Results 3,601-3,620 of 5,762 for speaker:Gerard Craughwell

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: It is not open to the Cathaoirleach or anybody in the House to change a long-standing practice. Furthermore, we have been in recess while urgent matters such as the opening of schools and the inability of people to get answers to legitimate questions have been evident over the past number of weeks. It is an affront to democracy that the Cathaoirleach or anybody else would seek to shut down...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I would have expected that when the Lower House was recalled, the Cathaoirleach would have taken a leadership role and recalled the Seanad.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: When does the Cathaoirleach propose to recall the Seanad? It has been recalled for a special sitting today. What is the plan for next week?

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I am proposing an amendment to that today.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I have reviewed-----

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I am doing it now.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: In fairness, we were all under the impression that the Seanad would meet yesterday and that we would have an opportunity to meet the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister with responsibility for higher education to raise urgent matters. We were under that impression, but all of a sudden the possibility of that happening disappeared.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: The Cathaoirleach needs to show leadership and recall the Seanad. Today, I will disagree with the proposal to rush through the Bill in one day. I believe the Seanad needs to return next week and it needs to meet three days per week.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I thank the Leader for her intervention. We could have saved ourselves an awful lot of trouble by proceeding with a normal Order of Business. As the Cathaoirleach noted at the opening of today's sitting, there are people on the front line. They have desperate concerns. People are working in schools, or are not sure whether they can return to school because of the health and safety rules...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020: Second Stage (10 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I welcome the Minister and I will support the Bill, but reluctantly. It is a measure that should never have been required. I do not know what has happened since this Government was formed but for some peculiar reason it appears to be losing more and more of the public support that the last Government had. The last Government was hanging on by its fingernails after the general election...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: We have discussed the issue of Jadotville veterans in both Houses several times and every county council in the country is putting forward motions. There are only eight of the recipients of distinguished service medals and military medals for gallantry who are still alive. I think it would be a terrible shame if we lose any more of them before we give them the honours that were recommended...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (18 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: While I appreciate Senator Warfield's qualities and I am sure he will see his day come, I will be supporting Senator Joe O'Reilly. I am delighted to see him as a candidate. As my colleague Senator Boyhan said, if the Senator's party had not nominated him, we would have nominated him. That is how highly thought of he is in this House. I note that the Leader mentioned the only post the...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (18 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: -----as I have some experience in that area. I wish Senator O'Reilly well.

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I wish to share time with Senator Norris. I welcome the Minister to the House. Ireland is lucky to have the Minister continue in his post-----

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: -----as Minister with responsibility for foreign affairs and defence because we need both now. Undoubtedly, the UK Internal Market Bill is the most controversial legislative measure ever put forward by the UK Government. It can be challenged on many legal, constitutional and political fronts. I fully support the measures outlined in the motion from Fianna Fáil, but we must be...

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: -----that this is not the way to do things.

Seanad: School Transport, Leaving Certificate 2020 and Reopening of Schools: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: The Minister is very welcome. I congratulate her on her elevation. First things first. I have in front of me two series of questions that were sent to her Department, the first on 20 August and the second on 9 September. To date, I have not received answers in respect of any of them. They were raised on behalf of parents, principals, boards of management and teachers and it is not good...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (25 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I second the motion proposed by my colleague, Senator Higgins. Legislation is flying through this place at the moment, with all Stages being taken in one sitting and so on. She is 100% correct in what she has said. I join the Cathaoirleach in complimenting the Irish Defence Forces but I will qualify what I am saying. Words of respect for the Defence Forces in this House and the other...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (25 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: I would like a debate on it.

Seanad: Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (25 Sep 2020)

Gerard Craughwell: It is regrettable that again we find ourselves running through several stages of a Bill. I understand that a large number of people in the forestry industry depend on the legislation getting through. I understand urgencies of all sorts but running through Committee, Report and Final Stages of a Bill does not do the public any service whatsoever. In terms of the amendment, as my colleague,...