Results 401-420 of 1,625 for speaker:Pat O'Neill

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: I am not quite finished, a Chathaoirligh. As Senator Darragh O'Brien said, we have been waiting two months to speak. Senator Thomas Byrne made reference, in regard to the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012, which we will debate this afternoon, to the existence of a two-tier health system. I remind the Senator that his party was in power for 14 years and had ample...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Yes; I am getting to it. The Fianna Fáil Party was in government for 14 years. When the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, was in opposition, he brought forward various proposals on how savings could be made. Senator Byrne's comments regarding the Minister were uncalled for.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Senator Byrne's party created this two-tier Ireland in the Galway tent.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Yes. My question to the Leader relates to the revenues arising from the replay of the All-Ireland hurling final. I welcome the GAA's decision to make a contribution to both teams' holiday funds. These players provide entertainment to many thousands of people.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Yes, it is. I am asking that the Revenue Commissioners deal with this contribution in the spirit in which it is being given. There should be no tax implications for players arising from it.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: I compliment the Minister for agriculture on his announced yesterday of a new AEOS 3 scheme that will provide ¤20 million. I also compliment him on savings made in his Department over the past 18 months or more at a testing time for the economy. The announcement means that 6,000 new farmers will be able to participate in the scheme and I would welcome an acknowledgement from the other side...

Seanad: School Transport: Statements (26 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: The Minister of State is welcome to the Seanad. As the Senator who raised the matter on the Order of Business, I have a few points, although most of the Senators have dealt with the issues. The changes to the scheme are too blunt and there is not much of a humanitarian or practical aspect to them. There will always be difficulties in change. I gave examples before and do not wish to repeat...

Seanad: Smarter Travel: Statements (27 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Is the Acting Chairman wishing me, as a Kilkennyman, the best of luck on Sunday?

Seanad: Smarter Travel: Statements (27 Sep 2012)

Pat O'Neill: On behalf of Fine Gael, I am delighted that the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, came to the House. I noted his speech. I welcome back to the House the Minister of State, Deputy Dinny McGinley, whose county won the Sam Maguire. He is present to engage with Senators on smarter travel. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, for the significant progress made in persuading people to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Some of the points I wanted to make have been dealt with. I thank Mr. Gunning and Mr. Egan for appearing before the joint committee. I thank Mr. Gunning for his presentation and for noting that SmartPly is based in south Kilkenny. I would like to begin by asking about outdoor recreation. Coillte provides enormous pleasure to those who avail of the access to forests that is provided. Does...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: Deputy Ó Cuív did not mention last Sunday.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: I know.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: My final question relates to SmartPly and medite. When I visited the SmartPly plant during the summer, I was impressed by the facility and by the product innovation being shown by the company. Mr. Gunning mentioned a new product - Medite Tricoya - which reminds me of the word "troika". The product innovation is something else. SmartPly's plan to invest in a new plant has been approved at...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: If I have land and there is gold on it, I do not own that gold. It belongs to the Minister. That is the way it is.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: What about the objective of a 1 km limit?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Foresty Industry: Discussion with Coillte (2 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: The SmartPly decision will not be made by Coillte alone. It will be made by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the board of Coillte.

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Motion (4 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: I second the motion. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to discuss CAP reform and related agricultural issues. The House should please excuse the state of my voice. I am still a little hoarse after the match last Sunday.

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Motion (4 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: No, it was not from celebrating. I was not booing either. The Minister has achieved a great deal since he became Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2011. He is widely recognised as a dominant voice in Europe on CAP reform, especially in respect of proposals for an alternative to the Commissioner?s preferred new payment method of a flat-rate payment, negotiating flexibility on...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Motion (4 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: What is wrong with the Senator after last Sunday week?

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (9 Oct 2012)

Pat O'Neill: I will not over-indulge on time. While the joint committee on agriculture was sitting in private session, I raised an issue that I now wish to put on the public record. In the past two weeks, a fisherman landed monkfish on the docks and gave it away for free. That person now faces prosecution. Will the Leader ask the Minister to make a statement on the matter of discards? The EU's policy...