Results 23,181-23,200 of 26,293 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: An Bille um an Dara Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Deireadh a Chur le Seanad Éireann) 2013: An Dara Céim - Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013: Second Stage (26 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach on his second visit to this House in the two and a half years since he assumed office. I respect the Taoiseach and his office but I expect the Taoiseach to respect the Oireachtas, as elected. I put it to the Taoiseach that the fact that he has only once, prior to this day, attended the Chamber in his tenure shows he does not fully respect the Oireachtas...

Seanad: An Bille um an Dara Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Deireadh a Chur le Seanad Éireann) 2013: An Dara Céim - Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013: Second Stage (26 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: We are going to have a debate, which I welcome, by the way, and I welcome a referendum on this in the context that we can actually discuss real reform. I call on the Taoiseach to reflect on the reform that he and his Government have brought through since he was elected. He has abolished Údarás na Gaeltachta and reduced the number of county councillors. The Taoiseach referred to...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (26 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: Well done.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: It is interesting to note that five Bills have been tabled for today, one of which relates to the abolition of the Seanad. In the House, the Taoiseach will propose the Seanad's abolition without having anything to replace it. Most of us would condemn the fact that the Government guillotined this Bill in the Dáil last night, allowing only 40 minutes for Committee Stage. The idea that...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: This shows the esteem in which he holds Bunreacht na hÉireann and the Oireachtas, but that is a matter for another day. Rather, it is for later today. I am looking forward to it, as I am sure are most of my colleagues on both sides of the House. Tomorrow, the new code of conduct on mortgage arrears will be published. Will the Leader allow time next week? The schedule in this...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: It has been made.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: It was raised by a number of colleagues on all sides of the House, including Senator Mary Ann O'Brien and many others. This is too important an issue to let go. The Minister should go further and ensure that the cuts to special needs assistants' hours are also reversed.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: The Leader has made a sensible suggestion for dealing with the Health (Amendment) Bill and we would have no difficulty with taking Committee and Remaining Stages today. I agree with the Leader. All of us are absolutely disgusted and horrified by what we heard in the recent revelations. I will not comment further on them for the very reason the Leader mentioned because we all need to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: ----- that prejudiced subsequent court cases. We need to be aware that there are ongoing investigations by the Garda, the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Financial Regulator. While they are very important, we all agree that the public deserve answers. I heard the Minister, Deputy Howlin, speak on the radio this morning. It is important that whatever investigation is established...

Seanad: Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, to the House. Fianna Fáil supports this Bill. As promised by Fianna Fáil prior to the last election, we are endeavouring to be a responsible Opposition party and to be constructive.

Seanad: Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: As mentioned by the Minister of State in his opening speech on the Bill, the Fianna Fáil Party spokesperson on finance in the Dáil, Deputy Michael McGrath, previously introduced two Private Members' Bills, the thrust of which were accepted by the Minister for Finance and are now incorporated into Part 10 of this Bill dealing with the regulation of debt management firms and Part 12,...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: That is not party policy.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: You cannot stand over these cuts, Jim.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: There has been a 25% reduction in provision in two years.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: How is that to be achieved when the resources are cut by 25%?

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: Yesterday I raised the prospect of another savage attack on children who require special needs assistants and additional resource hours in schools. It has been confirmed that the Government is effecting a 10% reduction to children who have special educational needs and require assistance in schools. I remind colleagues opposite that since taking office that is a 25% cut since 2011....

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2013)

Darragh O'Brien: How can one stand over a 25% cut since the Government came into office?