Results 2,901-2,920 of 4,414 for speaker:Sean Barrett

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: It is a bribe.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: I echo the comments of Senator MacSharry on Irish Water. Following 18 hours of debate in the Seanad, we have had two days of hearings on the issue. I compliment Deputies Michael McCarthy and John McGuinness on chairing the two committee meetings in question. After 30 hours of parliamentary time, we still do not know what will be the price of water or the generous free allowance. A culture...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Report Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: I join in the extension of new year good wishes to my colleagues. During our last sittings before Christmas, we proved the value of the Seanad when, for 18 hours, as Senator Cullinane has said, we discussed the Water Services (No. 2) Bill. All of the things we predicted then have happened. All of the amendments we tabled have been proven worthwhile. Senator Ó Clochartaigh sought to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Tendering of Bus Services: SIPTU and NBRU (15 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: With regard to Deputy Harrington's point, according to the annual accounts of Dublin Bus last year it received €69 million through public service obligation, PSO, services, €13 million in capital grants and €5.3 million in emergency funds. It received €107 million to carry 115 million passengers. Of course the Minister had to question this. Over a five year...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Tendering of Bus Services: SIPTU and NBRU (15 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: Is it not correct that this is 100% paid for by the taxpayer? Dublin Bus received a subsidy to do that while Aircoach did not.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Expenditure Issues: Irish Water - Uisce Éireann (14 Jan 2014)

Sean Barrett: I welcome the witnesses. They said they keep themselves aware of what happens in Parliament. I submit that what has happened in the Parliament was an absolute shambles. It started with the Water Services Bill. The document refers to an explanatory and financial memorandum. There is no financial memorandum in it. Does the company stand over that? Did the witnesses brief the Minister...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (20 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I did not catch the Leas-Chathaoirleach's eye earlier. This section deals with the dissolution of county and city enterprise boards, but the Bill also deals with the dissolution of local authorities. I welcomed what Westport Town Council organised regarding the dissolution. It obviously did not influence enough people, but we should commend its attempt, as it was an example of local...

Seanad: Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (20 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I echo everything that has been said and thank the Minister and her officials. I did not know the people directly involved but obviously they deeply influenced the likes of Senators Quinn and White. Delays have been a feature and they are regrettable. Is there a possibility that if the 23 cases cannot be resolved by 31 October next that an extension might be considered? In my eyes, the...

Seanad: Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: The Minister has referred to all the problems, difficulties and frustrations. I believe his anti-smoking campaign will work. It is going well. The road safety campaign has been a spectacular success, and we compliment the Garda, the Minister, Deputy Vardkar, and all concerned. There might be a slight increase in the number of deaths this year but it is a remarkable reduction, so let us...

Seanad: Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I received some interesting information from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport which could help to illuminate our discussion today. In 2012, the Garda Síochána apprehended 240,000 motorists, 184,000 of them for speeding, 25,000 for the telephone offences to which I referred earlier and 219 for failing to heed a stop sign. Gardaí are already tackling motoring...

Seanad: Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I welcome the Minister and his interest in the affairs of the Seanad is appreciated. Senator Crown is the expert on health in the House but I will make a few observations from the transport point of view. Let us examine the penalty points system and the use of mobile telephones. Mobile telephone usage is the single most important element. Quite rightly, the authorities and the Garda...

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2013: Second and Subsequent Stages (19 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I echo Senator Byrne's sentiments of our debt to the Leader for organising this debate and the instant appearance here of the Minister of State. He is always very helpful to this House and his appearance here at short notice is a startling illustration of this. Part of the reform agenda must be that we remain vigilant of our public finances. Post exit the bailout we must plan our affairs to...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I note that the Referendum Commission's report referred to by Senator Mooney shows that the majority in favour of the retention of this House was larger than was shown in the poll because of the confusing nature of the way the question was put. Support for the House is stronger. If, as I requested, the commission had included in its literature the fact that this was an invitation for people...

Seanad: Protection of the Public Interest from Tobacco Lobbying Bill 2013: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Protection of the Public Interest from Tobacco Lobbying Bill 2013: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: I welcome the Minister. He is one of the most regular Ministers attending here. We have all shared his dedication to the cause of preventing the damage tobacco does to society. He wishes to make Ireland tobacco free by 2025 and launched his strategy document on that in October. The Bill before us incorporates a United Nations convention on tobacco control into Irish law. I worry about...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: This is a very important amendment proposed by our colleagues, Senators Ó Clochartaigh and Cullinane. It is to be inserted in page 15, between lines 9 and 10, where the general heading is "Directions of Minister". I am worried about this aspect without a freedom of information context. Thus, if a Minister says "I want it built in my constituency" or "I want X,Y and Z pipes to be used...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: The Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was the previous legislation just passed by the Seanad, contained an amendment proposed by the Seanad which was accepted by the Dáil. I thank the Minister of State with responsibility for research and innovation, Deputy Sherlock, for that. It is proof of the good working relationship between the Seanad and the Dáil. I welcome...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2013)

Sean Barrett: Hear, hear.