Results 3,081-3,100 of 4,178 for speaker:Paul Gavan

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: Well done.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: I support what Senator Feighan has said in regard to "The Nolan Show". It is an appalling programme.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: The actor John Connors made a very principled decision in refusing to appear on it earlier this week because of its awful sectarian nature. I commend my colleague, Senator Ó Clochartaigh. Several Senators from various parties attended the stroke manifesto meeting and listened to Martin Quinn, who was in the Gallery this morning. I know Martin of old and did some work with him in...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: There is some really good and positive news from Limerick today. The Nestlé plant in Askeaton has become the first living wage site anywhere in Ireland. This is a result of three years of negotiation and I had a small role to play at the beginning. The key recognition must go to SIPTU and Mr. Enda McDaid in particular, who has delivered a tremendous result. Nestlé is an...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: Maybe we could ensure that the people we work with - the cleaners and canteen staff — all have a living wage, as a minimum. Why do we not take a lead that can be followed throughout the country? I would like a debate on the living wage on the basis of this good news. Let us see what positive, concrete steps we can take to help low-paid employees.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: It also has precarious work contracts. It is not a good example.

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: I do not want to repeat anything that has been said already. The case for accepting the amendment has been extremely well made. While I hope I am wrong, I suspect it might not be accepted. If that is the case, I appeal to our colleagues in Fianna Fáil not to turn their backs on the students in particular. Student unions are very passionate about this issue. We cannot let them down....

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: I take the Senator's point. We have thrashed this out a number of times. I find the Minister of State's reluctance to move very frustrating. I accept it will need to go back to the Dáil, but that is a minor issue compared with not doing the right thing at this point. In the event that the Minister of State does not listen, I appeal to our Fianna Fáil colleagues. This will not...

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: Well said.

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: I would say that Senator Norris has a point.

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: I find this conversation depressing because the arguments are so clear on the reasons we should accept Senator David Norris' amendments. I cannot see how anyone would object to the wording to promote an ethos that supports entrepreneurship, creativity, autonomy, innovation and engaged citizenship. I would love to know which part of the wording is inappropriate? I challenge the Fine Gael...

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: It appears that we are because there have been a number of reasoned contributions made. I was particularly struck by Senator Grace O'Sullivan's contribution. She asked a pertinent question: what was wrong with the existing ethos? Why do we have to boil it down to entrepreneurship? We all know, because of the history of our country, how important jobs are, but I do not believe the purpose...

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: Yes, I have.

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: The Senator will get his turn.

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: It is very disappointing to see that there is this ideology. I have pointed this out on several occasions and every time I do so Fine Gael Members go into denial, but the fact of the matter is this is branding to bring the education system in the of way the American system where, effectively, it becomes an adjunct of business. That is what we are talking about and nobody has given us a...

Seanad: Technological Universities Bill 2015: Report Stage (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: I know that. I cannot see any reasoned argument to object to what the Senator is saying. Equally, as somebody who cannot speak Irish but sends his children to a Gaelscoil, I am genuinely surprised that this issue of the language dealt with in amendment No. 6 has not been addressed. Again, I am genuinely bewildered as to why the Government will not accept the amendment. That bring me back...

Seanad: Versatis Medicated Plasters: Statements (21 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: An issue close to my heart is football. It is not because Spurs had a great comeback the other night - fair play to Harry Kane. The tragedy about Harry Kane is that his folks are all from Ireland and he really should be playing for us.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Feb 2018)

Paul Gavan: That is a whole other kettle of fish. The League of Ireland is kicking off this weekend.