Results 4,841-4,860 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2007: Statements (Resumed) (23 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: This is factual. The Government allowed a 30% increase in electricity and gas prices. Circumstances have shown these price increases were based on a false assumption of worldwide oil prices. Oil prices have fallen dramatically since August but the regulator, with the backing of the Government, is refusing to reconsider such unrealistic increases.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I support Senator Finucane's comments on the Government's support of An Post's closure of small, rural post offices. This is having a devastating effect on rural communities, especially on elderly people living in remote rural areas. Last Monday An Post used a heavy hand to take services from Moyne post office in north County Longford. This was a shameful attack on a family that has given...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I wish to raise another matter, which I have raised on several occasions. Will the Leader explain why we never debated the Barr report on the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. John Carthy in Abbeylara on Holy Thursday 2000? Tonight a book on this topic written by a journalist will be launched by a former Taoiseach in Longford. We set up tribunals at huge expense to the State.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: This tribunal cost €18 million, sat for approximately 208 days and interviewed 169 witnesses. What is the Government afraid of? Why have we not debated the Barr tribunal in either House? It is shameful and flies in the face of democracy when journalists write books on the topic while we have not debated it in the House. The report is embarrassing to the Government because of the lack of...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I am entitled to call for a debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: A case should be made for that debate to take place as soon as possible.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport to the House for a debate on the quality of our public transport, which is the worst in Europe, particularly the rail network. I know people in the midlands who leave home at 6 a.m. but still miss midday flights to Britain and elsewhere. This shameful situation exists because of the ridiculous regulation that drivers must change at...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: Ireland has one of the highest levels of radon gas emissions in Europe. Every year, up to 200 Irish people die from lung cancers caused by radon gas. We must promote awareness among local authorities on this issue. We should be concerned that the numbers of deaths from radon gas in Ireland are above the global average and that 91,000 Irish homes are at risk. The problem has been...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I compliment the Labour Party on tabling its amendment. The amendments refer to the "rating authority". The elected members of a local authority are those who strike the rates. I am disappointed that greater provision is not made for more members of the local authority to be included in the BIDs. The amendment makes provision for only one member——

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: It is important the point is made.

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: If a title is not in order, is it covered by these provisions? Local authorities have failed to establish the ownership of properties in various towns in the past because, for example, when the owner died, his or her relatives were in America and the property lay dormant. Longford County Council has been unable to establish ownership of a property in one town for the past five years. Is...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I thank the Minister of State. Fine Gael has supported the Bill since its introduction because we have seen how similar legislation has enhanced cities in Europe and the United States. The concept was developed in New York and it will enable towns, cities and even smaller areas to become more attractive to investors. BIDs bring great benefit to businesses and communities and they will also...

Seanad: Homelessness: Motion (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. On behalf of Fine Gael, I support the Labour Party motion and give our support to the MakeRoom campaign, the launch of which we attended in October. As we speak, 22 children under 12 are homeless on our streets, according to figures compiled by the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children. These are the children whom...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: The comments of Senator Leyden and others on the Government side are a bit rich given that from 1971, Fianna Fáil controlled the health boards throughout the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: When health board members tried to raise matters such as hospital services or nursing home services, they were voted off health boards.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I tried to raise an issue with the health board on which I served and I was voted off the board. That is a fact.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: If the Fianna Fáil side of the House had any respect for the elderly, it would ensure a debate took place in the House today.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I support the call for a debate on Leas Cross and the nursing homes situation. At a time when this country is——

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: ——awash with money, I would like to have the Minister for Finance invited to the House to debate the issue of charities being charged VAT for essential expenditure. For example, the Longford Association for the Mentally Handicapped pointed out at its annual general meeting yesterday that it paid a whopping €157,000 in VAT last year when it was attempting to equip its unit with...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

James Bannon: I request that the Government introduce a compensation relief for this tax so the cost burden for charities nationwide may be relieved. When one considers the amount squandered on the PPARS system, it is shameful and disgraceful.