Results 4,861-4,880 of 6,020 for speaker:Martin Conway

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Garda Reserve (28 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach arís. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Perry for coming to the House to take this Adjournment matter. I am sure he is doing so on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter. Many will be aware of the distressing case in Mullach in County Clare in which an elderly farmer was robbed in his own...

Seanad: Youth Justice Policy: Statements (28 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I welcome the Minister. It is important to acknowledge that this is the first Government to have a senior Minister with responsibility for children. Until recently, the approach to children’s issues was similar to that to children, namely, being seen but not heard. The outcome to the children’s rights referendum means that children are now recognised in the Constitution. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: The Senator will change it - no better man.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I am in complete unison with the comments of Senator Denis O'Donovan. The State needs to act on the outcome of this case and must ensure we will no longer be embarrassed by the way the woman in question was taken through the courts. Much of the time the European Union is criticised, but every now and then it does a good job, certainly in the area of human rights. I commend the Minister for...

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I join others in welcoming the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, to the Chamber. Although he represents Dublin, his west of Ireland background equips him to understand the issues that we faced on Friday, 3 January. My parish of Ennistymon and Lahinch in County Clare were severely affected. Indeed, €5.8 million worth of damage was done to Lahinch alone, with €23.7 million...

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: No, I am saying-----

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I would appreciate not being interrupted on this issue-----

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: -----but so be it. That is what is nasty about politics.

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: The reality is I do not know which Minister is responsible for calling the emergency task force together, assuming it is a Minister. It might actually be an official. However, we must learn from these mistakes. We also need a Minister to take charge of Departments' responses. A short-term response that gets people back in their homes and protects those homes is critical, but we also need...

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: First, we must change the emergency response mechanisms and put new protocols in place. Second, communication with the families directly affected must improve. A senior official must be appointed to co-ordinate that communication, as it is not good enough to expect Oireachtas Members to handle that role in times of crisis. I look forward to the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, or...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2013: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: We should not forget that.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I, too, agree with calls to urgently establish the office of the regulator of charities. I understand it will happen quickly and that is appropriate. There are many walks, runs, 10 km events and mini-marathons organised in the country, especially in rural parts and tourism areas. They are organised by charities with good intentions. They promote healthy lifestyles as well as raising money...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Section 39 Organisations: Motion (23 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I second the motion.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: On a point of information, I ask Senators to refrain from using Gaeilge because the signers may not be fluent in Irish.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I realise that but I wish to be fair to the signers.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I welcome the members of the deaf community to the Visitors Gallery. It is typical of the Seanad that this is the second time in a few months that Irish Sign Language is being discussed. That is extremely positive, and I thank Senator Daly. Whether people agree or disagree with the Senator, one must agree that he has put this on the agenda. However, he is not the only Senator to do so....

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: Since the motion was discussed on 28 November last year, there was a significant meeting which some of the people who were present found inspirational in terms of working through the issues to try to chart a way forward for the future of Irish Sign Language. It is easy to put forward a legislative measure and expect people to come back with amendments but I understand that some of my...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I suggest that the discussion on the revelations regarding this country's charity sector will have a cleansing effect on charities in the long term. The public has directed its antennae towards charities to a much greater extent. When people donate money, they will ask questions. That will lead to a positive situation for charities that do things properly, have proper corporate governance...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Arts Funding (21 Jan 2014)

Martin Conway: I thank the Minister for coming in today to take this matter and for his comprehensive reply. I am concerned that the Tulla Pipe Band's application was not given comprehensive consideration in the context of the significance of the 125th anniversary of the Clare Association, which is in itself a banner event, and the tourism opportunity represented by the Brian Ború millennium...