Results 4,441-4,460 of 4,773 for speaker:Paudie Coffey

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: To follow on from what Senator Hannigan said, I have a question about extreme hardship cases. If a tenant of the local authority dies, where does the rest of the family stand with regard to any charge that might be on that dwelling? It could be a sibling, a son or a daughter. Does the local authority have discretion in law? I would appreciate if the Minister would clarify that for me.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: To add to my earlier contribution, this is a very important section of the Bill and has been awaited for a long time by local authorities and elected representatives around the country who have been dealing with anti-social issues at the coalface. I am glad that consultation with the joint policing committees is recommended in the Bill. Some pilot projects of joint policing committees were...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: Much reference is made to estates and estate management. Does this section also apply to individual sites owned by local authorities and halting sites for the travelling community that are run by local authorities as well as local authority estates?

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I move amendment No. 47: In page 19, subsection (4), line 31, to delete "may" and substitute "shall".

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I move amendment No. 49: In page 19, subsection (4), between lines 43 and 44, to insert the following: "(d) measures to prevent and reduce homelessness.". The amendment is intended to ensure homelessness is identified in the Bill. The section covers housing allocation, which is probably the most important function of a housing authority. Its housing allocation must be seen as fair and...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I agree to withdraw the amendment but I reserve the right to reintroduce it on Report Stage.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I move amendment No. 50: In page 19, subsection (4), between lines 43 and 44, to insert the following: "(e) The Minister shall lay the draft regulations before the relevant Oireachtas Committee for debate. The Minister shall consider the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee before signing final regulations.". The reason I tabled the amendment is the regulations laid down by the...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I concur with Senator Norris. In my short time in the House, I have often encountered situations where regulations are brought before the House without debate and we do not get the opportunity to further consult on and debate the various issues. We in Fine Gael believe it would be appropriate that any draft regulations should go before the joint committee. This would enhance its role in...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I move amendment No. 53: In page 20, subsection (5), between lines 4 and 5, to insert the following: "(d) allocation on the basis of need.". This amendment proposes that allocations be made on the basis of need. This requirement must be enshrined in law so that all housing authorities are clear in this regard.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I thank the Minister of State for his explanation. I withdraw the amendment on the basis that it may be resubmitted on Report Stage.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I ask the Minister of State to clarify paragraph (a) of Government amendment No. 35. Is this amendment intended to avoid any duplication of tenancies? Does it exclude or deprive anybody from seeking a transfer to adjacent local authorities? For example, if somebody is in a tenancy in a city housing authority and they wish to apply for a house in the adjacent county council housing...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: Will the Minister of State clarify if the Government's amendment to section 20(5)(a) will have an impact on the transfer of existing tenants from one housing authority to another?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I add my voice to those in all sectors of the economy, whether education, agriculture or business, who are concerned that we are suffering. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Ross who is concerned about the appointments to "An Bord Snip". I ask the basic question, what is the Government elected to do and why is it not doing it. Why should it appoint people from the private...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: There is a further shortfall of €2 billion in our public finances, according to the proposed Exchequer figures. We introduced a rushed budget and that is acknowledged throughout the economy. Why did we not wait until November when we could see the figures coming in? The Government is clueless and directionless. We need leadership. The Taoiseach should be invited to this Chamber,...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: The Leader is certainly no expert.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: The Government is putting them out of business.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: We will be waiting a long time for the Government to play its part.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Paudie Coffey: The time for listening has passed, it is now time for action.

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I wish to share time with Senator Healy Eames.

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Paudie Coffey: I, too, welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I thank Senators Mullen and Bacik for arranging information briefings for Senators. These very much helped us to understand the scientific aspects of the issue. Information and education on this complex issue will help Members of every opinion in trying to understand it and make constructive contributions on the Bill. I am not a...