Results 981-1,000 of 9,894 for speaker:Thomas Byrne
- Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: That is a fact regarding the PIAB legislation.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: We did not. That legislation was an attack on vested interests.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: The question is that we should have a full debate on the legal services Bill before it comes to the House on Second Stage so we can tease out all of the issues. This is very important in terms of consumers but also in terms of international reputation. Third, I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise a matter on the Adjournment concerning Blanchardstown hospital because some...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: Surely, as the Government is proposing this, Government Members should be able to get out and sell it. That is what Government is about.
- Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: One issue concerns me, although I will not take too much time with it. I hate saying it but there seems to be a commitment to mediocrity in the university sector. As to the fall in ranking of some of the major institutions, we are taking it lying down. The Minister of State has indicated that he is happy with The Times Higher Education performance tables, which place Ireland firmly in the...
- Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: We must have flagships in the country and we should not be afraid of elite education. It can bring people from nothing and make them great. It can make this country great and create shining lights to attract industries. The Government indicates it is happy with ranking when the major universities see major drops but I am not and neither should the Government be happy; it should urgently...
- Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: I have.
- Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: I am concerned about the Minister of State's dismissive attitude to university rankings. While the rankings have flaws, dismissing the fact that there has been a drop of 50 places is a source of serious concern.
- Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: No, it is not, but I will raise the matter on the Adjournment on another occasion.
- Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: I will table the matter for discussion on the Adjournment.
- Seanad: Hospital Services (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown has caused considerable concern among people not only in Dublin 15 but also in County Meath, given that it is one of the main hospitals serving the southern part of that county. It has a higher profile at present because of the by-election in Dublin West. Prior to the last general election, Fine Gael and Labour Party candidates promised to protect...
- Seanad: Hospital Services (11 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, said last year that a serious loss of life would happen in north Dublin hospitals. The Labour Party and Fine Gael promised to retain services. They said they would do it even though they knew what this country's financial situation was at the time. As I said, the amount of tax that is coming in is greater than that expected at the time of the budget. The...
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: I would like to get the details of a discussion or correspondence the Cathaoirleach had with RTE in regard to a case which I will not discuss. I refer to the principle of the independence of the Oireachtas and freedom of Members of the Oireachtas to speak on issues that affect them, subject only to the regulation of the Houses in which they serve and to the Chair's rulings which I respect....
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: It is not personal; I am trying to protect the Cathaoirleach because he has widespread support in this House.
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: The correspondence from RTE to him was an attack on this House and on him.
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: I will not go into that matter. It is a matter of public record-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: The public record states that the Cathaoirleach was in contact with RTE and that he was happy to be advised by RTE as to what should be spoken about in this House. It is a matter of huge concern to us that RTE would put that pressure on the Cathaoirleach. I am not criticising the Cathaoirleach.
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: Then RTE is wrong.
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: I want to know about the correspondence-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (13 Oct 2011)
Thomas Byrne: -----and the telephone calls between RTE and the Seanad officials or the Cathaoirleach.