Results 4,941-4,960 of 5,732 for speaker:Fidelma Healy Eames
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: Like other Senators, I am disappointed that the amendments proposing the holding of a referendum on protection from privatisation of our water resource have been ruled out order. I would like an explanation for their being ruled of order.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I believe the problem could have been worked out. The Minister in his response yesterday in this House asked if Senators were seeking that Irish Water or water be protected from privatisation under the Constitution. We are seeking the protection of the water resource. We should have debated that issue. What are we afraid of? Why are we not willing to stand up for the Irish people and say...
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I agree with Senator Ó Murchú that we need to protect the water of Ireland for the people of Ireland. I am delighted that Senator Barrett has put forward a measure that could strengthen the weakness of the plebiscite which the Government is offering the people. Senator Barrett's middle ground protection is a wisely and judiciously sought strengthening of the plebiscite, which is...
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: On a point of order, I am very uncomfortable with the response to Senator Mary Moran's request.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I think, in fairness-----
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: -----this type-----
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: We need respect, and that respect has not been acknowledged by the person delivering the comment.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: He actually complimented the Minister.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: Ghandi once said that the future depends on what we do today. Our future depends on what we do today about water. I accept the assurances offered by the Minister and this Government that they will not privatise water but that is not the point. The Minister will not be there forever. Any measure we put into the Statute Book should be strong enough to prevent unintended consequences in the...
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: How do I follow Senator Norris?
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: While I had no plans to speak to the amendment, I will take the opportunity to do so given that this is the season of goodwill. The Minister has repeatedly informed the House that he is sincere and means what he says. He even used the term "over my dead body" in reference to possible privatisation of Irish Water. Perhaps it is time he came out of the bunker and ceased being a prisoner of...
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I agree with one point made by Senator Mac Conghail - this debate provides us with an opportunity to make a civic gesture. The Minister should accept this amendment and allow the debate to proceed. If, as he states, he is sincere about listening, I ask him to show sincerity by accepting the amendment and allow a forum to consider this issue for seven months. The amendment does not dictate...
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: The Minister is under orders.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: It is Christmas week and I would love to go home, but we are not going home until we get a reasonable response to our concerns. The Minister has repeatedly claimed that he is sincerely and genuinely listening and that he will accept any reasonable amendment. With respect to Senator Byrne, he is offering the weakest possible amendment. The Minister need do nothing but consider it. If he...
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I saw him shake his head.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I am delighted.
- Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)
Fidelma Healy Eames: I was checking. At the end of the day, actions will speak louder than words. This amendment would allow the forum to consider the issue of keeping water as a public resource. It will be given seven months to consider that issue. If the Minister does not have that power, I am concerned. I accept that he may wish to consult his Cabinet colleagues on this, but we will press the amendment....