Results 461-480 of 544 for speaker:Vincent P Martin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Syrian Conflict: Engagement with Non-governmental Organisations (9 Mar 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I thank Ms Van Lieshout for her uplifting, hopeful words. It is a highlight of this afternoon for us. The very least we owe the people is hope. I have no doubt that the Irish Government will contribute through our access and influence with President Biden, especially in the coming days. I thank the witnesses.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Mar 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I congratulate all concerned on the unveiling of that stunningly beautiful piece of art this morning, which is so appropriate on International Women's Day. I wish a happy International Women's Day to one and all. This morning, there was the latest big-time announcement in the battle against Covid. The good news reads: [T]his week will see the first Covid-19 vaccinations among medically...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Mar 2021)

Vincent P Martin: This month marks the tenth anniversary of the start of the Syrian revolution, one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of our time, and an horrific tragedy beyond comprehension. The Irish presence in Syria of Oxfam, World Vision, Concern, Trócaire and GOAL make us all incredibly proud. I commend Councillor Janet Horner of the Green Party and each and every member of Dublin City...

Seanad: Ábhair Ghnó an tSeanaid – Matters on the Business of the Seanad (22 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I have learned that the famous Billy Brennan's barn, celebrated in the poetry of Patrick Kavanagh, is for sale later this week. The previous owners were very helpful and cooperative and facilitated access to it by the numerous conducted tours. I am just putting the marker down that I hope anyone who buys it will respect its heritage and its place in that wonderful community. Recently there...

Seanad: National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector: Statements (22 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: Before I discuss the main topic, it would be remiss of me not to avail of this opportunity to convey to the Minister the horror and disappointment of people in Kildare. When I go home to Kildare tonight, I will be asked if I availed of this opportunity to raise the proposed move of Horse Sport Ireland out of the county and the jobs loss. We are rich in heritage and that heritage is...

Seanad: National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector: Statements (22 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: That is very good. If Senator Mullen gave up the whiskey for Lent, there is always the option of wine.

Seanad: National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector: Statements (22 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: The Welsh and English have shown us what we can do with outdoor vine growing. Certain vines are mildew-resistant and adapt to this particular climate. I suggest people talk to David Llewellyn, a pioneering farmer from a vinery in Lusk in north County Dublin. Several others are having a go at this in Kildare because of the wonderful land. There is rich limestone soil. The farmer can get...

Seanad: National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector: Statements (22 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I hope we will look forward in Ireland to many farmers diversifying in ways like this. Craft beer is a source of rich potential for employment. Mead making is often forgotten about in this country. The wonderful Boyle sisters in Kildare town are two post-graduate experts in this area. It is our oldest drink. I believe there is great potential for the production of mead on a commercial...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: In the midst of the pandemic, accurate and reliable information is vitally important, as it curbs anxiety. Such information about the pandemic should also be readily accessible and easy to understand. If that information happens to report positive progress, it also harnesses hope. Since the start of the pandemic we have gotten daily reports and the tragic statistics of the fatalities....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Northern Ireland Protocol (Article 16) (resumed): Engagement with Mr. Maroš Šefovi (16 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I thank the Vice-President for attending the committee and I appreciate his generosity of time this morning. I believe it is important that we extol for Northern Ireland the virtues, the benefits and the potential of the new-found arrangement in which finds itself. It is a living arrangement. Northern Ireland, in a sense, should be at the consultative table, at the very top, to express...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: Many people in the democratic free world were deeply concerned and appalled by the grab for power - the military coup - that took place in Myanmar on 1 February last. That Government was elected last November by a landslide, but even if had been only by one vote, that is the true test of democracy. The voices of everyone in the democratic free world not only must be heard but must be heard...

Seanad: Mental Health and Covid-19: Statements (12 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: The Minister is very welcome to the Chamber. Last March, we went through a period of uncertainty and upheaval never experienced before. We could no longer plan ahead or look forward with confidence. We lost the spontaneity of life. People’s livelihoods were put on hold and financial debts accumulated. All the simple things we took for granted evaporated as anxiety and fear gripped...

Seanad: Mental Health and Covid-19: Statements (12 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: On a point of information-----

Seanad: Mental Health and Covid-19: Statements (12 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I thank the Senator for yielding. On that point, some statistics are lagging way behind, such as coroners' reports, so we could be waiting a considerable time for them. I thank the Senator for taking that information.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: As we go through this tragic, third, Groundhog Day-type of lockdown, a growing number of people are of the opinion that it is time to try something different. That difference is espoused by the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group in the form of the so-called zero Covid strategy. While an increasing number of individuals believe in the compelling merits espoused by advocates such as...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I will be brief because the ground has been well covered. I followed the debate on Second Stage remotely and from my recollection, there was a further example given of a member of school board of management being put through the hoops on this. As has been said a number of times, a member of the national executive of the Labour Party - and, no doubt, of the Green Party even though we do not...

Seanad Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Engagement with Committee for the Executive Office, Northern Ireland Assembly on Impact of Brexit (2 Feb 2021)

Vincent P Martin: The ground has been well covered already but the recent mistake was colossal. That is clear from the unified assessment of it by a collection of different voices, North and South. Notwithstanding that, I am deeply concerned that this will be used in the forthcoming Assembly elections and we must address that. I would like to hear from our friends across the Border about how best to calm...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Equine Industry (26 Jan 2021)

Vincent P Martin: I thank Senator O'Loughlin for taking this initiative. I am aware at first hand of the love, care, connection and passion as well as the economic appreciation of horses and their welfare. The equine industry in Kildare is second to none. It is a world leader. As I said before, the horse or equine industry is to Kildare what Semple Stadium and Croke Park are to the GAA. It is the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (26 Jan 2021)

Vincent P Martin: When Senator Byrne speaks on planning issues, he deserves to be listened to. Well over a decade ago, at a time when it was not popular to do so, he was one of the few lone voices in this country to speak out against the sporadic and haphazard rezoning which was the order of the day. I know he featured in an award-winning episode of "Prime Time Investigates" which looked into the issue. On...

Seanad: Covid-19 Vaccination Programme: Statements (26 Jan 2021)

Vincent P Martin: We face an emergency. Covid-19 is rampant in the country and could get worse if we do not act now. Our health, economy and social lives are suffering immensely. We have had more fatalities from Covid in less than a year than we had in the dreadful times of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The people have made enormous sacrifices. I regret to say that if we are to be objective about it,...