Results 21-40 of 2,631 for speaker:Thomas Pringle in 'Dáil debates'

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I understand the sale of alcohol Bill to reform the alcohol licensing system and extend licensing hours for bars and restaurants has been in the works for a while now. The Government initially indicated the Bill would be introduced before the summer recess. However, the Taoiseach, Deputy Harris, recently expressed scepticism about meeting the summer deadline, citing the need for careful...

Affordable Housing: Motion [Private Members] (8 May 2024)

Thomas Pringle: The state of housing in this country is an absolute disgrace. We have been in crisis mode with a severe lack of affordable housing for years now and despite this, the Government still fails to act and take the drastic action that is so desperately needed. I have been contacted by many constituents in Donegal who are facing dire situations. These are people who are having to choose...

Europe Day: Statements (8 May 2024)

Thomas Pringle: On 9 May 1950 the foundation of the European Union was set out in a declaration based on two core principles, namely, peace and solidarity. This is what the European Union was set up to achieve but as each year passes the EU distances itself further and further from these core principles. Peace and solidarity are no longer at the heart of European policy, and selfishness and greed have...

Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (2 May 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024. I condemn the way this Government has treated legislation and the legislative process throughout its time in Government. At the Business Committee last week I highlighted that neither the Bill nor pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill were published despite the fact it was due for debate this week....

Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 May 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024. The State has repeatedly let down survivors of residential institutional abuse and this legislation is yet another example. It is interesting that this legislation is being put forward by the Department of Education. We had the Department of children previously. It...

European Union Migration and Asylum Pact: Motion [Private Members] (1 May 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I express my solidarity with the Minister and her family. It is an appalling situation and should not continue anywhere. Although I am against the introduction of the European migration and asylum pact, it is not for the reasons the Rural Independent Group outlined in the motion, so I will not support that motion. The Government will probably bring forward an amendment, which I will be...

Petrol and Diesel Excise Rate Increases: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (30 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I want to echo the calls of many in the Opposition benches as we try to get through to Ministers and Government supporting Deputies the depth of hurt the current cost-of-living crisis is continuing to have on families in our communities up and down the country. Quoting macroeconomic figures for inflation growth and the like are meaningless to the working mothers and fathers across Donegal...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I thank the Taoiseach for his answer. The one thing we can do is to target the algorithms the companies use. Putting age profiles and barriers on accounts is grand but the algorithms are the problem and they are what we should be targeting. If we were serious about protecting young people, that is what we would be doing. In his response, the Taoiseach mentioned the ban against harmful...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: Many of us in this Chamber are extremely concerned about the reactionary, right-wing, conspiracy and misogynistic content that has become increasingly popular in recent years on social media, and which is starting to filter in and contribute to societal issues in Ireland. Such views have unfortunately always been present in society. However, due to social media it is now possible to create...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (25 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: Despite promises given by the Taoiseach and former Minister for Health, diabetes care in Donegal is in a critical situation and requires immediate intervention. In Letterkenny, there are no consultant endocrinologists, no advanced nurse practitioners in adult diabetes, no podiatrists, no paediatric endocrinologists and no physiologists. There is no shared centre of excellence for children...

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report Stage (24 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I support amendment No. 17, which is reasonable and makes sense. That at least one member of the authority should have lived experience of harmful gambling behaviour is important and may be a suggestion that should be taken on board. I would like to hear why that will not be the case. The gambling regulatory authority will be meant to prevent the harm that gambling can do, so there needs...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (24 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: The Minister for housing and the National Standards Authority of Ireland continue to say that there is no evidence that pyrrhotite is the cause of defective blocks in Donegal, not mica as it had been attributed to. In a response to an FOI request submitted by defective blocks campaigning groups in Donegal, it turns out that the Geological Survey of Ireland has, since December last,...

Support for Carers: Motion [Private Members] (24 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak on this motion regarding support for carers, which I fully support. The way family carers are treated in this country is disgraceful. Sadly, carers are penalised despite the fact they provide the State with a vital service. Family carers play an extremely important role in care provision but completely lack any recognition for the work...

EU Police Co-operation: Motion (10 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: This proposal seeks to strengthen laws regarding migrant smuggling while, at the same time, MEPs are today voting on the EU migration pact to reform asylum policies, which multiple NGOs have said will make it much harder for refugees to seek protection in Europe and which will force more refugees to seek other methods, such as smuggling. This is nonsensical and completely inhumane. We are...

Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil (10 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I think it is a disgrace and an insult but it is actually the way things are going to go, and that is fair enough because the Business Committee is a joke and a waste of time because the Government does not have to pay any attention to it. I am glad the Government is actually being honourable now in not paying any attention to it and going ahead and doing what it wants because that is what...

Ceapachán an Taoisigh agus Ainmniú Chomhaltaí an Rialtais - Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government (9 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I am sharing with Deputies Harkin, McNamara and Fitzmaurice.

Ceapachán an Taoisigh agus Ainmniú Chomhaltaí an Rialtais - Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government (9 Apr 2024)

Thomas Pringle: I will take five minutes. I offer personal congratulations to Simon Harris. On a personal level, it is positive for him and his family that he has been made Taoiseach but, sadly, for the country and ordinary people, it is a nothing day. It is a day of lost opportunity. There is no doubt that Simon Harris will not change the focus of this Government. That is the problem with this...

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Mar 2024)

Thomas Pringle: It is imperative that the issue of Palestine dominates the meetings of the European Council tomorrow and Friday. Europe has been too weak and slow in showing its solidarity with Palestine and it is disappointing to see some countries still denying the fact that this genocide is taking place at the hands of Israel. This is despite the fact that reports show Israel is deliberately starving...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Mar 2024)

Thomas Pringle: In light of the fact that we are going to rise for two weeks tomorrow, it is vitally important that we debate the situation in Gaza because, unfortunately, thousands more people will be dead by the time we come back. We need to do that. We need to take an independent stance on that issue. That has to happen.

Death of Charlie Bird: Expressions of Sympathy (20 Mar 2024)

Thomas Pringle: On behalf of the Independent Group, I would like to express our condolences to Charlie Bird's family. We recognise the work he did over the years. As has been mentioned by other Members regarding the Stardust families and the ceasefires in the North, he was very important and well recognised. As Deputy Boyd Barrett said in recognition of public service broadcasting, that is vitally...