Results 3,981-4,000 of 5,762 for speaker:Gerard Craughwell

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: It is my privilege to welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is the first opportunity we have had since his elevation. He is very welcome.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I need to clarify that the Seanad Office never delays a Commencement debate. Senators submit Commencement debates.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: The Seanad Office then sends the matters to the Cathaoirleach and he either selects them or not as the case may be. In the case of individual negotiations between Ministers and Departments in order to request things, such matters are entirely between those involved.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I thank the Senator for clarifying the matter. The Minister of State has four minutes.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I thank the Minister of State. I wish to advise Senator Boyhan that he has one minute.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: We allow a brief supplementary comment. The Senator's time is up.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: The Minister of State is being repetitive.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: The Minister of State has made his point.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: The Minister of State has made his point.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: No, I cannot allow the Minister of State to continue.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: We are short on time.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driving Test Waiting Lists (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I thank the Minister of State. The House stands suspended until 11.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: When I came to this House in 2014, I had a steep learning curve.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: Certainly not.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: Good people like the Leas-Chathaoirleach steered me in the right direction. I was rather shocked to hear this morning's discussion about speaking time, membership groups and so on. One learns very quickly in this House to be a member of a group or to sit in the gods up there.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: Of course it is. I really respect the Leas-Chathaoirleach's ruling on this because he has always acted based on the rules of the House and allowed those of us who are Independent in groups to be treated as group members similar to our colleagues in political parties, whom I deeply respect. I also respect my colleagues who are Independents and have decided not to join a group for technical...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I recognise their right to remain outside a group but, alas and alack, when we make a decision, we must live by the rules.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I have sat here on one occasion for two and a half hours of a debate and, as I got to my feet, I was told, "Sorry, Senator, we are out of time". Such is the price one pays for being an Independent without the support of colleagues. We in the Independent Group are truly independent. We do not really have a Whip and we never agree on anything.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: It is purely a technical issue.

Seanad: Flood Prevention Measures: Statements (18 Oct 2017)

Gerard Craughwell: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to welcome him here. Prior to the Minister of State coming to this House, he was knee-deep in water trying to assist communities. His response in Donegal was second to none. He was in the area within hours of what occurred and he reassured the community. I have tremendous respect for the...