Results 201-220 of 1,439 for speaker:Robbie Gallagher

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: A report issued this morning shows that the commercial property vacancy rate is at its highest level in ten years.There are something like 30,000 vacant commercial units across the length and breadth of the country. Here in the city I understand there are 19 office blocks, eight of which are brand new, that have not been occupied and are lying vacant. This is in addition to a further 15 in...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: I, too, wish to join with others in congratulating the Deputy Leader on her great performance at the weekend. I certainly wish her well from here on in. Bualadh bos on her performance. I would also like to mention Senator Ward, who equally performed well. It shows the quality that lies within the four walls of this particular room.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: Today, and many times previously, I have spoken about the digital age and how it is moving at a pace that no one can stop. No one wants to stop it. It is a train that, unfortunately, not everyone is capable of buying a ticket for or getting access to. I have in mind those people who call to my office, including elderly people, who find it difficult to get a bus ticket as they have to buy...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023: Discussion (20 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: I thank the Chair and members for affording me the opportunity to say a few words. The justice committee, of which I am a member, is sitting next door so I had to pop out there and I will have to go back afterwards and get the response from our guests. I compliment them and the committee on this engagement. It certainly shows the importance of pre-legislative scrutiny so we get an...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: I call for a debate on the future of small businesses in this country, particularly at a time when, unfortunately, we are beginning to see shops and small bars and restaurants closing their doors, which is a very sad sight to see, not just for the town or village where that business is located but, indeed, for the entire community and local economy. Many people told me that part of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill: Discussion (13 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: I thank the Chair and I thank the witnesses for coming here this afternoon. It has been very useful, albeit somewhat confusing, from my perspective. I am assuming that the starting point for us all here is that we would like to give gardaí every assistance possible in the investigation of crime. I think we are all on the same page in that regard. That said, we want to do it in a way...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill: Discussion (13 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: Is Mr. Murphy confident that by the end of the discussion with the Department, that point will be arrived at?

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: As other Members did yesterday, I pass on my sympathies to the Bruton family on John's sad passing. I was taken by the contributions here yesterday from Senators and, indeed, by those of Members of the Lower House, in particular his brother, Richard, who gave a lovely and moving tribute. To John's wife, Finola, Richard and all the members of the Bruton family, I pass on my deepest...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Disability Services (7 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I thank her sincerely for taking time out of her busy schedule to be here this afternoon. The topic I wish to discuss with the Minister of State is one she and I have discussed numerous times, which is the chronic lack of respite services for children with disabilities in County Monaghan. As the Minister of State knows, parents are at their...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Disability Services (7 Feb 2024)

Robbie Gallagher: I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. Respite has been a problem for many a long year and long before she came into office over three years ago. Again, I thank her for taking on board the issue that particularly arises in County Monaghan and, indeed, to a lesser extent in County Cavan. She has delivered the positive news that €15 million is ring-fenced. The...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Tax Code (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: I welcome the Minister of State to the House this morning. I thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to respond to this Commencement matter. As I am sure the Minister of State is aware, red tape, form-filling and unnecessary and complex paperwork is the bane of every single business in this country, notwithstanding the importance of due diligence and clear reporting to Revenue....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Tax Code (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response, which has given me comfort. Several businesses to which I have spoken appear to be unaware that this is coming in on 1 January, however. I welcome that Revenue will take a sympathetic, understanding and flexible attitude to this going forward but my main concern relates to small businesses. Large companies are probably better...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: I have been listening attentively to the debate to this point.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: It is fair to say there is a great deal of confusion among Members. In fairness, Senator Craughwell, along with my colleague Senator Chambers, has been a constant voice in the whole area of security and cybersecurity.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: I take the Cathaoirleach's point. From my limited knowledge of this, and forgive me when I say that, my concentration and concerns are directed towards the security of the State and anything that falls under that heading. I contend that the points made by Members up to this point are all relevant in that regard. I note and take some comfort from the fact that work has been ongoing in this...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: The Minister mentioned information that has been collated as being best practice. That is what I took her contribution to indicate. She said she had taken best practice from other jurisdictions.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: I thank the Minister for her response to that. We can take it as given that everybody has no issue with the plan being a three-year plan. It is important. There is no doubt that we need a strategic plan. I know the Minister of the day can amend that plan or the procedures relating to that plan. A plan may be approved today but events within the next three years could have implications...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: Others spoke about the service plan. The old adage of "What gets measured, gets done" springs to mind. From time to time, resources will be key to implement a plan. In the case of an extreme event, for example, where there may be a dispute going on within An Garda Síochána, whether that be what we experienced previously with the blue flu or where sometimes, Garda members may be...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Robbie Gallagher: I listened with interest to the previous speaker's sentiments.