Results 701-720 of 5,732 for speaker:Fidelma Healy Eames

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That is a good point.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The question I am constantly asked in Galway is how many of our businesses will make it to Christmas. These are perfectly fine businesses but they need cashflow to survive. We are talking about people's livelihoods. Banks are not supporting these businesses when they need it, even though we bailed out the same banks. Businesses must pay their rates soon and have just paid their rents,...

Seanad: Death of Member: Expressions of Sympathy (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I deeply appreciate the opportunity to say a few words as a fellow Galway person. I would like to be associated with the sympathy and condolences offered to Séamus's wife Ann and his family and friends today. Growing up, I was not aware that Séamus Brennan was a Galway man when I watched him on television. I came to know his sister Carmel and served on the board of GMIT and Network with...

Seanad: Agriculture Sector: Statements (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Agriculture Sector: Statements (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Agriculture Sector: Statements (18 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to the House. I ask that he would take back the concerns and issues I will raise to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. We pride ourselves on our reputation as a top, green food producing country. However, recent budget and policy decisions by the Government will work to prevent this and — this is difficult to say — will...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Yesterday I supported the call for recapitalisation of the banks but that must only happen if it will lead to additional lending to provide the necessary cashflow for all the businesses in serious trouble. I referred yesterday to business owners in Galway who are wondering whether they will make it to Christmas. Strict terms and conditions must be laid down for recapitalisation, otherwise...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Pupil-teacher ratios and overcrowded classrooms are the main concerns. The main change that is sought is broader curriculum choice, which means more teachers. Ironically, these issues were affected by the cuts the Government introduced in the budget. As Senator Coffey said, this issue is not about the teachers, it is about the effect on children. When will we have the debate I have called...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Since the budget, there have been constant calls for debates on the economy and education. Why has the Leader not acceded to them given they are serious issues? I express my outrage and congratulate Senator Ross on his good work in unveiling a sickness at senior management level in the public service. I could not believe my ears when I heard Mr. Molloy's interview on Pat Kenny's show the...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I am seeking a debate on public sector reform, especially in respect of State bodies and appointments made to them. The culture of arrogance endemic in those organisations must be rooted out. A report in today's Irish Independent, entitled "Exam chiefs urged to axe concessions on spelling", is of concern. Many young people are in the Gallery.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Some 4,500 people at junior certificate level and 2,100 people at leaving certificate level are given spelling and grammar concessions during those exams. These concessions are difficult to get because many of those involved are dyslexic, meaning that there is a significant difference between their intelligence and their performance in terms of spelling and grammar. Today, a confidential...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The Minister for Education and Science should make an urgent statement on his position this issue. The concessions should not be withdrawn from young people who should be encouraged to stay in school.

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I welcome the Bill as a first step in thinking about this important issue. There are many good provisions therein. The human embryo has the potential to become a person or persons. The Bill proposes the banning of the creation of human embryos for research that could lead to cloning or human-animal hybrids and the donation of human embryos for these purposes. It rules out the deliberate...

Seanad: Fish Quota. (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for responding to this matter. I ask the Minister to state how he plans to share out the extra mackerel quota offered for 2009. The mackerel quota has been increased by 33.3%, which is good news, for 2009. There is a fear in the west, in particular in Galway but also among fishermen in Kerry and Cork who are part of the polyvalent...

Seanad: Fish Quota. (26 Nov 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: When will the Minister of State plan make up his mind? He presented a balanced case in his response, but a decision is required. Coastal communities in Galway, Cork and Kerry are as needy as the fleet in Killybegs. We are not looking for it all, just for a fair share.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Will the Leader call on whichever Minister is responsible, possibly the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to regulate debt collectors as a matter of urgency? The Cathaoirleach may have heard of the business that was named yesterday and today on "Liveline". Its job is debt collection on behalf of small, good businesses throughout the country which have been defrauded once by...

Seanad: FÁS: Statements (2 Dec 2008)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That is unfair.