Results 5,281-5,300 of 6,030 for speaker:Brendan Ryan

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: We did not cod people in the run up to the last general election and they know that now. We will have plenty of opportunities. The days of the Senator's party are over.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: I have a question that is slightly repetitious to which I require an answer from the Leader of the House. As I drove to this House this morning, I was yet again pursued by juggernauts travelling at 65 mph or 70 mph.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: Fianna Fáil has come to realise that I am indestructible—

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: —but if a juggernaut hit me, I would probably come off the worst and would not be here. I am touched by the concern of the members of that party for my wellbeing. I appreciate it. The NRA produced a survey last week which showed that observance of speed limits by trucks was worse than at the time of the previous survey by a marginal percentage. The spokesman for the road hauliers assured us...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: It is not its elegance but its relevance that is the problem.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: I do not wish to appear to be preaching in this debate on decentralisation because I am not. I can understand fully the reason Members of this or the other House would want to make a pitch for their constituency or town. I presume that, since the Minister of State has informed us that Wexford, Kilkenny and Castlebar are not on the list, Cork is not on it either. I do not think the city will...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: I am aware of that as it is located in my constituency. I know its location and a good number of those who work there are diligent on my behalf at election time. I know all about the CSO. The movement out of Dublin of parts or the entirety of Government agencies is only one type of decentralisation. The country's greatest public administrative problem is that it is grossly over-centralised in...

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: I wish to share my time with Senator McCarthy.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: It is a most extraordinary world in which Fianna Fáil can be found to the right of the Progressive Democrats.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: It is quite an achievement by the Progressive Democrats to have become the centrist party of a right wing Government. I congratulate them.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: I congratulate the Progressive Democrats for being right about something for the first time since the party's formation. They have been wrong about most things over the last 15 years and Senator Dardis is well aware of my opinions on the matter.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: I do not wish to argue with the Cathaoirleach but if I cannot talk about what the Government says, what can I talk about?

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: It is only my own time I am wasting. I have that right at least.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: Universal free access to education at all levels is a matter of right. The fact that some who are very rich gain access to free education is not an issue. We never spoke about charging rich people for primary education because to do so would be daft. For 20 years we have not spoken about charging rich people for secondary education. If they wish to pay for education, let them attend private...

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: The Government, which is so concerned about the poor and justice, halved the rate of capital gains tax in its first budget thereby saving a small minority €800 million every year.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: If the Government increased the rate of capital gains tax to 30%, it would raise enough money to avoid charging fees and properly fund education, but it will not do so because deep down Fianna Fáil is a party of the rich and privilege—

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: —dressed up in a smokescreen of social justice. The Minister cannot get enough money to fund a proper education system because he has no influence at the Cabinet table.

Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements (Resumed). - Third Level Fees: Motion. (21 May 2003)

Brendan Ryan: Hear, hear.