Results 1-20 of 551 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:James O'Connor

Taoiseach a Ainmniú - Nomination of Taoiseach (20 Feb 2020)

James O'Connor: I am honoured to second the proposal that the Dáil nominate Deputy Micheál Martin to the President for appointment to the office of Taoiseach. It is rarely the loudest or angriest voice that addresses problems. As has been said, Deputy Martin throughout his career has built a record that is second to none in this House in delivering progressive change for people. His passion for...

Taoiseach a Ainmniú (Atógáil) - Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (27 Jun 2020)

James O'Connor: I am honoured to second the proposal that Dáil Éireann nominate Deputy Micheál Martin to the President for appointment to the office of Taoiseach. During his political career, Micheál has time and again shown himself to be a determined and brave representative of the people. He has shown great strength and resilience and has already built a record of serving the people...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Broadband Plan (15 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: 22. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to upgrade the broadband infrastructure in eastern areas of County Cork which has poor connectivity that is hampering development within the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16054/20]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Broadband Plan (15 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on his appointment at Cabinet and to a very exciting and important portfolio, particularly in a 21st century economy. I have an interest in the transport area, having done a great deal of work on it at a local authority level alongside many fine Green Party councillors in the constituency of Cork East. Based on the Department's high-speed...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Broadband Plan (15 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I welcome the Minister's response. According to a report in 2019 by a major phone operator, the creation of regional digital hubs could generate in the region of €312 million for the regional economy and create over 8,400 new jobs across over 1,000 new businesses. I am sure that the Minister will agree that to ensure rural towns and villages, such as those in Cork East, do not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Broadband Plan (15 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I thank the Minister for answering my question. Traffic congestion is a huge issue in my constituency. I would like to see more people working from home. It is important the Government puts in place the infrastructure to make that a possibility. I again thank the Minister for his response and I look forward to working with him.

Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I welcome the Bill. It is at times like this we must recognise that we have to do things differently and act responsibly and urgently to address the severe challenges our economy faces in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the right time for the State to play a key role in our economy and to work side-by-side with businesses to get through this crisis. That is why I welcome the...

Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: This Bill expands eligibility for GP care without charge on a phased basis and increases the gross medical card income limits for persons over 70 years of age, which I welcome. I will take the opportunity to congratulate the Minister on his appointment to the Cabinet. It is an extraordinarily difficult time for anyone working in the healthcare sector and I am sure he will excel in his...

Financial Provisions (Covid-19) (No. 2) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: This Bill is a key part of the July stimulus package. The State is investing in key projects and supporting workers and businesses on an historic scale. The size of the response underlines our commitment to protecting jobs and communities. The State will spend €87 billion in 2020 to provide more services to citizens than ever before. The stimulus package contains more than 50...

Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I welcome this Bill, which makes changes to existing company law to enable firms to adapt to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It recognises that we are in a new normal and people should not be penalised for not meeting requirements that are simply unworkable under the current circumstances. The Bill addresses the operational issues in respect of compliance and gives...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Traffic Management (30 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I wish a good morning to the Acting Chairman, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the other Deputies who are present. It is worth reading into the record that it is now 2.20 a.m. I thank the Minister for being in the Chamber to speak about an extremely important issue to the constituents of Cork East, whom I am elected here to represent and to me as their local Deputy and a former...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Traffic Management (30 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I thank the Minister for the information he has provided today to Dáil Éireann. As he stated, there is no definite project at this stage but that is something I am elected here to try to work upon and to resolve, as I have been doing in recent months. I recently met representatives of TII at its facility at the Jack Lynch tunnel to discuss this project. It is absolutely crucial...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Traffic Management (30 Jul 2020)

James O'Connor: I join the Chair in extending good wishes to the staff here, the ushers, the gardaí, the Clerk of the Dáil and all who have been involved with ensuring the Dáil has been able to run smoothly in what has been a very challenging time for many people. I thank the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, for staying here so late tonight to discuss this absolutely imperative issue. I wish...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Support Schemes (9 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: 27. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the dilemma for candidates applying to the SUSI system for doctoral funding as an independent candidate who cannot claim to have been living independently from the previous October due to circumstances in relation to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22639/20]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Support Schemes (9 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: I congratulate the Minister on his appointment to this new position. I am no stranger to some of the work he is doing in the Department and I wish him well. This is an incredibly important time for many undergraduates and postgraduates. The lives of all citizens have been changed by Covid-19. Today I highlight the ability of young people to access higher education funding under the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Support Schemes (9 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: The system to qualify as an independent candidate under SUSI sets a very high bar. Having to live independently since the previous October, and having to be over the age of 23 years when first entering higher education or having a three-year gap in higher education to qualify as an independent candidate, can be very difficult for many families. I do not think we can suggest that these...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Student Support Schemes (9 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: I thank the Minister for that information. I appreciate that he is going to review the Student Support Act 2011. This is an opportunity for the Minister to think outside the box and look at what other countries are doing to provide funding for PhD candidates. The Netherlands offers a very interesting example, which is very different to Ireland. PhD candidates there are treated as...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Aviation Policy (9 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: We need a two-pronged approach to address the situation facing our airports. We need to get clarity on international travel on and off the island, and we need to put a stimulus package in place to sustain the aviation industry over time. We need to recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic will be with us for the long term and we need to plan accordingly. Too many livelihoods are at stake. A...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Aviation Policy (9 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: The final point I want to make relates to the task force report provided to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. This report stated very clearly that the State is required to intervene with our airports if we are to ensure they will be able to survive this pandemic. People are extremely worried about their livelihoods. They were perfectly fine until this pandemic came upon us....

Protecting Jobs and Supporting Business: Statements (16 Sep 2020)

James O'Connor: We are engaging in an unprecedented level of State intervention to combat the Covid-19 crisis. We should ensure this money is invested smartly and in a manner that future-proofs our country, not only for living with Covid-19 today but also for living in a post-Covid world. It has been a difficult time for many in this country and the virus has exposed many of the structural problems across...