Results 5,661-5,680 of 6,064 for speaker:Martin Conway

Seanad: School Transport (9 May 2012)

Martin Conway: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I agree that the end result of the changes he has outlined will be a far better and more streamlined system. There seems to be a ray of hope for the three children from Clonlara who wish to attend St. Anne's community college in Killaloe in September 2012 in the context of the concessionary travel system to which the Minister of State referred....

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Martin Conway: I welcome the Minister of State. I was delighted when he was elevated to his current position. He was more than entitled to be promoted. I would like to ask a specific question about the €639 million Ireland provides in overseas aid each year. Although that is not enough, it is significant nonetheless. How much of this money is given to projects that support people with disabilities...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 May 2012)

Martin Conway: It is not often that we have a good news story day in this House. The announcement by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Social Protection on Shannon Airport and Shannon Development is a good news story. This should have happened years ago but, thankfully, it will happen now. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced earlier that Shannon...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 May 2012)

Martin Conway: There has been positive feedback from all sides of the political divide and from the tourism and commercial sectors in County Clare. A steering committee has been set up to monitor the implementation of this break up over the next eight months. Will the Deputy Leader arrange a debate on this new entity in her own good time?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Martin Conway: As a practising Catholic I stand here today in utter amazement that the Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady, has not tendered his resignation for the sake of all Catholics in this country, including me, who believe that the Catholic Church has a future. It is regrettable that Cardinal Brady, who no longer retains the moral authority of practising Catholics in Ireland, has not moved...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Martin Conway: I call on the Leader to provide time for a debate, similar to the successful debate in this House developed by my colleague, Senator Michael Mullins, on jobs, on jobs in the IT sector. I agree with Senator Mooney's comments in regard to the importance of broadband. I know of a gentleman in County Clare who, because his village is well serviced by broadband, works only two days a month in...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Martin Conway: With a proper broadband service, we will be able to ensure that the brains, intelligence and ability based in rural Ireland can compete on the national and international stage.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Martin Conway: Yes but I-----

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Martin Conway: This House can lead the charge on the global village, cloud computing and IT sector in terms of addressing our economic difficulties.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Martin Conway: I would welcome a debate in due course on rural policing. While I cannot speak for the experience in the cities, Garda station closures in rural areas were necessary because they were costing a significant amount. A proper communication system and the availability of more vehicles thereby allowing gardaí to respond quickly to crime would be far more useful than having a member of the force...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Martin Conway: When people get proper information about decisions, they understand the rationale and accept it. Within that discussion and debate there is an argument for increasing the role of the local policing committees. I used to be a member of a policing committee. It is a very good model with potential to ensure that the message is properly communicated. Nobody wants to put anybody in jeopardy or...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Martin Conway: Senator White should withdraw that remark.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Martin Conway: I agree with previous speakers about the appalling treatment of a 16 year old student who happened to be pregnant. It goes against any common decency and it certainly proves that our society is, in ways, significantly unequal. It has nothing to do with ethos because what happened was an appalling abuse of ethos. Ethos is certainly not reflected in the actions of that school. If we ever...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Martin Conway: If that confidence is undermined by a "No" vote, I do not think any us can anticipate the consequences because they would not be in any way favourable to us. I agree with my colleagues in Fianna Fail and others. This is extremely important for the calm stable and micromanagement of our economy, our society and our children's future.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Martin Conway: On a point of order, during the presidential election, Senator Norris was missing for a number of weeks-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Martin Conway: -----and not one person criticised him for that. I was late this morning, due to unforeseen circumstances. I am always on time.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Martin Conway: I withdraw the remark. I did not appreciate the rap on the knuckles from Senator Norris.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Martin Conway: In the six weeks left before the referendum, we can get caught up in much unnecessary tittle-tattle. We need to micromanage the message properly and give people the facts. In the first instance, what is being distributed to the 1.6 million households explains a treaty. It is up to the people then to decide whether they will vote "Yes" or "No". It is fair to say that we do not know what the...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Martin Conway: On Senator Landy's call for a debate on absenteeism, such a debate is necessary and timely.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Martin Conway: It was Senator Colm Burke's call, I beg Senator Landy's pardon. It would be timely. We are a country that is broke. Everyone has a responsibility to put his or her shoulder to the wheel.