Results 1,121-1,140 of 6,020 for speaker:Martin Conway

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: I thank him in that regard. In the week that is in it, I support Senator Kelly's call for a debate on poverty. In each of the past two years, I have spoken in the run-up to Christmas about a homeless gentleman I used to see on the steps opposite the front gate of Leinster House. I have not seen him there so far this year. I shudder to think where that poor man might be at this time....

Seanad: Protection of the Public Interest from Tobacco Lobbying Bill 2013: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: I agree with Senator Norris that one must be savage when one is dealing with these people. Their behaviour in this country, internationally and in the European Parliament in recent years has been appalling. I commend Senator Crown. We have had discussions on this issue on numerous occasions and I have tabled a number of Adjournment matters regarding the little things I have seen tobacco...

Seanad: Protection of the Public Interest from Tobacco Lobbying Bill 2013: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: It was a brave action at the time. I recall the publicans saying on the television, "We run Ireland. The meetings are held in our establishments. We say what happens." Thankfully, Deputy Martin had the courage of his convictions to stand up to that and lead the way. Many countries in Europe followed by imposing a ban on smoking, and rightly so. In fact, if I had my way, there would be...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: We are cleaning up your mess.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: Senator Norris's proposal is a an excellent one. Pope Francis recently appealed to the Lord to grant us more politicians with integrity and courage in order that we might try to eliminate poverty. That leads me on to the request I made yesterday that the House should engage in a debate on poverty, particularly in view of the fact that this is a difficult time of year for many people. In...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: Some €7 million has already been invested in greenways and I would like this to be increased to €25 million or €30 million next year.

Seanad: Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: Following on from Senator Barrett's point, I see these provisions as being very much cost neutral in the sense that the policing is already taking place. In fact, if one takes into consideration the numbers of motorists who are stopped and cautioned, we can probably add another 100,000 to the Senator's figure of 240,000. These proposals are absolutely sensible. I totally agree that when it...

Seanad: Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: That is the very point I was about to make. I had intended to suggest that if there was a way it could be incorporated in the Bill - I am sure the Minister could discuss the matter with its promoters and with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, who is also a GP - then that should be done.

Seanad: Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: It will be taken on the first sitting day in 2014.

Seanad: Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (20 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: On behalf of Fine Gael, I share Senator White's remarks about the Minister. In fairness to the Senator she was the friendly opposition when her party was in government. I recall that when I was a councillor and she criticised Fianna Fáil I admired her. It is not an organisation that is easily criticised, in particular when in government and one is a Senator representing that party....

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Tom O'Gorman, who died tragically the other night. I knew Tom-----

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I knew Tom when we were both students in UCD. He was an affable and charming individual. I also wish to express my personal disappointment that following yesterday's Cabinet meeting, emergency funding was not made available to families in the Quilty area of County Clare who have been flooded out of their houses as a result of the recent inclement weather. It would have been appropriate to...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Disabilities Services Funding (15 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: There are a number of positive aspects. Senator Mulcahy has outlined the work of the Clare Crusaders, which I will not repeat.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Disabilities Services Funding (15 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: Senator Mulcahy agreed to share time.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Disabilities Services Funding (15 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I will not delay. The work of the Clare Crusaders, as outlined by Senator Mulcahy, is vital. There is unanimous political support across all parties and including those of no party for the Clare Crusaders to be considered a pilot group under the new system. We are looking for political leadership from the Minister of State to make sure that happens. We know the track record of the HSE....

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Disabilities Services Funding (15 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: He did.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: Much has been said in the past 48 hours about Irish Water and so on. I remind Members that taxpayers spend €1.2 billion on water, of which, unfortunately, €600 million is wasted. One litre of water out of every two that is purified in Ireland is wasted. The concept behind charging for water is to create an incentive to ensure people will conserve water and treat it with the...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: As an entity, Irish Water is a creation that will work. However, the bonuses being paid to approximately 299 of its staff are inappropriate and unacceptable. It smacks of the carry-on that took place during the Celtic tiger years. I call on the chief executive of Irish Water to reassure immediately the people that these bonuses will not be paid. He has a duty of care to the reputation of...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: Like others, I was horrified by the case of the 68 year old man who was twice robbed at home in west Clare. Eventually, he was in such terror that he felt his only option was to cycle to Ennis, the county's capital town, and check into a nursing home. Any right-minded citizen would be horrified if any individual of that or any age was subjected to such terror. In light of this and other...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Arts Funding (21 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I thank the Minister for coming into the House to deal with this matter. It is not always possible for Ministers who are directly responsible for the matter put down to come to the House. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Clare Association in New York. The Clare Association is one of the more prestigious Irish associations in New York and has played a significant role in...