Results 5,821-5,840 of 6,020 for speaker:Martin Conway

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: On a more important matter than bus lanes, I believe the Fr. Kevin Reynolds issue was discussed for 20 minutes at Cabinet yesterday, which indicates how seriously the Government is taking this matter. I commend the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Cabinet for referring the issue to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and I look forward to a full,...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: Well said.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I agree with the Minister's sentiments on decentralisation. This is a country in which one is only four or five hours away from anywhere. Therefore, decentralisation, in particular the last tranche of it, was flawed. I spoke to the Minister privately about the swimming pool project announced a month or six weeks ago. It was impractical for many counties to take advantage of the funding. I...

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: While none of us is in agreement with the entirety of the programme, we must all recognise that there is little choice in the matter. This country is being funded by the EU and IMF. We are not where we want to be, and we must deal with that reality. We have to cut our cloth according to our measure, in a situation where our bills are being paid for by others. I have always held the...

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I agree with Senator Sheahan's comments on the importance of maintaining connectivity to the regions and facilitating balanced regional development. We must ensure our limited resources are spent prudently, fairly and regionally, so that all citizens are given equal opportunity and access and different areas can perform to the best of their ability. In my own area, County Clare, a review of...

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I attempted to begin my contribution several times but was prevented from doing so by interruptions.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I have one simple question.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: Will the Minister expand on his comments on the national lottery?

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: What does he propose in respect of the new licensing arrangements?

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: Senator Leyden is as comfortable in the Chair as he is on the floor of the House.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: The Acting Chairman is not doing his job fairly.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: With respect, you are not.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: The Acting Chairman is not doing his job fairly and he is not treating me with respect.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: The Minister knows from where I am coming on this.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: We have a broken economy.

Seanad: Infrastructure and Capital Investment: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: And we cannot even afford a cake.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I join with other speakers in requesting the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte to come to the House for a debate not only on the RTE debacle but the behaviour of the press in general. We have come to a point where we must reflect seriously on the sweeping powers of the press. I encourage my colleague, Senator Mullins who has made salient points that...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: In terms of the child benefit payment, I think the comments of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar were very correct and telling. It is completely inappropriate that the child benefit payment is not in any way a means tested payment. Even at this late stage, I call on the Government to look at the possibility of self declaration. It is wholly unacceptable...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I also seek an urgent debate on education. It was great to see 15,000 or 16,000 students outside Leinster House yesterday. During the Celtic tiger period it was distressing that students were not active in voicing their political views. To a large extent they became focused on monetary issues. However, the fact that 15,000 students were at the Merrion Street gate of Leinster House...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Martin Conway: I have one other issue to raise. I support Senator Whelan's call for a debate on older people. We have seen during the years how successful the Council for the Status of Women and the Council for the Status of People with Disabilities have been; what we need is a council for the status of older people, as the population will age significantly in the coming years. That is a good development...