Results 22,861-22,880 of 24,447 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I am just going to say——

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I am learning every day. I will withdraw the amendment for Report Stage.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I take cognisance of what the Minister said. I appreciate that it is getting late and we have been here all day. However, this is an important issue. I do not agree with Senator Norris, by the way, regarding the apparitions at Lourdes and Knock.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: It is important to mention in this context that we have faith and we are all entitled to that. I do not agree with the Senator. The Minister of State's amendment to strengthen the Bill is probably a good one. We need to introduce an offence for those who purport to be collecting for charity, as is the case here. Go raibh maith agat.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: Given what has happened with the Broadcasting Bill, with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the FÁS debacle, would it not be wise that we take away the power from the Minister to appoint members to the charity appeals tribunal and establish a new body to appoint them? I fully support the need to have on the tribunal those from a legal...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: Given the decentralisation project, is it known where the location of the headquarters will be?

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I was hoping it would be Cork. I appeal to the Minister of State to locate it in Cork.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I will not dwell on Senator O'Toole's point, but it is important to strike a balance here. We can argue the merits and demerits of "shall" versus "may" but it is important that we protect people. Senator O'Toole correctly said we do not want spin put on certain events that may transpire later, but we must allow for the protection of people. None of us condone wrong-doing or irregularities,...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: If the Minister of State gives us a guarantee he will come back on this matter, we will reserve our position. He has not given us a clear, cogent reason. I am not a genius, but I am baffled.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I am absolutely baffled. The fundamental question is, of what is the Minister of State afraid. From what is he running? Is it, as Senator Norris rightly deduced, that Revenue is cracking the whip? Does the Minister of State fear organisations will be too vocal? A number of bodies were abolished or amalgamated in the budget. The amendments seek the advancement and promotion of human...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: Like Senator Alex White, I would be happy to let our amendment rest until Report Stage if the Minister of State would come back to Members with an explanation of the rationale for this. It is an important issue. It is not about politics; it is about the advancement and promotion of human rights. We will be happy to let it go to Report Stage if we get the rationale for and movement on it.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: That is because the Minister of State has not been prepared to move.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: May I reserve the right to move it again on Report Stage?

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: Will the Leas-Chathaoirleach clarify whether an amendment that is defeated can be resubmitted on Report Stage?

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I will resubmit it on Report Stage.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I support Senator Hannigan's amendment.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I will reserve the right to move this amendment on Report Stage.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: As Senators Norris and O'Toole said, there is an issue in this area. We have met with the Respond organisation. I am not sure if it is a matter of legislation or incorporation but there is a need to examine the matter. There is serious concern among people about this legislation. I am worried that there will be a reduction in the number of people opting to become directors of charitable...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: There is an issue with indemnification. There is a genuine concern pertaining to this among those in the charities sector. This arises later on in the Bill and the matter raises certain fears. Rather than prolong the debate, I encourage the Minister of State to revert to the Seanad. Some people have entered into contractual service agreements where a deficit exists and where there is a...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Jerry Buttimer: I do not want to divide the House on this amendment but the issue is the benefit that would accrue to sporting organisations. By including them in the legislation, it will enable them to attract money from whatever source, some of which will be given to other charitable organisations. Such funding attracts tax relief for the charitable organisations I mentioned. There will be no loss to...