Results 1,581-1,600 of 1,750 for speaker:Declan Breathnach

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Reform and Related Issues: Discussion (18 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I am glad to hear the Chair say that. As a non-member of the joint committee, I thank him for giving me the opportunity to make a contribution. The schoolteacher in me was seeking some words of wisdom and I looked at what former US President John F. Kennedy had said about change. He said, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Reform and Related Issues: Discussion (18 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: What about European co-operation?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: N52 Ardee Bypass: Discussion (18 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I am under a little time pressure because I must attend another meeting so I will be as brief as possible. I thank the representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the county manager of Louth County Council and the chairman of Ardee municipal council for their presentation. It speaks for itself with regard to the issues that arise. It is important to welcome the concerned...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: N52 Ardee Bypass: Discussion (18 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I just want to have it reiterated that the project fits into the scheme of things and will be expedited as soon as the issues are resolved.

Committee on Budgetary Oversight: Pre-Budget Engagement: Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Chambers Ireland (24 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: As a Deputy representing rural Ireland with respect to both Dundalk and Drogheda in my constituency, I commend the members and staff of Chambers Ireland on the excellent work they do on behalf of business people and the community. I have always found it a go-to organisation during my time in public life. Equally, their contribution to the strategic policy committees and the overall...

Committee on Budgetary Oversight: Pre-Budget Engagement: Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Chambers Ireland (24 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: The issue of gridlock-----

Visit of Saudi Arabian Delegation (25 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: Before we proceed, on my own behalf and that of Deputies I offer offer a céad míle fáilte, a most sincere welcome, to a senior delegation of parliamentarians from the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by H. E. Dr. Mu'addi bin Mohammed Al Mathab. The delegation of four parliamentarians and officials is joined by the Saudi ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Mr. Nail...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Julianstown Bypass: Discussion (25 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to attend this meeting as I am not a committee member. The constituency of Louth stretches from Omeath to Julianstown. I particularly welcome Mr. Des Foley, alluded to by the Chairman, with whom I have soldiered on Louth County Council and Drogheda for a long time and, equally, welcome the representatives of the Department and the residents...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Julianstown Bypass: Discussion (25 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: Regarding prioritising the project, the word used by Mr. Whyatt was "accelerating". I favour a combination of acceleration and prioritisation of the project. If we could get a commitment to create a roadmap and a timescale-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Julianstown Bypass: Discussion (25 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: If it is in order for a non-member of the committee to do so, I propose that should be requested today. Then, at least, the residents would see an outcome aligned with a timescale rather than being in a situation of live horse and get grass.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I speak in the absence of Deputy Brendan Smith, but I am reflecting the view of all Border Deputies. What additional resources does the Minister plan to introduce to counteract cross-Border smuggling and illicit trade, especially in tobacco, drink and fuel products? Will he make a statement on the matter?

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I thank the Minister for his response. I want to make a number of suggestions that he might consider. I commend the work of the Revenue Commissioners and the Customs service. I commend the resilience of Border traders who have struggled during the years owing to volatility which is much greater in the context of Brexit. I would like the Minister to consider providing extra staff and for...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: We must be cognisant that it is not just a question of illicit trade; ultimately, people along the Border and beyond seek a bargain. They cannot be blamed for this, but the problem is that, when they seek to buy the cheaper products, they will also do their weekly shopping, which further affects revenue streams in the South. I have an illicit trade Bill that is being promoted by Retailers...

Report on Relationships and Sexuality Education: Motion (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: While listening to the other speakers, I could not help but note that the majority of those who spoke are teachers, including the Minister, with the exception of Deputies Tóibín and Funchion. That said, I could not help but think that if Members stood in this house 50 years ago and mentioned the word "sex" or "sexuality", they would either have been told to resume their seat or...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Business of Joint Committee
Integrated Education: Discussion (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I thank Mr. Fitzsimmons, Ms Marshall, Ms McNamee and Ms Copeland for their excellent presentations. My background is as a primary school teacher for 35 years before I was elected to the House. I worked in a small primary school where we embraced the integration of boys and girls, first, and of disability, second. The benefit from that, in the influence on all children and adults, not least...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Animal Diseases (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: This very important issue was brought to my attention by the Dundalk and District Brown Trout and Salmon Anglers Association. It is also of great concern to many others who are interested in their environment. All Members know that the number of Atlantic salmon entering our rivers has declined in numbers in recent years. There are similar causes for concern in all European countries. In...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Animal Diseases (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: The experience of anglers, certainly those in the north east, has not been as the Minister of State describes in terms of IFI being proactive. He mentioned the River Boyne but, to my knowledge, that has not been the experience of anglers with respect to the other rivers I mentioned. Anglers have been asked to deal with the issue but the IFI has trained staff. It would have been expected...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 118. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 26 March 2019, the remit of the working group; the membership of the group; the number of times the working group has met in each quarter since its establishment; when the group will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39335/19]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Operations (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 119. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress made on the gap analysis of skills sets in the Permanent Defence Forceto identify potential roles for members of the Defence Forces Reserve with specialist skills; the efforts he has made to date in 2019 to progress the initiative; when the gap analysis will report its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Brexit Issues (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 134. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to differences in tax policies on both sides of the Border, a truckload of coal is €2,217 more expensive here than in Northern Ireland; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this price differential will increase further post-Brexit; the actions being taken to prevent smuggling...