Results 5,721-5,740 of 7,082 for speaker:John Paul Phelan

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I will be as brief as I can because I am choking with a cold this morning.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I thought a meeting of the Seanad was more important than the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting, but perhaps I am wrong. I concur with Senator de Búrca, who requested a debate on wind energy. I have been calling for a debate on this issue for years. Perhaps at the Green parliamentary party meeting they could have a discussion with the Minister in charge.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I ask that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to come to the House to discuss this issue and particularly the problems of people who have already received permission to build wind farms and wind turbines throughout the country but are now having difficulties in accessing the national grid. Senator de Búrca mentioned that in her comments. There...

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I did not think King Abdullah would be feature in a discussion on road safety in the Seanad.

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: Absolutely. I am delighted to have this opportunity to speak on the issue of road safety. Several discussions on it have taken place in the six years I have been a Member of this House and I wonder whether the words we utter here have much impact. I commend the work of those in the Road Safety Authority and the gardaí who police the roads to try to reduce the awful number of accidents,...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: Two rocks of common sense.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: Senator Keaveney mentioned the tragedy in Omagh. I express my sympathy to the relatives, neighbours and friends of the family who were victims of the fire this morning. I join with colleagues who have expressed concern about the possibility of a strike by the GPA. I urge the Government and the Ministers for Finance and Arts, Sport and Tourism to intervene. It seems like a problem which...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: ——junior B hurling if one could count that——-

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I know. I said "unlike" Senator Leyden.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I said the Senator was. He should listen. The proposed strike could be averted if a concerted effort was made by all concerned and I hope it is made as soon as possible. I agree with previous speakers who called for a debate on health. Two reports were published today, including the OECD report on standards of health care and different health problems across 30 countries, including...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: What role does the Department have in the provision of health services as distinct from the functions of the HSE? We should have an urgent debate. It is unsatisfactory and unacceptable that just seven hospitals were found to have an adequate level of cleanliness. I agree with Senator Norris's remarks on contract cleaning practices.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: This is an area in which we should not penny-pinch. We should have a debate as soon as possible.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: That is the problem.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2007)

John Paul Phelan: It is not happening elsewhere.

Seanad: Access to Education: Motion (10 Oct 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I thank the Minister for being here for the debate. We do not always have a senior Minister for our debates. This is an important issue, and I thank the Labour Party for raising it. It will become an even bigger issue in the next couple of years, and it is proper that we discuss it in the Seanad tonight. I do not always agree with what the Minister says, but I concur fully with her...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

John Paul Phelan: Very convenient.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

John Paul Phelan: Does the Senator remember the election slogan, "Health cuts hurt the old, the sick and the handicapped"?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I agree with Senator Walsh's call for a debate on pensions. I would welcome it if the relevant Minister would attend the House in the near future to facilitate such a debate. Has the Leader made any progress in the context of encouraging the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to come before the House, as soon as possible, to discuss recent outbreaks of diseases in meat-producing...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

John Paul Phelan: None were.

Seanad: Cancer Services: Motion (26 Sep 2007)

John Paul Phelan: I welcome the Minister and this opportunity to discuss the health services. During my time in the Seanad we have had several discussions on the difficulties that have arisen in the service across the country. I am glad that Senator O'Malley had a successful visit to St. Vincent's Hospital recently but my record of visits to various hospitals around the country is not as good. As I...