Results 24,441-24,460 of 27,055 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: If the Seanad is ever going to do a service for the Irish people, it is to say "Sorry, parts of this legislation are wrong". I can understand the difficulties with child benefit and I welcome the fact the Minister yesterday announced she would be bringing forward a report. However, I cannot, and I do not think any colleague here in his or her right mind and right conscience can support cuts...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I am appealing to all Members across the House, those of all parties and those of none, to particularly ensure today, on the respite care grant, that the amendments tabled are passed and that the Bill is sent back. I would say specifically to those who talk about Seanad reform and retention of the Seanad to stand up and actually show the worth of the Seanad, because I believe the Seanad has...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: There is a big gap of 20% in funding.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: They were.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: You were sending out press releases.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It was Deputy Ciara Conway.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: It is disgraceful.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010: Motion (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Senator never disowned them before the budget.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010: Motion (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Minister of State for bringing the motion before the House. Irrespective of whether we like it, it is necessary. The Minister of State has outlined the progress made on the stabilisation of the banks which started some time ago and which all of us welcome. My only comment is that when we note the passing of this important motion, the progress being made in the banks raising...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: We have tabled amendments on this matter with which we can deal on Committee Stage.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: He did not mean it like that.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Senator was gone then.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Who goaded Senator Whelan?

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: What is the point of this?

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Is the Senator finished already?

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: That was unbelievable.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: That is a core payment in my view but the Minister does not believe it is. A respite care grant is a core payment, particularly for the 5,000 families who receive the respite care grant and get no further assistance from the State. If we are to talk about finance, the economy and the banks, about which the Minister spoke at length in her contribution, I would point out that she did not...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Minister for coming before the House to introduce the Social Welfare Bill. As was the case last year, I wish to begin by stating that - like every one of her predecessors in the Department of Social Protection - she has a difficult job. My colleagues and I fully acknowledge that fact. I am quite disappointed by some of what the Minister said. I do not believe that carers,...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (18 Dec 2012)

Darragh O'Brien: The Minister indicated that she has received a vast number of representations from carers' organisations, disability groups, families and charities such as Barnardos. In that context, we are living in the here and now. I do not want to waste the eight minutes available to me. However, I wish to state that I will stand over the introduction of the respite care grant by Fianna Fáil in 1999....