Results 521-540 of 2,476 for speaker:Malcolm Byrne

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I have a point of order. A Chathaoirligh, I ask you to provide clarity on your interpretation. When Senator Crowe raised the issue of a sentence, you said that members should not comment on a sentence that is handed down. I can fully understand if a court case is ongoing that we should not comment in this House. However, when a decision has been handed down, I think, as Members, we should...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I appreciate that. I do not believe it is appropriate that we should necessarily criticise the judges, but if we feel that a sentence was inappropriate, and I am sure Members can think of such instances, I believe that once it has been handed down we should be entitled to comment on that.

Seanad Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Northern Ireland Protocol and Ongoing Implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the Withdrawal Agreement: Engagement with Mr. Maroš Šefovi (15 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Commissioner for all of his work. One thing that is evident is the solidarity that has been shown across all of the European Union member states throughout this process, in particular about recognising the importance of the Single Market and the Good Friday Agreement. We are very grateful for that. I have three questions. The Commissioner mentioned the Brexit adjustment...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Irish Sign Language (30 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter on the Irish Sign Language, ISL, which I know is of deep personal interest to him. I thank the Minister of State for coming into this House, as I know she is personally invested in this issue. My colleague in the Dáil, Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan, has also regularly raised this issue. It is an important statement by these Houses...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Irish Sign Language (30 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister of State. I know her passion for this area and exactly what she feels. That passion is something that we need across all elements of government because, with the greatest of respect, the Minister of State cannot do this on her own. In the education space in particular, this has to be about focusing on the individual young person and what it is we need to put in place...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I join with colleagues in the call for a TRIPS waiver. I have raised this issue in the House on a number of occasions. Senator Moynihan and others have rightly made the point that until everybody on this planet is safe, nobody is safe. Senator Conway was correct when he said it is great that we have a vaccination rate of 95% and the average within the European Union is now approximately...

Seanad: Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021: Second Stage (30 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: There can be no greener sector of the economy than horticulture and mushroom growing. By its nature, as an indigenous industry, it is deeply committed to the greening of Ireland. It is impacted by climate change and those involved are very much aware of the effect of climate change. Most are strongly supportive of ending the use of peat as a fossil fuel because they see the impact of it....

Seanad: National Development Plan 2021-2030: Statements (30 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the House and for his work on the development of this comprehensive plan. While I welcome his statement that this is all about delivery, it is also about ensuring value for money. One of the problems with many major public projects is that the public accept the need for them but ask who is watching their budgets. The national children's hospital obviously...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I echo the remarks expressed by Senator Moynihan. It is important that in our battle against one pandemic we do not forget the battle against another pandemic. On World AIDS Day it is important that we remember that the fight against AIDS and HIV is a domestic battle and a global battle. The Deputy Leader will be aware that the Central Statistics Office this week published a report on the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Will there be a need for more by-elections after the match tonight in Tallaght?

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I move amendment No. 1: After the third paragraph, to insert the following paragraphs: “- expresses serious concern at the continued abuse of the human rights of the Tibetan people; - notes the erosion of the rule of law and repression of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong;"

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: We have much to learn from the Chinese people, including about their history and their culture. There is a lot that we can learn and there is a lot we can share. I support the development of global, free and fair trade. The EU and Ireland should do what they can to support trade with China, and we need to build co-operation and friendship. I am also conscious of perceptions, and of...

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I agreed not to move it following discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and on the basis that there would be clarity in respect of the case of Richard O'Halloran.

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I am happy for the moment but I am concerned that I have not received further answers on the case of Richard O'Halloran. I made the point when I tabled the amendment and I strongly believe that we should have a diplomatic boycott. However, out of respect for the representatives in Iveagh House, when I was asked not to push it on that basis, I agreed. That said, I am disappointed, and...

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I will not push it but I am disappointed that-----

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Health): Statements (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the House. While he will not want it to be mentioned, it is important that Senators from all sides of the House show solidarity with him following the awful protest - I would not even call it a protest - that took place outside his home. There is no call for that. These are ignorant thugs-----

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Health): Statements (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: -----who have no respect for democracy. The Minister will find that there is solidarity with him and his family on all sides of this House. We need to take action. We are all in favour of peaceful protest but to do what was done outside the Minister's home and to his family is completely unacceptable. As I am sure the Minister is aware, the difficulty with this pandemic is that there is...

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Health): Statements (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: This week the all-Ireland amateur one act drama festival takes place in Ennis and for the amateur drama movement it has been a particularly difficult 18 months, as we might appreciate. Many drama groups were preparing for the full-length drama festival when the pandemic hit. They had to cancel festivals and their plays were never performed. We have now finally seen the one act festival...