Results 20,581-20,600 of 20,768 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am pleased to have an opportunity to address the Road Traffic Bill 2009. Like my colleague, Deputy Aylward, I wish to state clearly that I do not condone drink driving under any circumstances. I was involved in a controversy at the end of last year where my comments were taken totally out of perspective. I take this opportunity to reiterate in the House that I do not condone drinking and...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am speaking honestly. Farming has become a lonely occupation, with people often not seeing anybody else from one day to the next. Rural pubs are paying rates, taxes and wages and are providing valuable services. Many communities do not have other facilities to convene meetings, facilitate a card game, allow mourners to meet after a funeral and so on. Many teetotallers frequent these...

Road Traffic Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: The Minister was on holiday, as is his entitlement, and there was insufficient salt to grit the motorways. Those motorways have been built to high standards but surely it is just as important that they be maintained. Letting thousands of motorists onto roads that were unsafe for driving was reckless. Somebody should have been held responsible for the shortfall of salt. Recent research from...

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (23 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am glad the Acting Chairman is facilitating both colleagues from south Tipperary.

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (23 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Indeed, as he does out in Tallaght.

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage. (23 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I congratulate the Minister of State and his officials for all their hard work and also the senior Minister. The Bill concerns the safety of citizens, workers and energy sources. This significant Bill proposes best practice for the safety of petroleum exploration and extraction on which the Minister is to be complimented. Increased safety in this area is essential. The Commission for...

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak tonight on this motion, because I am extremely unhappy with the current situation. I believe that politics is about trying to effect change and I did that on this occasion to the best of my ability. I have fought a hard fight within my party since before Christmas to try to effect change, but I am sad to say that I have failed on this issue....

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I also have no desire to support Fine Gael here tonight as it clearly does not have a cohesive economic policy, nor has it had one for some time, as witnessed in the events of the past few days.

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Deputy Bruton and others who welcomed my support can rest assured that while they offered me a life jacket last evening, I will not take them up on their offer. They would have been better served keeping that for their fellow soldier who slipped overboard in recent days.

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I wish the man well in his future career and thank him for his input while he was here.

Public Service Remuneration: Motion (Resumed) (10 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: The electorate of Tipperary South who sent me here to Dáil Éireann with my colleagues, the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, and Deputy Tom Hayes, have given clear messages over the past week that they want me to remain within the Government to continue to work on behalf of all the people of south Tipperary to deal with many issues that are of fundamental importance to the...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Appeals: Social Welfare Appeals (9 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 443: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6284/10]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (9 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 479: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay. [6476/10]

Gangland Crime: Motion (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I support the motion that condemns all unlawful killings and the criminal disregard for human life these demonstrate. I express sympathy to the families of all victims of such killings. I strongly support the work of the Garda Síochána and its specialist units, such as the organised crime unit, in its determined fight against gangland crime. I note the significant success of the Garda...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (2 Feb 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 452: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and the reason for the delay. [4589/10]

Severe Weather Emergencies: Motion (Resumed) (27 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am very pleased to be able to speak to this motion. As others have done, I wish to praise the efforts of local county council outdoor staff, the Garda, the Civil Defence, fire brigades, families and communities. There was an emergency although it was not declared a national emergency but I have seen worse and I am not so old. There was a good deal of over-reaction. I take it on the chin...

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (26 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I, too, am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to this Bill. I compliment the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, on their work with the Bill to date. The new Minister of State has been only a short time in the job, but he has read himself into the position well and is making an impact as he facilitates all sides of the debate. The Industrial Relations (Amendment)...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to add a few thoughts this evening to a very important Bill. The Bill makes a number of amendments to issues surrounding compliance with planning permission. As Deputy O'Connor indicated, many of us have been members of local councils and we understand issues surrounding planning, the granting process and the importance of adhering to conditions laid down. Section 20, for...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (19 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: Question 922: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a fishing group (details supplied) in south Tipperary could be granted a licence to fish for at least one month in view of the increase in salmon stock on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/10]

Banking Crisis: Motion (19 Jan 2010)

Mattie McGrath: I also support the amendment and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this most topical issue, which is affecting every man, woman and child and which will affect future generations. We must get answers on the failures visited upon our people. There was a monumental failure on the part of our banking services and I must condemn our regulation services which...