Results 26,441-26,460 of 26,988 for speaker:Richard Boyd Barrett

Human Rights Issues (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Question 6: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will formally contact the Israeli Government and request the free and safe passage of the forthcoming international peace flotilla, in which an Irish ship is participating, bound for Gaza with much needed aid and international solidarity for its beleaguered population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. ...

Human Rights Issues (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The Minister is aware that nine activists were brutally killed in last year's flotilla by the Israeli forces in an attack that was rightly condemned by the House in an all-party motion. It condemned the Israeli assault on the first peace flotilla and, rightly, described the blockade of Gaza by Israel as an illegal act, yet the blockade continues and continues to visit appalling suffering on...

Human Rights Issues (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: The organisers of the Irish ship to Gaza, the Irish leg of the flotilla, contacted the Minister's office a number of weeks ago and sought a meeting to discuss the departing Irish part of the flotilla, but they have received no response. Will the Minister meet the organisers of the Irish ship to Gaza to discuss their trip? Also, when will sanctions be imposed? When will the call for...

Human Rights Issues (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Will the Minister meet the representatives of the organisers?

Dáil Reform: Statements (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I will start on a positive note by welcoming the Government's response to some of the concerns expressed by the Technical Group and others regarding its initial proposals on Dáil reform. The Minister of State outlined substantial improvements to his initial proposals on Dáil business and there appears to be a genuine willingness on the part of the Government to take on board our...

Dáil Reform: Statements (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It is not just me. That frustration is felt across the House during the Order of Business. The Government's proposals represent improvements which should make this a better and more responsive Chamber for debate and allow us to raise topical issues. Credit where credit is due for this, although the Technical Group should take some of the credit for putting forward this week's Private...

Dáil Reform: Statements (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: We also made submissions in the documents we circulated. It does not matter, however, because the important outcome will be the genuine improvements that can be made. A long way remains to be travelled in terms of real political and Dáil reform. Even if it would not be popular in this Chamber, an initiative to address the question of politicians' pay would receive the support of the...

Dáil Reform: Statements (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I would certainly support reducing the amount.

Dáil Reform: Statements (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I support reducing it and that is why I am raising the issue now. Members of the United Left Alliance have volunteered to take only the average industrial wage and the rest of the money goes into the campaigns, issues and organisations with which we are involved. We did not make this decision because we are saints or martyrs but because putting politicians in the same situation as the...

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Yesterday we heard the shocking news that there is an intention to impose a 10% cut on the teaching hours available for special needs, visiting more suffering on one of the most vulnerable sectors of our society.

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Can we at least expect some discussion on the matter or a debate in this House?

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: We must make it a priority to protect the most vulnerable sectors of our society from the effects of austerity.

Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: It is a serious matter.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Question 56: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the key issues confronting the taxi industry today; his plans to address these issues and the very serious crisis faced by taxi drivers who are barely able to make a living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13714/11]

Government and Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I wish to share time with Deputy Stephen Donnelly.

Government and Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: In response to the Labour Party Deputies, who have left the Chamber, it is important to point out that the motion put forward by the Technical Group is not meant to be a comprehensive response to the urgent need for political or Dáil reform, because there are divergent views within the group on that matter. We understand that there must be a real debate in society and between political...

Government and Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: I wish to make an elementary point that relates to the point Deputy Stagg made about quangos. Quangos are unaccountable. They are areas of public endeavour that are at one remove from public accountability through this Chamber. Privatisation does that to an even greater degree. It is about giving away land, resources, vital infrastructure, strategic industry, vitally important companies...

Government and Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Hear, hear.

Government and Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: Deputy Stagg should wait until he hears me.

Government and Oireachtas Reform: Motion (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)

Richard Boyd Barrett: He is in trouble now.