Results 22,321-22,340 of 23,109 for speaker:Paddy Burke

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: Amendment No. 108 is an alternative to amendment No. 107 and both may be discussed together by agreement.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: Senators Daly and O'Toole have raised an important point concerning therapists. This matter was raised some time ago by the Joint Committee on Education and Science. Surely the health service executive will be able to set target figures or even introduce a lesser degree course in some of the regional colleges to help out in the interim. The points system is so high that when those people...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: The Minister will not accept it.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: They can see around corners in that bank.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: I agree with everything Senator O'Toole stated. Enough thought has not been invested in this Bill which is being rushed through. It appears that a time limit is not being imposed in terms of the transition period.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: Will the Minister of State indicate the time limit involved? It is important to know where we are going and when the finishing line will be reached.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: The Senator is a consumer.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: The old health boards had five members from each local authority within the health board area who could ask questions of the chief executive officer of the health board. That has been removed by the Minister. This amendment, therefore, should be accepted. A situation similar to that regarding a nursing home last week cannot arise again. People must get answers if they require them and it is...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: Having listened to the Minister of State, I assume there will not be any change from the existing practice. Deputies who submit parliamentary questions on health issues are often told in response that the Minister has no involvement in the matter and that it should be taken up with the health board. We know what they get then. There is a fundamental difference between the existing...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: No such avenue will be open to the public under the new arrangements. Deputies, Senators and councillors used to be able to refer people who approached them to members of the health boards who, as public representatives, were not afraid to ask questions. Under the proposed arrangements, however, nobody will know the members of the executive. That will be a substantial change. Senator Browne's...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: I move amendment No. 6: In page 21, line 37, after "a" to insert "doctor or nurse who is acting in the course of duty and tending to a medical emergency and also does not apply to a". Doctors should be included in the provisions relating to exemptions for the drivers of emergency vehicles. A doctor exceeding the speed limit in his or her haste to reach the scene of a serious car crash or...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: I am disappointed that the Minister of State cannot accept the amendment. As he said, the doctor-on-call vehicle is readily recognisable. Are such vehicles covered by the Bill? I do not believe they are. As ambulances seem to be covered, the doctor-on-call vehicles should also be covered.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: How do they become designated? Is it just a matter of putting flashing lights on the vehicle?

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: Could they be covered by regulation?

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: In which case the doctor-on-call vehicles are not included.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: The penalty contained in this section is quite harsh. For example, a parent could buy a motorbike for one of his or her children who might be under the age of 16 at the time of purchase and who might use it before his or her birthday without the parent's consent. The parent would then be liable for a fine of €3,000 or a term of imprisonment. In addition, a young person might save money to...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: We are on amendment No. 2.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: We now come to amendment No. 3 in the name of Senator Ryan. Amendment No. 4 is related. Is it agreed to debate them together? Agreed.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: I think we have given this matter a good airing. I call Senator Feeney.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Paddy Burke: This section allows the county manager, as well as allowing a reserved function of the members of the council, to make speed limits temporary. Does it allow the manager to make temporary speed limits on national routes as well as county roads? In making a temporary speed limit the manager must consult the Garda Commissioner. What is the position in regard to emergency situations where, for...