Results 561-580 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: It will save the Minister time and effort in the long run. I appreciate there are difficulties regarding the summer recess, but I presume they can be overcome by arranging a quick recall of the Dáil. Perhaps the change can be made by the transport committee.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: Perhaps not.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: I am sure the Dáil can be recalled, with the full co-operation of all concerned, for a quick meeting to ratify any amendments to the Bill, thereby ensuring that Aer Rianta will be able to proceed on 1 September. If such measures are not taken, the Bill might be the subject of a court case and Aer Rianta might have severe difficulties on 1 September.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: If the Minister accepts amendment No. 43, he will save a great deal of effort and work in the long run.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 43: In page 16, subsection (12), line 31, to delete "(4)" and substitute "(3)".

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Report and Final Stages. (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: I thank everyone involved in the debate on the Bill. I thank the Leader for arranging the extra sittings this week. They were of benefit to everyone concerned. It would have been inappropriate to have had late sittings last week to rush this legislation through the House. We have discussed many aspects of the Bill in great detail. While we did not amend it, we managed to obtain clarification...

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Report and Final Stages. (14 Jul 2004)

Fergal Browne: Either way, I look forward to coming back in the autumn and, whether I am official spokesperson on transport, I will maintain a keen interest in the area.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: The limit of €317 on the back to school allowance has been in place for 11 years and it should be adjusted immediately. I was amazed to find out that there was a €4 million underspend in that area. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs should be called to the House to confirm an increase in that limit so families can benefit from this payment. It is ridiculous that it is so low.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: A pub in Galway was fined €7,000 this week. While the proprietor might have deserved a fine, questions could be asked about its fairness. People are getting away with assaults in our streets but this pub has been severely punished. This House should debate over-regulation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: I also call on the Leader to ask the new Minister for Transport to come to the House to make a clear statement on the future of Aer Lingus and to state whether he will be receptive at a future date to a management or management-employee buy-out. There is an onus on him to ensure taxpayers and staff at Aer Lingus know where they stand. I understand staff at Aer Lingus are demoralised and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: Or Eircom.

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the new Minister for Agriculture and Food to the House. I spent the last week in Carlow at the ploughing championships and she was mobbed by people in the Department's stand. Her appointment received a mixed reaction from people in the Fine Gael tent. The fact that she is from Donegal was of concern to people from the south east. However, I am sure she will rise to the occasion and...

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: It is great to see a fresh face in the Department. While Senator Callanan might sing the praises of the former Minister, Deputy Walsh, who did some good work, unfortunately he also made mistakes and did not do the work we hoped he would do. I hope a fresh face and the caring image of Fianna Fáil following the meeting in Inchydoney will mean significant changes in the next year or two. I will...

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: I am merely making a point.

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: The solicitors will not be happy. The main thrust of the Bill is welcome. The purchase and registration of land is far too complicated. I was amazed to learn recently of a person in County Carlow who went to Australia where he is now building houses. Everything there can be done so quickly and without the assistance of a solicitor. This person received planning permission to build a swimming...

Seanad: Disabled Drivers. (7 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: This matter is straightforward. I am requesting that permits given to people for disabled parking should be extended to include parents of children with autism or Asperger's syndrome. Disabled parking spaces are invariably underutilised. Parents with autistic children have requested that I raise this issue at a national level.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on wireless technology and the move by telephone companies to install tiny antennae on buildings such as nursing homes. It is a growing issue as more data is now transferred through wireless technology. The Minister for Communications,...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate him on his appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children. His appointment was welcomed in Kildare although it is a point of contention that we in Carlow-Kilkenny got no Minister. However, it is the new Minister's moment of glory and I wish him well in his new job. I hope he will not forget about Carlow. This...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: The Senator should be realistic. How many families fall into those categories?

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Fergal Browne: A Chathaoirligh, may we have copies of the Minister's script?