Results 541-560 of 2,805 for speaker:Malcolm Byrne

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Education): Statements (2 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber today. Like everybody else, I am looking forward to the day when she comes into the Chamber to debate leaving certificate reform, school transport changes or the school building programme envisaged under the national development plan. We are all tired of this pandemic but unfortunately we need to continue to deal with it. There is no manual or...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid Pandemic Supports (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Senator Cummins and I are very concerned about the announcement, which was made on Friday, that the capacity in our theatres and arts venues is to be reduced to 50%. Such a decision must raise questions around the level of understanding of how theatres operate. Many productions cannot survive unless they operate at 70% to 80% capacity. Theatres are safe and controlled venues. I was...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid Pandemic Supports (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: The Minister of State has responsibility for communities and he has been a very good Minister for community affairs but we are specifically referring to amateur and semi-professional community organisations. There has been significant, much-needed support for the professional sector. The Minister of State should be clear that if support is not provided now for amateur theatre, amateur...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Last Thursday, in The Washington Post, an article opened with the following paragraph: Europe's ambition to lead the world on data privacy has a weak spot: Ireland. The country's Data Protection Commission works on behalf of 447 million EU citizens to defend their data from Meta Platforms Inc., Alphabet Inc. ... Microsoft Corp., Apple Inc. and roughly a dozen other tech giants — and...

Seanad: Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021: Second Stage (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I congratulate the Minister, his officials and the Oireachtas joint committee on all the work that has been done. The legislation is long awaited. It is really important for our coastal communities. It is important for the protection and achieving the potential of our oceans and seas and for the roll-out of wind energy. It is particularly important, as Senator Casey and I have raised with...

Seanad: Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021: Second Stage (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: But if a county manager is to sit on the-----

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Enterprise, Trade and Employment): Statements (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Tánaiste for coming before the Seanad to take these statements. I share the concerns of others about the impact of the new measures on the tourism and hospitality sector. In Wexford an estimated 9,700 people are directly employed by the sector. Those who run businesses have made it very clear that they are very appreciative of the supports the Government has put in place...

Seanad: Maternity-Paternity Leave for County and City Councillors: Motion (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I commend my colleagues, who are members of a panel with which you are quite familiar, a Chathaoirligh, on bringing forward this proposal. This is a useful debate. This Chamber works in a very collegial way, and having debates on these issues that have cross-party support is an important way of doing business. It speaks to the broader principle of the importance of our getting good people...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Challenges Facing the Broadcasting Sector as a Result of Covid-19: Discussion (17 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the witnesses today for their testimonies, and the work of the independent and community radio stations around the country, particularly during this difficult period where much emphasis had to be placed on trusted news sources. It is increasingly a challenge as to how we deal with misinformation and disinformation. We saw it during the course of the pandemic and we are still dealing...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Challenges Facing the Broadcasting Sector as a Result of Covid-19: Discussion (17 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I would like to follow up on Mr. Purcell's point about having an environmental correspondent. Colleagues were asking, including Senator Cassels in particular, about the number of staff and so on. How difficult is it for stations to ensure they can continue to guarantee to provide that trusted, well researched content? I am very conscious that in our own case in South East Radio, as Senator...

Seanad: Antarctic Treaty: Motion (8 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming in to take this important issue. When I arrived in, I thought we would be debating the White Continent. I started off thinking that it was the Lilywhites that we were debating but there is a long Irish association with Antarctica. I would even say that part of why this is important is that it speaks to the importance of our foreign policy, to which I will...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Insurance Coverage (9 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Acting Chairman for notifying me of that in time and I thank the Minister of State for coming in to address this issue. One of the most frightening phrases I have discovered since coming into this House is being told a matter falls between a number of Departments or agencies. The issue of international students’ health insurance unfortunately is one of those that seems to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Insurance Coverage (9 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I appreciate the Minister of State's answer. Part of the difficulty I had in tabling this question was whether to direct it to the Department of Health or the Department of Justice. My worry, if I had tabled it to the Department of Justice, was that Department would say this is a health insurance matter. I appreciate the answer the Minister of State has given but the reality is that it...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I want to refer back to issues we raised in the House on Tuesday. I strongly endorse the call from Senator Black that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, come before the House. I am aware the Leader gave a commitment on Tuesday to do that. It is important to acknowledge the issues raised by Senator Cummins and I, especially around...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Yes. Several of us have been doing it. A number of countries have now done this. It is important the EU now acts.

Seanad: Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Bill 2021: Second Stage (9 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House on the Bill. I thank his officials who have worked on this matter, as well as the members of the joint committee. I know the Minister of State has engaged with my colleague, Senator Crowe, on this issue. As the Minister of State pointed out, the Bill is an important commitment as part of the programme for Government. It is sending out...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: A Safe and Respectful Working Environment in the Arts: Discussion (17 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the witnesses for their testimony. A number of questions have been asked. At the end of this, what is important is that the stories are told and are out there, that there is a cultural change and that in the future those who engage in traditional music feel that people can perform in a safe environment. I have a question for all or any of the witnesses. What can we do, and indeed...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I wish to acknowledge that today is National Irish Sign Language day. Members know, of course, that our Cathaoirleach is a big supporter. Equally, it is very important that the message is on the floor of the House that we are very strong supporters of the Irish Sign Language Act. However, this Act needs to be more than just legislation; it is about how it is enforced and that the...

Seanad: Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021: Committee Stage (14 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I move amendment No. 45: In page 52, to delete line 25. I raised this issue with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, on Second Stage. It applies in general to State boards, but to the specific exclusion of members of local authorities from serving as members of State boards. This makes perfect sense in the case of Members of the Oireachtas who have been involved in the legislative...