Results 3,161-3,180 of 4,810 for speaker:Liam Twomey

Seanad: Charter of Fundamental Rights: Statements (4 Jun 2008)

Liam Twomey: I welcome this debate on a section of the reform treaty which has not yet been discussed in great depth. Most of the European treaties on which we have held referendums have focused on economic issues. Greater emphasis should be placed on the importance of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the most important part of the Lisbon treaty. Although the text is primarily focused on economic...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Liam Twomey: I extend the best wishes of Senators to the 50,000 young adults who are starting their leaving certificate examinations today.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Liam Twomey: We have all done many examinations in our time, but I am sure we will agree that the leaving certificate remains the hardest examination of all. We should send the best wishes of the House to those young people who are sitting examinations today. I ask the Leader to change the wording of Fianna Fáil's Private Members' business so that Senators can vote on a motion relating to the Charter of...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Liam Twomey: The Senator should look at the report.

Seanad: Matter Raised Under Standing Order 31 (29 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: It is possible for schools to register themselves as charities to benefit from tax concessions. The Minister responsible should address two issues in this regard. A two-year gap exists between registration as a charity and fully benefiting from the effects of the tax concessions pertaining to charitable status. The Minister should consider shortening that period to three months in order...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: There is news we are hearing today that there will be a budget deficit of up to €8 billion this year. Given that growth rates are falling faster than a barometer reading before a storm, this is an issue of major concern. The Taoiseach is stating the national development plan is being prioritised but this is another way of stating cutbacks are due. To date, the collateral damage of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: Members should wake up to what is happening. The House should have regular debates on the economy. I ask the Leader to consider the possibility of using his party's Private Members' motion next week to discuss the issue of the Lisbon treaty. For many ordinary people, one of its most important features will be the Charter of Fundamental Rights. I have been surprised that many of those who...

Seanad: Health Services: Motion (28 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: We are keeping a close eye on her carbon footprint.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion (28 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: I propose to share time with Senator Buttimer.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion (28 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: The problem with these types of debates is that Government Members have to support the Minister no matter what happens and regardless of the chaos in our health services. The road to ruin is paved with good intentions. That adage is appropriate when one considers some of the developments arising from the establishment of the Health Service Executive. I do not blame the Minister, Deputy...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: We should have a debate on that. I would look forward to it.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: Where is the funding for palliative care? It is non-existent.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: That is more important than the making of cheap shots across the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: The taking of cheap shots across the House will get the Senator nowhere. It would be better to fund palliative care. It would be much better for the Government to do that.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, will come to the House today to discuss the Broadcasting Bill 2008. However, another issue for which he is responsible, namely, broadband access, is far more important for the majority of people in the country, and this House should do something about it. My brother runs a wireless broadband company which can...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: I am sorry. However, this issue should be debated because up to 20% of patients treated in Dublin hospitals are from the midlands, north east or the south east and the reason for this is that hospital services are not available in those regions. I would like the Minister to come to the House for a debate on that. Innuendo should not be spread, such as the reason cancer services must be...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: The Senator missed the point.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: The Senator is making an accusation which should be withdrawn.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: Those sort of remarks bring down the tone of this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 May 2008)

Liam Twomey: These are personal attacks on me.