Results 1,741-1,760 of 4,414 for speaker:Sean Barrett

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: On the issue of pensions in general, trustees must face up to their responsibilities. In regard to the casual addition of extra years or early retirement schemes which run up deficits amounting to hundreds of millions of euro, people must examine their situations so that we do not get a repeat of what happened to the banks in 2008. I note there are complaints on the adjoining island about...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I wish to raise a point of order.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: The reports we have heard - they have not been confirmed - that the Taoiseach is concerned that the banking inquiry should have a pro-Government majority-----

Seanad: Business of Seanad (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I accept your ruling, a Chathaoirligh, but could I just say that partly it is based on a misunderstanding that I am an anti-Government member of the committee.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I gather that the other House has been suspended on the basis of the appointments to the banking inquiry. If I could do anything to alleviate the fears that appear to exist in Government that the committee as constituted would not serve the country, I would welcome the opportunity, at your discretion, to explain my position. I appreciate that we have resumed discussion of the Bill but I...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: It might damage governance and this House if the Government insists on having a majority on the committee and overturns the committee that has been duly constituted.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: The Minister announced this morning controls on clampers in general which has been generally welcomed.

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I move amendment No. 22: In page 43, after line 25, to insert the following: “Criteria for efficient airport investment and operation 50. The Commission for Aviation Regulation shall publish reports in regard to State airports and comparable international airports stating—(a) passengers per employee, (b) work load units per employee, (c) operating cost per work load unit, (d)...

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: This is why these indicators of efficiency should be in place. More have come to light since I put this amendment down. They are offered to the Minister in that spirit. The Parliament and the Minister need that information from which we can judge whether airport charges are correct and capital investment proposals are worthwhile at the time which they are proposed.

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I would prefer to hear the Minister’s response if I may. There may be agreement and, therefore, it may not be necessary to press the amendment. I do not wish to detain the Minister unnecessarily-----

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I thank the Minister for his response. I look forward to working with him on these efficiency and productivity measures. I will not press the amendment.

Seanad: Companies Bill 2012: Second Stage (10 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, to the House. Presenting a Bill with 1,436 sections must be a record, certainly since I have been in the Seanad. I congratulate the Minister of State on his weight-lifting prowess in bringing it forward today. This is welcome legislation, its object being to reduce the cost of doing business in Ireland. I agree with Senator Feargal...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I welcome the improvements in the State examinations in mathematics this year and the relief that must have caused for over 100,000 people sitting the examinations. Last year, on an Adjournment matter, those of us on these benches, with the assistance of the Irish Mathematics Teachers Association, along with the former Senator, Deirdre Clune, an engineer, pointed out the mistakes in last...

Seanad: Johnstown Castle Agricultural College (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: We will not keep the Minister ten hours as he reminded us we did on the previous occasion he was in the House for a debate.

Seanad: Johnstown Castle Agricultural College (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: Thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. It is a very fine project. I agree with what Senator Michael D’Arcy and Senator Walsh - the Wexford Senators - have said but I have one caveat. I know of cases where the terms of benefactions and bequests were altered and the new uses were unacceptable to the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland because they were felt not to...

Seanad: Public Service Management (Transparency of Boards) Bill 2014: Second Stage (11 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I welcome the Minister and compliment Senator Quinn on once again bringing a Bill before the House. He is one of the most prolific producers of legislation in the Private Members' Bill category. It is an honour to be asked by a Minister to serve the State. I have served on four boards without payment and one with payment. We need public service, the practical patriotism Senator Quinn has...

Seanad: Order Of Business (12 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: Absolute rubbish.

Seanad: Order Of Business (12 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: What we have heard from the opposite side must be music to the ears of the banks and the failed bank regulator, the memory man who could not answer any questions. Why did the Government back them in the past month when we needed a banking inquiry? With Deputy Ciarán Lynch, the chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, who is held in great respect...

Seanad: State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (12 Jun 2014)

Sean Barrett: I move amendment No. 1: In page 19, line 39, after "direction." to insert "The direction shall be published on the website of the Department of Transport.".As the Minister's amendment is much superior to the one that I proposed, I will not press my amendment. The issue was about directives that the Minister might wish to publish and it arose following events in the past when directives were...