Results 4,941-4,960 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: The other side of the House is twisting this issue. On another subject, dear to my heart, in County Longford where Longford General Hospital casualty unit provides a very important community service. However, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, is downgrading facilities there.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: Yesterday a man arrived there bleeding to death and was turned away and sent to Roscommon County Hospital for treatment. Can I not ask a question?

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I join with other Senators in extending a vote of sympathy for the late Luke Belton. I offer my condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, and his four children. I knew Luke Belton before I became involved in politics. It was a cousin of Luke Belton, who happens to be an aunt-in-law of Senator O'Toole, who first encouraged me to get involved in politics——

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: ——and the GAA. This was the late Molly Lynam-Clancy, who lived on the farm adjoining my own. I have known the Belton family over many years. They are honest, hard-working, decent farmers from south County Longford. That is where Mr. Belton had his roots and the family farm is farmed by his nieces, Ms Ann O'Reilly and Ms Evelyn Rooney. They are still active in Fine Gael in south County...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: As Senator Dardis said, seven members of the Belton family became Deputies in Dáil Éireann and we all know Louis Belton and Avril Doyle. I worked with Mr. Louis Belton on the council. A Belton commands the ship in Longford. Councillor Paddy Belton is mayor, or captain, of the county and he is a cousin of the late Luke Belton. At one time there were three Beltons on Longford County Council,...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: When a person gives money to one as a child, one always remembers it. He had great time for children, his family and the neighbours he left behind in County Longford. He always came to the funerals of family and neighbours despite the fact that he was busy in Dublin developing a business. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Mr. Belton was a gentleman from head to toe and he carried that to his...

Seanad: Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, to the House. I had not intended to speak on the Bill, but in the light of the upset caused last week in the Longford-Westmeath constituency and further afield on foot of the remarks made by a local Deputy in the Dáil, I felt I had to support the valiant women who have fought hard and desperately, despite the illness and stress caused to...

Seanad: Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I cannot stress strongly enough the need to be proactive and to do all we can to assist people who deserve our help and sympathy. We need to unite to try to rectify the actions of the Government. All possible assistance should be given to those affected. The compensation scheme has failed the fairness test on many counts over the last two and a half years. This Bill finally delivers on the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: The madness of this Government should be stopped by a general election now. The report on the electronic voting fiasco should be a final wake-up call to all our citizens that we cannot trust this Government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: The report includes 41 recommendations which will cost the citizens of this country millions of euro. It shows a significant lack of leadership on the part of the Government and its lack of respect for taxpayers at a time when terminally-ill patients must undergo a means test to obtain a medical card.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: This is shameful in light of what is happening within the Health Service Executive. I agree with Senator Terry that we need a second airport, which should be located in the midlands.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: This airport should be located on the Longford-Westmeath border. I am glad to see that Government Senators agree with me. It is a very important piece of infrastructure for the midlands.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: Hen houses.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I am disappointed that the Leader has not yet made arrangements to have a debate on the issue of planning. Many people, particularly in rural areas, face substantial difficulties when they look for planning permission. When the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party met in Sligo two years ago, the Taoiseach gave a commitment that the planning guidelines would be reformed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: Nothing has happened since then, apart from more empty promises being made.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: Young people across the midlands, particularly in County Westmeath, are being refused planning on a daily basis.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: It is happening to a lesser extent in County Longford.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: We have ensured, through our county development plan, that such problems do not arise.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: Longford County Council is controlled by Fine Gael.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I am very disappointed with the dictatorial attitude of some planners.