Results 4,881-4,900 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I voice my strong support for the motion on behalf of Fine Gael and thank the Labour Party for bringing it before the Seanad this evening. I am delighted to note that backing comes not only from the Opposition but from the Government, courtesy of the Leader of the Seanad. When Senator Tuffy raised the establishment of a petitions committee on 15 June 2006, in No. 26, motion No. 20 on the...

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: However, I am delighted that she has overruled him on the issue. It is on the record of the debate this morning.

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I am delighted that this positive response is reflected in this evening's debate and that the motion has received unanimous support. I hope that it will also be acted upon. It is one thing to accept a motion, but to follow through is another. Such co-operation begs the question of whether this jaded Government is running out of ideas and initiatives of its own.

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: Such co-operation on behalf of the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats Government is rare and therefore open to suspicion. With such unprecedented backing, there is nothing to stop the committee from being up and running before Christmas if we pass this motion, which enjoys unanimous support. The Labour Party document on Dáil reform, Putting our House in Order 2003, which is being...

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: For us in the Seanad, the potential of such a committee is enormous. While the Seanad has the freedom to look at issues that are perhaps not always on the political radar, we may not be as effective in dealing with public concerns and suggestions as we should be. It seems to me that we have a case in point in the Government Green Paper on energy, which was as noteworthy for what it left out...

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: There have been many false dawns in the debate on the role of the Seanad, but we must make it more efficient and relevant to the general public. This motion is a worthy addition to that reform agenda. I am delighted but, as I said, suspicious of Government co-operation, which more than anything sends out a clear message that it is on its way out.

Seanad: Petitions Committee: Motion (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I am afraid——

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. My party supported this Bill which will definitely improve the quality and environment of town centres. It will initially provide for all manner of development within towns. We all know how difficult it is at certain times of the year to get co-operation among business people for certain things. For example, when Christmas lights are...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: Yesterday provided unvarnished proof that the Progressive Democrats are in the spin tent of their Fianna Fáil masters. Where are Progressive Democrat watchdogs such as the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, and Deputies Liz O'Donnell and Tom Parlon?

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: They went into Government under the banner of political correctness. They met behind closed doors to fix things for the Taoiseach over the weekend and their actions have done nothing to reclaim the nation's respect for and trust in our political system. Shame on them for what was done in the other House yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I do have a question. In my part of the country the Progressive Democrats are now known as the PD poodles.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: I would support a debate on local government and housing. I also ask the Leader to organise a debate on measures that must be taken to address the issue of radon gas. There are an estimated 92,000 homes affected by radon gas and only 4% of these homes have been identified following proper testing. This issue shames the Government and must be addressed.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: Have you co-operated with the gardaí?

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: That indicates that the Senator has made a statement.

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: Will the Minister of State say whether the local authorities will be the facilitators of this particular legislation? Will there be co-operation with the local authority? It is important to have co-operation because local authorities are responsible as regards the development of town centres etc., and providing open spaces. It is imperative to have a strong co-operative element between...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: From a public interest viewpoint, I want to ensure that no further stealth taxes will be introduced under this legislation. A total of 57 stealth taxes have been introduced by the Government since it took office. Is there a mechanism in this legislation for introducing other forms of taxation? That is of concern because most of the people who will be affected are paying very heavy rates at...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: We shall have to watch it like a hawk now.

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: As regards "unoccupied", some local authorities are better than others at implementing the Derelict Sites Act. It is a problem throughout the country, where disused premises have become an eyesore within communities, in town centres, etc. Will there be further powers in this legislation to address the problem of derelict sites and related unoccupied buildings where graffiti is scribbled...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: The Minister of State has more or less identified an additional source of revenue and the amendment he made will lead to an extra burden on ratepayers. Was that his intention in including amendment No. 14 at this late stage? Perhaps he will elaborate on the position.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

James Bannon: In a sock.