Results 3,581-3,600 of 4,773 for speaker:Paudie Coffey

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: We are waiting a long time now.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: In the interest of accuracy I wish to correct the record of the House. Last week I spoke with concern about two children found scavenging in the streets of our country. According to the national media it happened in Waterford city but the HSE has since confirmed it occurred in Kilkenny. The substantive issue remains and it is still of deep concern to us. I also bring to the Leader's...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: The Government is more interested in animals than people.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: That is the Government's problem.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: That is where the Government's priorities lie.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: People are sick of it.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: The Government needs to get its priorities right.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: The Government should get its priorities right.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: Is the Green Party still talking about a general election in mid-January?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: This is like "Lanigan's Ball".

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: I was very saddened to hear the terrible news from Waterford city, where two five year olds were found by a social worker to be scavenging the public bins in the streets. This follows on from Senator McFadden's experience last week, where she told of families on the bread line who cannot feed their children. We need to be concerned at that this is happening around the country. Even families...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: These are important amendments which go to the core of some of my concerns. A universal postal service should mean what it says. It is stated in section 16(1)(a) that it is conditional on the interpretation or understanding of the commission. On the reference to geographical conditions, we would all understand there being a difficulty with deliveries or collections due to weather conditions...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: Correct.

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: The Senator is speaking sense.

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: I thank the Minister for his clarification regarding the existing legislation. However, what he has said does not yet reassure me that the Bill as presented will not change the existing levels of service for people in rural areas. I accept there may be geographic conditions affecting islands and similar places. However, we have a system that works and is not broken. It is acknowledged by...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: I concur with what Senator Hanafin said. The Minister is missing the point in regard to the concerns raised by Members on this side of the House about the terminology used, regardless of whether it is included in existing legislation. The terminology used is too vague and open to interpretation whether by the commission or anybody else. We need clear legislation. For the purposes of...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: I add my support to the amendment and acknowledge Senator Brady's contribution from the Government side. In the interest of inclusiveness and good legislation, it is important we have proper recognition for all stakeholders, whether they be the service providers, those who work within the service or the service users. It seems an illogical omission, whether intentional or otherwise, but it...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: He has delivered many of them as a Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: I seek clarification from the Leader. The Deputy Leader has just indicated that the Government intends to prioritise and finalise the Local Government (Mayor and Regional Authority of Dublin) Bill 2010 and also legislation relating to political donations and climate change. The Leader will be aware that in the Lower House, Fine Gael has offered to facilitate the Oireachtas by making all of...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Paudie Coffey: I ask that the Leader provide time for a debate on small to medium enterprises, SMEs. This sector provides employment for thousands of people, supports local economies and is export-led in nature. Manufacturing is a major element of the SME sector. I reiterate what I said on previous occasions, namely, that we cannot give up on manufacturing. I accept that we are trying to improve our...