Results 2,281-2,300 of 4,773 for speaker:Paudie Coffey

An Bille um an gCeathrú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Uimh. 3) 2014: An Dara Céim [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha] - Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (No. 3) Bill 2014: Second Stage [Private Members] (18 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: The Deputy is taking credit for that?

An Bille um an gCeathrú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Uimh. 3) 2014: An Dara Céim [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha] - Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (No. 3) Bill 2014: Second Stage [Private Members] (18 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: The Government is opposed to the Sinn Féin Private Members' Bill before the House this evening. I never cease to be amazed by that party's capacity repeatedly to table ill-judged and badly-timed motions and Bills. Its members' collective amnesia is quite astounding. Have those sitting opposite not been listening to the recent statements from the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for...

Topical Issue Debate: Local Authority Funding (18 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: It is unfair and unwelcome that Deputies would try to personalise what is a very serious problem for Sligo County Council. The Minister, Deputy Kelly, is seriously concerned and is engaged with the management team of Sligo County Council to find a solution to assist it in addressing these challenges. It is encouraging that the council is preparing a financial plan to deal with the...

Topical Issue Debate: Local Authority Funding (18 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly. I thank the Deputies for providing me with an opportunity to clarify the position on the financial difficulties of Sligo County Council. The continued deterioration of the council's financial position is of serious concern to the Minister, notwithstanding the...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I experienced frustration in the four years that I was a Member of the Seanad. Those who have been Members of this House for much longer than four years will agree that the frustration of Senators predates the election of the current Government. In 1979, the people decided in a referendum to extend the university franchise. Why has this decision not been implemented? I am pleased to note...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: Members of the diaspora may not have a passport.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: We have heard very divergent views here this evening, which is welcome. As a former Member of this House, I respect every Senator's view. I commend Senators Quinn and Zappone who have put a lot of work into this Bill, which is well intentioned and which has generated a very welcome debate this evening. We have only reached section 2 of the Bill and have heard very diverse views across the...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I wish to acknowledge the work that has gone into this Bill. It is comprehensive and I commend the Senators for their work on it. However, there are fundamental legal, policy and administrative issues spread throughout the Bill which are problematic. I will expand further on those. The Government is opposing section 2. The interpretation section is integral to the effect and functioning...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: Dealing specifically with the interpretation-----

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I am happy to clarify. This relates specifically to interpretation in section 2 of the Bill. To continue where I left off, this would have the effect of creating a second directly-elected Chamber of the Oireachtas. Although the Bill does not quantify the likely electorate, it can be estimated that some 5.2 million persons would be entitled to vote. Apart from the policy question and the...

Leaders' Questions (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: Does Deputy McDonald believe Maíria Cahill?

Leaders' Questions (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: The republican movement operated its own law and its own kangaroo court.

Leaders' Questions (12 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: Deputy Ellis would know all about that.

Topical Issue Debate: Wind Energy Guidelines (11 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I thank both Deputies for raising this important matter and for the opportunity to outline the progress to date on the ongoing focused review of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines. The Minister and I are precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, from exercising any power or control in respect of any individual planning application or appeal with which a...

Topical Issue Debate: Wind Energy Guidelines (11 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I appreciate that the Deputies have serous concerns regarding the purposed project but I reiterate that it is the intention of the Minister and I to publish new guidelines as soon as possible. It is my understanding that the existing guidelines apply to current planning applications but I will clarify that for them. I must re-emphasise that the Minister, Deputy Kelly, and I are statutorily...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Register of Electors (4 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I thank Senator Zappone for raising this important issue which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly. Voter registration is an important and fundamental part of our electoral processes and the annual register is prepared at this time of year. I welcome the effort of civil society, as outlined by the Senator. It is important that all sectors in society engage with the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Register of Electors (4 Nov 2014)

Paudie Coffey: I thank the Senator. I reiterate that, by law, the local authorities are the responsible authorities for voter registration. I am sure the Senator's experience is the same as mine in that some local authorities are better than others in this regard. I call on local authorities to use the resources available to them to ensure in so far as possible there is awareness about voter registration...

Irish Water: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (23 Oct 2014)

Paudie Coffey: The Deputy's party opposed the ESB when the State was formed.

Irish Water: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (23 Oct 2014)

Paudie Coffey: -----we would welcome some positive engagement on how to improve the water service and the utilities required to deliver for all citizens. However, we do not hear that. We hear that everything is a problem but we do not get any solutions. I remind Fianna Fáil Members opposite that they signed up for water charges with the troika. They have obviously forgotten that. They are...

Irish Water: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (23 Oct 2014)

Paudie Coffey: Fianna Fáil also considered charging people €400 per annum for water.