Results 13,341-13,360 of 24,348 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That is part of the problem. The only party that wanted to go into government after the election was Fine Gael.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ó Clochartaigh is a great man for opposing everything and supporting nothing. He speaks on everything. I will revert to Senator McDowell's point on the Seanad Bill. The issue of presidential voting rights is not black and white. I was a member of the Constitutional Convention, which gave a strong endorsement to extending the franchise.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The convention voted on the issue. It had a very good discussion on the topic before reaching a conclusion. The important point is that it is critical to prepare in advance. Senator McDowell spoke about fidelity and loyalty to the State and the right to vote. How is it proposed to allow the 700,000 people who acquired an Irish passport this year, whoever they may be, the right to vote if...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: -----little quibbles get in the way and change the discourse in a referendum campaign. Politicians use the electoral register, which is clearly in rag order. If one looks at how it is compiled in many places, one finds that the names and addresses often do not match up. I visited New York to observe the recent presidential election. I was struck by the fact that the US and Irish electoral...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: That is my point. If one extends the franchise, one must arrive at a decision as to whom it should be given, apart from those who live in the country. Would we extend it to all those who hold a passport? For how long can they have been living outside the country? Must they visit the country every six months or must they stay abroad? This is not a black and white issue. The President is...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: At times, the Senator did not do too well in that regard in his former incarnation. I suppose he will welcome Bertie Ahern back today. I presume that would be another good move for the country. It is sometimes lost on Members that it is the prerogative of the Government to accept or reject the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention. The right to vote is a precious and cherished...

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: He has been a very welcome visitor to the House. He attends often at very short notice and is willing to engage and discuss with Members, as I am sure Senator Ó Clochartaigh will-----

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Mac Lochlainn should look at his own members in Stormont who do not interact on many issues. The mirror should be looked at as well.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: What is their response to marriage equality in the North, for example?

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Sinn Féin has a poor record of advancement there.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Talk to the people up there.

Seanad: Presidential Voting Rights: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: You do not.

Seanad: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Motion (30 Nov 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: Ar 10.30 maidin amarach.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, Finance Bill 2016 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and that of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the ten Senators who raised matters this morning. I join Senators Ardagh and Ó Clochartaigh in appealing from the Chamber to the people who are involved in the dispute around the ferry service to cop on and get together to provide this essential link for the people of the island. I have been speaking to the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, today and yesterday and he has been in...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I wish him well. There can be no ambiguity. Those who paid for water through Irish Water or group water schemes or those with a private well who have been fully tax compliant must not be let down by the State. I assure Senator Gerald Nash that I am very confident that the Government will not be found wanting in that regard. We must ensure, as citizens of the State, that we will continue...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: I am sorry. As somebody who has taken part in the Focus Ireland sleep-out on a number of occasions, who engages with Cork Simon Community and who has seen past pupils become homeless, I will be happy to join Senator Paul Gavan and other Members in doing what he suggested, but I would hate it to become a media circus. I would prefer if we were to do it quietly, away from the glare of publicity.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator is correct. This day two years ago Jonathan Corrie passed away and it is important that we remember him. It is also important to recognise that the Government is taking action to help rough sleepers and devising a strategy to tackle homelessness.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: It is something on which we could work with Focus Ireland, not as a publicity stunt but as part of its sleep-out next year.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2016)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, Social Welfare Bill 2016 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 4.45 p.m.