Results 4,561-4,580 of 5,118 for speaker:Joe O'Reilly

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: That is the case. I am also concerned that a link might be made between the call for such a debate and the sex abuse scandal. There is no evidence to suggest there is a link or that Catholic schooling as currently constituted is in any way a contributory factor in or linked with child abuse. It is important this distinction is made and that it is clear we are not talking about the same...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I accept that, but it is vital that we make the point. It is equally vital that we make the point that there is no link between a discussion of child abuse and the reorganisation of educational structures and that Cardinal Seán Brady's name should not be mentioned. That is not valid. I return to a point raised by Senator O'Toole. He called on the Leader to arrange a debate on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I support Senator Ross that it is reprehensible that directors in CIE who are paid with taxpayers' money are refusing to answer to the custodians of the people's welfare - their elected representatives. This is absolutely disgraceful and unsustainable.

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: How much time do I have?

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire. At considerable length and for a number of weeks, the House debated the establishment of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland when the Broadcasting Act was passed in 2009. We agreed that having a single broadcasting regulatory body was a positive development and necessary to preserve democratic values, ensure an open, pluralist broadcasting...

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I agree it is minimalist and we would like to see further reductions.

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: The Bill, however, would be a good start. The Government should prioritise Deputy Leo Varadkar's Bill. Such a move would give confidence to the population that there is a response from the Government. It would also bring down inflation and costs, making us more competitive. I am glad Senator Jim Walsh believes the Fine Gael approach is minimalist and that he would support more cuts to...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements (12 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: There is a very poignant background to today's debate. A leading member of the agri-industry, the largest pig farmer in Europe and a great member of our county community has died today. Patrick "Buddy" Kiernan would be very well known in agricultural circles and his death is a sad backdrop to the debate. There is a number of core issues that merit mentioning as we look at this question. A...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: At the outset I make the point that it is important for nobody in the House to make any reference to last night's events outside these gates in any ambivalent fashion or in such a way as to give substance or support for those actions. It was blatant thuggery, which is unacceptable, and the staff of the Houses and the Garda Síochána should be congratulated in their curtailment of it. No...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I am sure he is equally committed to the objection to it. The significant failure of budgetary and economic strategy to date in this country is the absolute failure to make any real attempt to create jobs. We are missing the big picture and with the finite nature of fossil fuels and the cost of oil, there must be an emphasis on job creation through green energy. There can be job creation...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I join Senator MacSharry in his call to people to support Quinn Insurance as an indigenous company giving employment in an area of the country that has been devastated by emigration and the Northern Ireland conflict. It is important that people support Quinn Insurance by renewing their policies with it and that it is seen as an act of patriotism. As Seán and Patricia Quinn leave the board...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: Last Friday we had a surreal experience in a local hotel in Cavan. In one room a lovely young couple were celebrating their marriage, while in another hundreds of young people were being told they were going to lose their jobs with Quinn Insurance Limited. It was a dark day for County Cavan and the whole region. Some 900 jobs are at stake around the country, of which 226 are in Cavan town....

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: They want the business to be sold in such a way that jobs will be kept in the area. They also want the Government to activate the globalisation fund and more places to be available in the local college of further studies. While I welcome the initiatives mentioned by my colleague, Senator Dominic Hannigan, I want to put the issues I have mentioned regarding the workers on the agenda. I ask...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I second Senator Fitzgerald's proposed amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that we have a special debate on banking today. It is scandalous that ordinary people who face job losses, are experiencing job losses and are experiencing income crises are observing the pensions, bonuses and behaviour of our senior bankers. It is not sustainable. There is a seething anger which needs to be...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Second Stage. (20 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: ): Senator Buttimer, without interruption.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Second Stage. (20 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I welcome the Minister and record my appreciation for the courtesy of his officials who are present in arranging a helpful briefing prior to today's meeting. It bears repetition that our inland rivers and lakes are an enormous resource for this country in terms of our own use, recreational enjoyment and quality of life but also in terms of our tourism product and the economy. Rivers and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence; I am conscious of the time. I wish to raise a serious issue which I have mentioned before and which has been raised by other speakers this morning, that is, the 268 farmers' wives whose pensions have been removed. They paid their PRSI and they had an expectation that they would receive their pensions. One can imagine the trauma and stress...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: -----and that fairness was not adhered to. If we could manifest fairness, all workers would be willing to join in the national effort.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: That is what is at issue. It is wrong that those earning less than €30,000 have been treated in the way they have been. There needs to be a clear signal that as money becomes available their problems will be sorted out. I hope the model is accepted and we can return to industrial peace.

Seanad: Insurance Industry: Statements (1 Apr 2010)

Joe O'Reilly: The Quinn Group and Quinn Insurance are of enormous significance to County Cavan. There are 600 good jobs at Quinn Direct which contribute in so many ways to the economy of the county. There are 1,200 jobs in the Quinn operation outside the business in County Cavan. There are 5,500 people working in the Quinn operation in Ireland and 7,000 internationally. This means the Quinn Group is...