Results 2,521-2,540 of 2,663 for speaker:Malcolm Byrne

Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht: Impact of Covid-19 on the Tourism Sector: Discussion (2 Dec 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I have one quick final question around the post-Covid environment. We must think about getting to next summer and beyond, but Covid will have an impact on international travel and business travel. If they were to make a pitch and look at the Irish tourism product in five years' time, where do our guests see it? What will have been the impact of Covid and Brexit? This is a bit of crystal...

Seanad Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Engagement on Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (2 Dec 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming here and for his contribution yesterday on the Brexit omnibus Bill, which was comprehensive. The Minister made a point around Michel Barnier's warnings and described his own fear of the UK making a significant mistake. The reality is that next week is make or break. It is up to the UK. If it makes a particular decision about the internal market and finance...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Dec 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I echo the comments that have been made and express my disappointment about the decision of the British Government not to hold an independent inquiry into the case of Pat Finucane. I also echo the comments of Senator Cummins. It does not make sense that cinemas, galleries and museums can open, yet theatres, which are safe and controlled environments, are kept closed. We will see far more...

Seanad: Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020: Second Stage (1 Dec 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for his work. I also thank the officials in his Department and, indeed, other Departments for their work. We are extremely fortunate in this country to have such quality diplomatic staff and, indeed, public service when dealing with a complex challenge such as this one. I note colleagues, including Senator Chambers, talked about the unity of purpose in this Chamber and,...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (26 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I agree with Senator Bacik on the issue of citizenship, with Senator Carrigy on occupational therapy assessments, and with Senators Craughwell and Blaney on the importance of recognising the role of our councillors. However, I disagree with Senator Gavan in his songs of praise for Cuba. In terms of foreign policy, I do not know what Sinn Féin's obsession is with adopting a Cuban policy...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (26 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: As opposed to an ideological conversation?

Seanad: Reopening Ireland (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment): Statements (26 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I echo the comments of the Leas-Chathaoirleach that the Minister of State always brings optimism to his role, and we need optimism and hope over this period in order that we can come through these difficult times. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State is engaging with the retail forum, as it is very important to engage with the...

Seanad: Reopening Ireland (Department of Health): Statements (26 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the Chamber. I agree with many of the comments Senator Doherty made about how we live with Covid-19. The issues around well-being and loneliness need to be addressed, and not only for older people. There is a challenge for younger people as well in terms of how we ensure their well-being is protected. I want to talk about when the vaccine is...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (25 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I wish to start by agreeing with Senators Wall and Craughwell on addressing the terms and conditions affecting those in the Defence Forces, who are the worst paid members of the public service. A role has to be found for PDFORRA as part of the discussion, because this issue has being going on for far too long and it is important that it is addressed. I agree with Senator Mullen around the...

Seanad: Planning and Development Bill 2020: Second Stage (25 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I endorse Senator Fitzpatrick's views entirely, including on those issues about which we should not be speaking. I support this legislation but I do not want to see emergency periods being used, effectively, as an excuse for things not to be done. I have a specific question, for example, regarding why extended periods might be allowed under derelict sites legislation. I have no problem...

Seanad: Inquiry into the Murder of Mr. Patrick Finucane: Motion (25 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I welcome the Minister. In his speech, he very much showed his personal commitment, as well as that of the Government, to reach a resolution on this issue. He has seen the unity in this House around this issue, but I believe the fact he is here tonight reiterates the strength of the Government's view. It is important. Like others, I welcome John Finucane to this Chamber and his family and...

Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht: Impact of Covid-19 on the Arts Council: Discussion (25 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I welcome Professor Rafter and Ms Kennelly. Talking about the resilience of artists is important. I welcome the ESRI report yesterday on cultural activities for teenagers. Perhaps the committee could have a separate meeting to discuss that important report on engaging teenagers and young people. I will put a couple of direct questions. The Government commitment was clearly shown...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: While I agree with much of what Senator Ó Donnghaile said, it should be recalled that for a long period his party shared the views of many of the Brexiteers about trying to pull away from the European Union. I am sure the Leader will join with me in congratulating those Irish scientists who are involved in helping to find a Covid vaccine. It was quite pleasant to hear on the radio...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I note the Deputy Leader is not in the House.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I endorse the remarks of my colleague, Senator Chambers, on the actions of the Governments of Hungary and Poland and the continual breaches of the rule of law and the attacks on freedom of the press and on minorities. They are not European values. I certainly support the call for this debate. I welcome the arts and culture recovery task force report that has been published, in particular...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2020: Second Stage (18 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I welcome the Minister of State on his weekly visit to the Seanad. I broadly support this legislation. We had quite a strong debate on the Bill I brought forward last week, the purpose of which is to enact the seventh amendment to the Constitution. The legislation before us relates to a broader question on our democracy and what we would like to see happen during the lifetime of this...

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (18 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I am happy to share time with Senator Dolan. I will take only two or three minutes.

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (18 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: Yes.

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (18 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I will share time if it will help. I thank the Minister of State. I am glad to hear about the approach, in particular his highlighting of the concerns about climate change. We need to ensure in all our approaches to dealing with flooding that people are educated on the impact of climate change and the effect it is having on our waterways and on erosion. I wish to raise a specific issue,...

Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht: Key Priorities for Sport Ireland and Impact of Covid-19 on Sports Sector: Sport Ireland (18 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank Mr. Mulvey and Mr. Treacy for coming before the committee and for their presentation. I have a follow-up question on where there is a requirement on all NGBs and LSPs to adopt codes of governance. Sport Ireland is working with them. Have all of the NGBs and LSPs adopted codes of governance? Are there any about which the witnesses have specific concerns?