Results 1,101-1,120 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Telecommunications Services. (29 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: Does the Minister agree that there is an element of double charging for this service? I am sure that when Vodafone receives a bill from the telecommunications provider in France or Spain, it pays VAT at the local rate in that country and the consumer, in turn, also pays Irish VAT on calls made there. Therefore, there is an element of double charging.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I seek a debate on the role of Ministers and the two horrible words the Government hates — accountability and responsibility. I asked for this debate last year and it is more pressing now than ever especially considering the fiasco with the computer system for health services. The new tactic is to blame the HSE for everything and, by implication, to blame the Tánaiste's predecessor....

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: The Taoiseach might stop making stupid comments about the alternative government——

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: —— not agreeing when we see such clear differences on the Government side between the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil on matters such as drift netting and the groceries order. The electorate would be better served without his comments.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: The Taoiseach's contribution was not exactly intelligent conversation.

Seanad: Early Childhood Education: Statements (Resumed). (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I have almost concluded my contribution but will make a number of final points. It is worth noting that Ireland has its largest population since 1871 and a significant increase in the number of children under the age of six years, who now account for nearly 10% of the population. The number of women who work outside their homes has increased by 60% in recent years. Logically, we must start...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for a debate on the PPARS system and the role of consultants. I am personally aware of a director of nursing in Carlow who retired over it because it was so unworkable. She was continually told that nurses on night time duty had to stop work at 4 a.m. and all her protestations and representations on the issue were ignored. I am also aware of a major...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: Members have seen horrific photographs of the effects of natural disasters throughout the world in recent weeks. It is incredible to think that, in 2005, dead people are being left in the streets and emergency services still cannot reach them. It is shocking to see a so-called developed country such as the US deal so badly with the aftermath of the hurricane in New Orleans. Unfortunately,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: Will the Acting Leader make time available in the coming weeks for a debate on the enormous increase in type 2 diabetes, particularly in young people, and its link to obesity? This subject must be debated in the House.

Seanad: Home Help Service: Motion. (19 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I second the motion. Our major difficulty is that the Minister and the Department of Health and Children are on record as saying one thing while the HSE is saying another. This issue was raised by Deputy Twomey, the Fine Gael spokesperson on health, in an Oireachtas health committee last July at which I was present. The Tánaiste gave a clear commitment to clarify the point and get back to...

Seanad: Animal Diseases: Statements. (20 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to address the House about the issue of avian influenza, or "bird 'flu", to which it is often referred. The issue has generated a tremendous amount of publicity in recent months, particularly since the confirmation of the presence of the high pathogenic H5N1 virus in Russia and Kazakhstan during the summer and, in the past week or so, in...

Seanad: Animal Diseases: Statements. (20 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I thank the Senators for their contributions and recognise their concern and the seriousness with which they are treating the risk of an outbreak of avian influenza. We are all conscious of the impact such an outbreak would have, particularly on our poultry industry. As the Acting Chairman and other Senators are aware, the poultry industry here employs 6,000 people and there are 2,000 flock...

Seanad: Hospital Services. (25 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Last July, after many months of waiting, the capital programme for major hospitals in the country was announced. For some unknown reason, St. Luke's hospital in Kilkenny received no funding, despite other hospitals getting two, three or four sets of different funding from the programme. By coincidence, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: In the coming weeks we will have debate throughout the country on the new qualifying conditions for industrial grants. I understand the country will be divided in half for this. It appears that counties Carlow and Kilkenny will lose out on these grants because they will be grouped with the richer part of the country — counties Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare — to bring that group's population...

Seanad: Suicide Prevention Strategy: Statements. (26 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Minister of State and his official to the House. I am privileged to sit with Senator Glynn and others on the sub-committee investigating the high level of suicide in Irish society. The stories and facts the sub-committee has heard from different groups have opened my eyes to this issue, although we are only half way through our deliberations at this stage. While we have all been...

Seanad: Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (27 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome this Bill and will use this opportunity to explain a personal interest in it. The last time an air navigation Bill came before this House I was a spokesman on transport. I broadly welcomed the Bill because it increased passengers' rights, etc. Last June I returned from a wedding in Rome, flying with Aer Lingus. The aircraft's departure was delayed, and my experience of complaint...

Seanad: Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (27 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: It is relevant from the perspective of air navigation, and it is at least as relevant as a discussion on Knock Airport. When the last air navigation Bill was in the Seanad, it promised better rights for passengers. This has not come about, and there is no co-operation between flight operators and passengers. Returning to my experience, the aeroplane was due to fly out at 7 p.m. on a Saturday...

Seanad: Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (27 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: It is well and good passing these Bills, but if the legislation is not put into practice we are merely wasting time. I am not sure if more amendments are being brought forward but the Minister of State should bear in mind my comments. If talks are to be held at EU level, questions should be asked about how legislation is working in practice. It has not worked, and I can give the Minister of...

Seanad: Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (27 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: The Minister of State must wait for the next wedding.