Results 13,161-13,180 of 24,348 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Regarding the public service wage bill, the Minister is correct. We need to take a collective approach to public sector pay. We should not, and cannot, pit private against public. All Senators recognise the considerable contribution that public servants have made to the recovery of our country and the hardship that they had to endure. We must be fair to everyone, and the Government is...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Swanick raised a health issue. A worrying development, it needs to be addressed. I would be happy to ask the Minister to attend the House to discuss the matter. Senator Colm Burke discussed local authorities, value for money reports and audit reports. I would be happy to ask the Minister to attend to discuss that matter. Senator Butler raised the issue of Remembrance Day. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not pointing at the Members opposite, but they should reflect on their party's legacy in parts of our country. Let us not have that debate today, though. It was held yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It is not nonsense.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to transport. He was right about theatre and drama. I happened to be in the Provincetown Theatre at the weekend to see Mr. Brian Merriman's play about 1916, "Eirebrushed", which involved Mr. Frank McGuinness. It was a joy to watch. I commend all of those involved in our arts community. We should welcome, encourage and foster the writing and production of...

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I welcome the Minister to the House. On a point of information, when he made his opening remarks he exceeded the allocated time. Is he amenable to coming back to the House as ten members at least, through their Whips, have intimated that they want to contribute to this important debate? If he prefers we can hold his reply over until another day.

Seanad: Protection of Employment (Uncertain Hours) Bill 2016: Second Stage (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It is important to welcome this Private Members' debate and to commend the Labour Party Members. I welcome them to Government again as they sit on the front benches for the debate. They are very welcome.

Seanad: Protection of Employment (Uncertain Hours) Bill 2016: Second Stage (16 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I commend Senator Nash, the former Minister of State, genuinely for his work in the Department. He was a very good Minister of State and I commend him for that. I acknowledge that the last Government increased the minimum wage and restored it, unlike its predecessor. We did so twice in fact. The living wage is something we all want to embrace and to see if we can bring it to fruition. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, Heritage Bill 2016 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 2 p.m. and to be adjourned no later than 4 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That is not correct.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ardagh raised the issue of climate change and the Minister will come before the House on 7 December for a debate on the matter. Mental health was raised by a number of Senators and as Leader of the House I take the request very seriously. I try, on Members' behalf, to facilitate debates with Ministers and since the beginning of this Seanad we have had ten cross-departmental debates...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Feighan spoke about the new far-right party but that is a matter for them. In answer to the point raised by Senator Humphreys, I would be very happy for the Minister for Health to come to the House to discuss maternity as it is an important issue. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of gender in education and I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House for a debate. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It was unfortunate but he is committed to coming back to the House and I would be very happy for him to do so post-Christmas. Board appointments are a matter for the Department and the Minister, not for this House. It is a matter that has to be resolved, however. Senator Ó Donnghaile asked for the Taoiseach to come before the House but he will not be here before Christmas because we...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator attends the meetings I attend every week.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not going to get into a game of broken promises. Since I came into this position I have worked in good faith with all sides of the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not going to be accused of playing a game. I am giving an honest answer. We have legislation to pass and if the Senator wants to be here in the first week of Christmas that is fine. His colleagues do not, however,

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I was a member of the Constitutional Convention and was one of only two people who missed none of its sittings.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Minister for the diaspora and the Government are committed to exploring the issue. If it takes time so be it because we need to make sure we do it right. There is a profound implication in what is being proposed and we will work to make it happen. The Constitutional Convention does not have the power to instruct but to recommend. Senator Norris raised direct provision and there is a...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I think the Senator's matter is more suited to a Commencement debate. I want to announce to the House that, from today, I am only going to reply to people who stay for the full Order of Business. A lot of Members have left and it is not fair to those who have stayed.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I report progress.