy Eames.

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I, too, welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I thank Senators Mullen and Bacik for arranging information briefings for Senators. These very much helped us to understand the scientific aspects of the issue. Information and education on this complex issue will help Members of every opinion in trying to understand it and make constructive contributions on the Bill. I am not a...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I add my voice to those in all sectors of the economy, whether education, agriculture or business, who are concerned that we are suffering. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Ross who is concerned about the appointments to "An Bord Snip". I ask the basic question, what is the Government elected to do and why is it not doing it. Why should it appoint people from the private...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: There is a further shortfall of €2 billion in our public finances, according to the proposed Exchequer figures. We introduced a rushed budget and that is acknowledged throughout the economy. Why did we not wait until November when we could see the figures coming in? The Government is clueless and directionless. We need leadership. The Taoiseach should be invited to this Chamber,...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: The Leader is certainly no expert.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: The Government is putting them out of business.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: We will be waiting a long time for the Government to play its part.