Results 4,221-4,240 of 5,046 for speaker:Paschal Mooney

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: It was made clear that it is a key requirement to stimulate more competition in Ireland's broadband market and to increase broadband uptake. It is interesting that 95% of schools now have broadband access and the rest will be added in the autumn.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: That suggests we live in a real country. The bad news, however, is that I agree with much of the criticism of Eircom. I have had the unfortunate and unhappy experience of dealing with Eircom since I first tried to get broadband in Drumshanbo in County Leitrim, so I could be more like those esteemed Senators from more cosmopolitan areas where broadband had already been rolled out. I decided...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: The opposite is true, we have lost — I am one of the unfortunate shareholders who lost. I am probably telling the Government what it already knows but until it accelerates it policy of unbundling, there will continue to be problems with a company that, to put it bluntly, is one of the most inefficient and incompetent outfits I have ever come across. If it was in the public sector, we...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: That is why we cannot do anything specifically about it but, in terms of policy, I fully support the view that something should be done. Consumers themselves must play their role in comparing providers to ensure they get the best deal. The best way to get a company to sit up and take notice is to vote with our feet.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: The Department is operating a website, www.broadband.gov.ie, to help consumers and business to find the best deal. There is also a broadband awareness television campaign running in conjunction with Northern Ireland that highlights the benefits of broadband for households and businesses.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: In Northern Ireland, the British Government subsidised BT to ensure 100% roll out in the Six Counties. I said to the Minister that the Government should bite the bullet and, if necessary, subsidise the extended availability of broadband. That would bring us further up the league. Our present lack of progress will not help us to arrive at the level we should be reaching. The Government is...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: The framework is contained in Government policy and the statistics show that the Minister and the Department have been so focused on this area that there has been a significant increase in broadband facilities. I welcome that and encourage them to do more. We have a lot done but more to do.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: One hundred per cent.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I always enjoy listening to Senator Ryan who comes out with little gems, one of which was his reference to real countries. I thought this was a real country. I would like to know where these real countries are.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I am very happy to be living in this real country.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: That is what I was going to say but I did not want to upset the Senator too much. Using throwaway phrases such as "real countries" is lowering the tone of the debate but we will not joust on that. According to the latest information, there were 372,000 broadband subscribers in Ireland by the end of June. By mid-September that figure had gone up to 410,000. This is equivalent to 9.27% of...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I share Senator Ryan's view that there should be a debate on the health services which we would all agree is a very emotive issue in certain parts of the country, not least in the north east. I am also equally hopeful that the House will condemn unreservedly the elements there on that day who descended into mob rule at what was an outwardly democratic expression of decent, honest people in...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: As somebody who has a brother living in Marseilles I can vouch that the party celebrating France's win in yesterday's World Cup match is still ongoing. I endorse Senator Finucane's comment wishing France well.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I endorse what Senator Brian Hayes said. I believe he has done this House a service. However, I wish to make a point of clarification which has been adding to the confusion about the provision of research facilities, namely, that the three existing library staff in question are qualified senior research assistants, they are not librarians. Therein lies the problem. The newly appointed...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: As this is a matter for the Commission, I ask the Leader——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I fully respect the Cathaoirleach's ruling but, as Members of this House, the matter does affect us.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: Would the Cathaoirleach not agree that because of the matter raised by Senator Brian Hayes, the dispersal of staff affects the Members of this House in the pursuance of their duties?

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: Yes, but the point was raised by Senator Brian Hayes and I believe it is important to address it.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I am not referring to the Commission.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Paschal Mooney: I did because it endorsed——