Results 4,001-4,020 of 24,308 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Development Plan 2021-2030: Discussion (17 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I completely concur, especially on public transport. If we take Ballincollig to Carrigaline via Mahon, the whole bus network and a 24-hour bus is important. I also believe the CMATS implementation office needs to be resourced and beefed up so it can drive and pull together the different strands. I am aware there is a commitment to delivering that office in Cork. The Minister referenced...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Development Plan 2021-2030: Discussion (17 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: In the context of aviation, I ask that given that we are an island nation for which aviation is significant in terms of our tourism, economy and connectivity, we would update our national aviation plan. The Minister might not be able to give me the complete answer today given that time is short but we need a specific meeting with the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, on...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Development Plan 2021-2030: Discussion (17 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I was not being critical of Dr. Walsh last week and I am not being critical of him today, in case the Chair thinks I am. It is anything but.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I rise to request a debate on health, to cover a myriad of pieces, especially the HSE winter plan and a debate on the managing of our healthcare system, to include bed capacity, community care and mental health. The Minister for Health has been speaking about the significant challenges, notwithstanding the changes announced today. An example is the winter flu vaccine and the role of our...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: What will the capacity be?

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: How many Members can come into the House on Thursday?

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: So not every Member of the House can be present in the Gallery or the Chamber for the address of the Taoiseach on Thursday.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: Can 60 people be here, in all parts of the House?

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: Will people be standing at the back wall?

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: Is the Cathaoirleach allowing people to stand at the back of the Chamber?

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: Is that advisable, given the announcement by the Government today about reducing socialising?

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: We should be careful on Thursday about the address of the Taoiseach-----

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach: Motion (16 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: ----both for the man himself and the office he holds, but also for us as the Upper House, with regard to the number of people coming into the House, given what has happened today with the changes announced by Government. I ask that the Cathaoirleach and Leader engage not with the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight but with all of us.I would be unhappy that Senators would...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: Will the Acting Leader facilitate a debate on the future of retail so that our nation might have a new retail strategy? As we all know from observing the cities and towns in our areas, a major challenge is facing retail on the high street with the migration to online shopping. Streets and towns are being hollowed out. The House needs to debate the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy...

Committee on Public Petitions: Direct Provision Policy and Related Matters: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I welcome our witnesses to the meeting and I thank the Secretary General for his presentation. I had the pleasure of working with him in his previous capacities in other Departments and I can safely say the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will be in very good hands. In the context of the White Paper, the Secretary General said the processing of...

Committee on Public Petitions: Direct Provision Policy and Related Matters: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: How do we compare to international norms in regard to processing times? I know it is not the Secretary General's Department, but out of interest, does he have any figure on that?

Committee on Public Petitions: Direct Provision Policy and Related Matters: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: It is fair to say we all share the view that it is not satisfactory and it needs to be addressed. The White Paper commits us to phasing out the use of congregated settings by December 2024. Is the Secretary General confident we will meet that deadline?

Committee on Public Petitions: Direct Provision Policy and Related Matters: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I do not mean this to be a discordant note, but I am not sure that we will meet the 2024 deadline given the issues we have with congregation settings in disability, in direct provision and the need for a ramping up of the construction sector in terms of the building. In terms of the €28.1 million allocated to the Department for 2022, which is €12.5 million in capital...

Committee on Public Petitions: Direct Provision Policy and Related Matters: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: My final question is on the transition to the new model. As the Secretary General said, it is ambitious. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has appointed a three-person external advisory group. Has the Department met with it? I understand the group has independent oversight, but does it engage with the Department, talk to it or assist it in any way?

Committee on Public Petitions: Direct Provision Policy and Related Matters: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2021)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the Secretary General. We all share the common goal of ending direct provision and recognise that people who are in direct provision are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They have come from difficult situations, are in trauma, and have stress in their lives. I thank the Secretary General and his staff for their work and for the courtesy they have...