Results 341-360 of 7,652 for speaker:Joanna Tuffy

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Jun 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I agree with Senator Norris's comments in relation to Israel. I have previously advocated in the House that Ireland should play a role in the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians. I totally condemn the actions taken recently by the Israeli Government. Because of Ireland's long experience of the peace process in the North of Ireland, we should encourage both sides in this...

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jun 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I support the Bill in general and the need for regulation. This should have been done when moves were made to deregulate the taxi business. I agree with Senator Wilson on the need for structure and regulations. It should be pointed out that the initial Progressive Democrats-driven action, which was supported by Fianna Fáil, was designed to take these away. That was wrong. There was nothing...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Services for Children with Autism. (27 Jun 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I raise this matter in order to hear an update from the Minister on the situation in Lucan Educate Together national school. The issue has been raised with me by parents of children with autism who attend Lucan Educate Together national school. Music and art therapy has been provided for the children at the school and this initiative has been very successful. Despite a shortage of therapists...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: Senator Mooney referred to the issue of competitiveness, which was also raised last week by Senators Ulick Burke and Cox. I raise it in the context of job losses, including those announced yesterday in Navan, County Donegal and Macroom. I note the commitment given by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, in the Irish Independent today to do everything possible to...

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: Unfortunately, my colleagues and I omitted to table an amendment on Committee Stage but we have tabled two amendments on Report Stage, to which I wish to refer as they apply to this section. One of the amendments which was tabled in the other House last week asked that the commission would have the function of making recommendations to the Minister as to steps to be taken in respect of the...

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I support this amendment. In the Dáil last week the Government included an amendment regarding the promotion of accessible taxis, but more could be done. A suggestion was made that there should be tax breaks. The acceptance of this amendment would recognise that people have to go to some expense to make taxis accessible.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: If we are to take Report Stage by 4.30 p.m. it does not give us much time for debate.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: Only five minutes more will be required to take Report Stage. I do not want to rush the debate.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I am worried that we might not reach it.

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I move amendment No. 1: In page 8, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: "(2) In addition to its principal function set out in subsection (1), the Commission shall have the function of making recommendations to the Minister as to steps to be taken in respect of the position of persons who have experienced hardship by reason of the deregulation of the small public service vehicle...

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: The reason I have tabled these amendments is that it is important, as I noted on previous Stages, that the issue of the hardship caused to a number of taxi drivers and their families as a result of the deregulation of the taxi market is redressed and the matter revisited by the Government. The matter should not be overlooked. Many Members, including Deputies of the other House, have noted...

Seanad: Immigration Bill 2002 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I am unhappy with the way this legislation has been dealt with by the Minister and the Government. The Minister is correct to point out that legislation is always changing. We are not criticising that but we are criticising the level of change to the original legislation and the speed with which those changes were made. The changes limit the input of Members of the Oireachtas and interest...

Seanad: Immigration Bill 2002 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: That is because we work so hard.

Seanad: School Accommodation. (3 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: Will the Minister of State ask the Minister for Education and Science to give us an update on the urgent need to provide extra school places in Lucan, particularly at primary level, for this coming September and for future academic years as well as the need for additional places at second level? It is urgent that this matter is addressed in time for September, when children should be starting...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (4 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I want to join in the tributes to Liam Fitzgibbon who has retired as Editor of Debates. As a new Senator, I was not very articulate; many might say I am still not very articulate. I have often hassled the Debates Office staff by asking them to correct the record by including what I meant to say as opposed to what I said.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (4 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I have always found Mr. Fitzgibbon and his staff very patient and helpful. I was looking at a debate recently from the 1960s about Seanad reform. It is an important historical record which makes us conscious that we should ensure we are thoughtful about what we say. I wish him well in his retirement.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I also raise with the Leader the latest announcement on housing and the Government's great plans to address the issue. I recall another major announcement about affordable housing made five or six years ago from which, in reality, little emerged. For this reason, my feeling this time is that I will believe it when I see it. I agree with Senator Brian Hayes's point about the timing of the...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Bill 2003 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (4 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I thank the Minister of State for his report. I welcome the amendments, which improve the Bill. It is important and worthwhile legislation for the reasons outlined by the Minister of State and other Senators. My colleague, Senator McDowell, was involved in the deliberations on the Bill in this House. I commend the work done by the officials, the Minister and the Members of the House. Question...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (4 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I thank the Minister for his presentation. I welcome the amendments and do not have a problem with them. I still have concerns about the provisions relating to children being present in pubs after a certain time and about the age card. However, I am pleased the Minister has seen fit to take on board some proposals, for example, extending to 9 p.m. the time limit before which children may be...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (4 Jul 2003)

Joanna Tuffy: I also thank the Minister and his officials. The Minister and his Department are working very hard on this issue. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is the busiest Department and ministry and the Minister is in this House more often than any other Minister. The Minister and I have our differences but I learn a great deal from his explanations of the different aspects of the...