Results 541-560 of 3,241 for speaker:Brian Ó Domhnaill

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: That is a different debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: The ball is in. The Taoiseach announced the beginning of the general election campaign this morning. I was listening to his contribution in the Dáil. He was in and out like a man in the night and did not give the Opposition leaders any opportunity to speak or indeed to wish retiring Deputies, particularly those on the Opposition side, well in the future. Perhaps on reflection, that...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: I wish to mention Senators who are retiring on this occasion, particularly those on this side of the House. I know Senator Craughwell is retiring but perhaps I am mistaken.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: I got a phone call from a councillor this morning to say Senator Craughwell is retiring.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: On a more serious note, I wish to mention two colleagues on this side of the House who are retiring. Senator Quinn has given many years of distinguished service not only to Seanad Éireann but to commerce, business, employment and economic activity within this State. I wish Senator Quinn and his wife and family well in the years ahead. I also wish my colleague and friend, Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Given that it is almost the last day as we know it, I thank the Leader of the House, Senator Maurice Cummins, the Deputy Leader and all colleagues on the opposite side for their co-operation. Senator Cummins introduced changes which served the House well. I pay tribute to the staff, to Deirdre Lane, the Clerk, who heads up the team and all the staff in the Seanad Office, who provide their...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Senator Marc MacSharry.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Two reports were published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this morning. One was a comprehensive report on the greyhound industry while the other was a report on the horse racing industry. I welcome a number of stakeholders from horse racing here this morning. They include Mervyn Clarke from the Cavan Equestrian Centre and his friend and colleague,...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Yes.

Seanad: Direct Provision: Motion (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Very often when we have debates in this Chamber they concern issues that are significant on the public radar in economic terms. Given the day that it is in it there is much talk about the banking inquiry, the fiscal rectitude of the country and of policy makers, but very often we overlook the real issues affecting people who live within the State. Those who live in direct provision...

Seanad: Direct Provision: Motion (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Perhaps not.

Seanad: Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015: Second Stage (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: I thank the Minister for the comprehensive overview of the legislation and highlighting the importance of the Irish thoroughbred breeding and horse racing industry to the economy. As outlined by the Minister, it is worth about €1.1 billion in economic output terms to the economy, which is significant. We will not be hindering this legislation. Of the parties on this side of the...

Seanad: Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015: Second Stage (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Of course, if we are there, Deputy Ó Cuív would be an excellent Minister.

Seanad: Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015: Second Stage (27 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: As this might be our final opportunity, I thank the Minister for his co-operation in introducing the Bill. It is critical to follow through on the greyhound industry, as a report on that industry was launched today as well. The Indecon report dates back to 2010. We need corporate governance in that industry. Taxpayers are calling for it, as is the industry. The internal controls are very...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: I agree with my colleague, Senator Bradford, that taking 744 town council seats out of the democratic institutions of 80 town councils was the wrong move. It was but a tinkering around the edges in terms of the weak local government structure we have in Ireland. According to the European Commission, Ireland has one of the weakest forms of local government anywhere in the European Union....

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: ----- may not have the time to have. At a future time we all need to reflect on that. I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate if possible - perhaps not before the Taoiseach dissolves the Dáil, but before the term of this Seanad expires in the aftermath of the general election - on the issue of Brexit and the economic implications of the UK's decision on whether to leave or remain in...

Seanad: Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (26 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: This is an important Bill which we, on this side of the House, will support. It brings about reform following the review of the credit guarantee scheme. These reforms are overdue, significant, warranted and absolutely necessary. The lifeblood of the economy not just in Ireland but across Europe is the SME sector. More than 99% of all the corporations in the EU are SMEs. I think the...

Seanad: Local Government Review: Statements (26 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: I welcome the Minister for this important debate. Local government is a fundamental plank of our democratic institutions. Councillors are the point of contact closest to the citizen. As many as 80 units of local government - town councils - have been removed from the system, while the workload of councillors has been increased. While there is much that could be said about local government...

Seanad: Local Government Review: Statements (26 Jan 2016)

Brian Ó Domhnaill: Hear, hear.