Results 901-920 of 955 for speaker:Terry Brennan

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: When it was abolished.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: I am pleased to have the opportunity. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Humphreys, to the Chamber. The Bill will give effect to a number of social protection measures announced in the recent budget which relate to statutory schemes. I am aware they can only be implemented by way of primary legislation. I do not intend to elaborate on them all but the main measures of the Bill...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: There is an increase of €2 for adult dependants aged under 66 years and an increase of €2.70 for adult dependants aged 66 years or older. The name of the respite care grant is to be changed to carer's support grant and its rate will be increased by €325 to €1,700 from 1 June next. Following the death of the person being cared for, carer's allowance will be paid...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: I appreciate that.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: What about the previous by-election?

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: What about the previous by-election?

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: I compliment my esteemed colleague on the opposite side of the House on bringing forward this Bill. The Irish people voted to retain the Seanad and we all understood this was on condition that there would be a change in how the House works. As colleagues noted, we have already changed a lot of things. This is my first term in the Seanad but those who have been here longer acknowledge what...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Conviction Rates for Drink Driving: Discussion (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: I apologise for not being here, as I had to leave.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Conviction Rates for Drink Driving: Discussion (25 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: I will. I compliment the Garda on the significant reduction in the number of road fatalities since 2002. Unfortunately, we have had a few fatalities since the statistic was given to us. On the question of tyres, I know a lady who went to get a puncture fixed only last week and she ended up having to replace all four tyres. She did not realise how bad they were. We should encourage a...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: I would like to be associated with the good wishes to our friend and colleague, Bernard Hand on his retirement. He is an avid GAA fan like myself and unfortunately I must admit that I did not take his good advice on all occasions. It was always a pleasure to listen to him. I also join in the good wishes for Senator Norris tomorrow. I wish him well. He is back to his brilliant best from a...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: No, I am just a keen listener.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: As we are discussing remuneration and public service pay in general, I wish to refer to the situation of local councillors. I was a councillor for 25 years before I came into this House and for the first 15 or 16 years we received no remuneration whatsoever. We were serving the people and wanted to do so. It was a joy and a thrill to be elected and we all got great satisfaction from doing...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: Is that from the first day?

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Nov 2015)

Terry Brennan: The councillors do not pay into a pension scheme so how can a pension deduction be reduced?

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2015)

Terry Brennan: Yesterday in Drogheda the Minister and Minister of State, Deputies Bruton and Nash, launched the Action Plan for Jobs: North East/North West 2015-2017 aimed at delivery 10% to 15% employment growth in the region over the coming years. This action plan is part of a new €250 million regional jobs strategy. Since the national Action Plan for Jobs was launched in early 2012 more than...

Seanad: Motor Vehicles (Duties and Licences) Bill 2015: Second Stage (1 Dec 2015)

Terry Brennan: I welcome the Minister of State. The Motor Vehicles (Duties and Licences) Bill 2015 is required for two main reasons. First, to give full effect to changes to motor tax rates applying to commercial goods vehicles announced in the recent budget and, second, to deal with issues raised in a Court of Appeal judgment which deemed the taxing of articulated vehicles to be without a proper legal...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Committee Stage (2 Dec 2015)

Terry Brennan: I joined a semi-State company at 20 and it was compulsory to pay approximately 6.9% or 7% of my wages towards my pension. All of my colleagues were in the same position and the company paid a corresponding amount towards our pensions. My wife wondered whether we had to pay this phenomenal figure and when it comes to being paid my pension, I hope my colleagues and I will be rewarded. Should...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2015)

Terry Brennan: Does the Senator know why we do not have a sufficient number of gardaí?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Energy Policy: Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (3 Dec 2015)

Terry Brennan: I apologise for not being here for the Minister's presentation. I was delayed by a vote in the Seanad and we expect another one shortly. I mentioned at our last meeting the possibility of reducing our energy demands. I am convinced, even though I say it myself, it is a good idea with regard to emissions and the cost to local authorities of electricity in our towns, villages and motorways....

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2015)

Terry Brennan: I refer to the "RTE Investigates" programme last night. Some of the evidence that was presented to us was horrifying.It was damning and representative of the very worst moral and ethical standards in public life in Ireland or elsewhere. The programme has done some service in shining a light on this darkest recess of the political system. However, in the midst of the justifiable fury it has...