Results 1,481-1,500 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Educational Facilities: Motion. (6 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: The Senator was advising the Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: I ask the Leader to invite to the House the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for a debate on the roll out of broadband technology. We require this superfast Internet service for industry, business and to support decentralisation and communities. As I have said in the past, it is the 21st century equivalent of electrification in the 20th century, railways in the 19th...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: I agree with my colleagues, Senators Brian Hayes, Finucane and others, who called for an urgent debate on our health services. The story of people struggling to gain access to health care is on everyone's lips. I was delayed coming to the House this morning because six constituents contacted me regarding problems ranging from over crowding in nursing homes to their appointments being...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: The latter is happening in midland hospitals as well as in hospitals in this city.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: Yes. Members of the public are appalled——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: ——at a statement by the Taoiseach yesterday that, after seven and a half years in Government, he is going to try to do something about eliminating waiting lists.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: That is an appalling statement to make after seven and a half years in Government. It is time he woke up to the facts of what is happening in our health services.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: In addition, I would like to include in such a debate the findings of the most recent report on the increase in the incidence of suicide, particularly among young men. We need to debate and address this problem urgently.

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: Or lost.

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister, Deputy Roche, and his officials to the House. I welcome his off-the-cuff remarks in regard to one-off housing in rural areas. It was a breath of fresh air compared to what we heard during the past four or five years or more. Since the Government took office many wild decisions have been taken in the area of planning. Hopefully, the Minister will bring more realism to...

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: The former Minister, Deputy Cullen, obviously had other things on his mind at the time such as the squandering of €60 million of taxpayers' money on the flawed e-voting system. I hope the Minister will give due consideration to different systems before he attempts to introduce them again, as I have no doubt he will.

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: The development plan must consist of a written statement, maps, drawings and plans indicating the development objective of the particular county. It must show the local authority's objectives for the development and renewal of obsolete areas; the preserving, improving and extending of amenities; and the further provision of new water supplies and sewerage services. The extension of these...

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: Applicants have lost considerable money in applying for planning permission. Organisations such as An Taisce are not qualified to properly investigate the merits of each application. Nevertheless, they are allowed to work an inside track to dictate what they consider is best for our countryside and therefore appeal against any development they choose to. The Minister should introduce whatever...

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: On the issue of An Bord Pleanála, we should have regional planning boards because many of the members of that board may never frequent an area outside Dublin. It is important that the people concerned know what is happening on the ground. I encourage the Minister to set up regional planning boards, if possible, the members of which would know the regions. That suggestion should be considered.

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: Is the Senator including the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in that?

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: Nobody would ever say that.

Seanad: Schools Refurbishment. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: I am seeking an update from the Minister for Education and Science regarding funding for the upgrading and refurbishment of Lanesboro community college. Lanesboro is a small town on the Shannon. The Minister of State will be aware that the convent secondary school and local vocational school in Lanesboro amalgamated some nine or ten years ago. There was great co-operation between both bodies,...

Seanad: Schools Refurbishment. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: Additional fire escape facilities need to be installed at the school. The number of pupils enrolled at the school has doubled and current fire escapes are inadequate. The school is in a shocking state of repair. The furniture in the ladies and gents toilets is broken and has resulted in many cuts and bruises.

Seanad: Schools Refurbishment. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: A necessity in most schools today is viewing panels in doors, yet they are not in place at Lanesboro community college. I plead with the Minister to revisit the school——

Seanad: Schools Refurbishment. (20 Oct 2004)

James Bannon: ——and to ensure funding is made available for its refurbishment.