Results 5,921-5,940 of 6,020 for speaker:Martin Conway

Seanad: Arts Plan: Statements (21 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: I welcome the Minister. He spoke earlier about the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, but he may not be aware that over the weekend that region became a world geo-park centre. It has got great recognition and arts and culture in that area have played a significant part in that. I have two quick questions. The first concerns art spaces and arrangements with regard to rates and local...

Seanad: Arts Plan: Statements (21 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: Compared to many others, I have been very restrained.

Seanad: Arts Plan: Statements (21 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: Thank you. When I checked with the Acting Chairman, I was third on the list, but I was not called third.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: Like others, I am concerned about the situation in Aviva. Unfortunately, the rumours circulating in recent weeks were substantiated on "Prime Time" last night. There was a time when companies who were making staff redundant would call them into a meeting before it became known through the media. The staff would be advised beforehand of what was going to happen. It is most regrettable that...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: Yes, I have. They are prepared to build a ward for the HSE in order to create more beds. They are afraid to do it, however, because they do not know what the hospital's future will be, or what the policy is. There are great communities that are prepared to work in partnership with the HSE and the Government, but people must be up front in stating what is the situation and what needs to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: I am alarmed at the speculation that €6 million is being written off by HSE west. I dealt with a case recently where a relatively old person was hounded by a certain hospital to pay €100 for presenting at the accident and emergency department. That €100 was not written off; it was paid by a charity on behalf of the old lady. I would like the Minister for Health to appoint a senior...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: Like others, I call on the Leader to caution the Government to tread carefully with regard to the disposal of any portion of the ESB. We need to learn from the mistakes of the past. We saw what happened with Telecom Éireann, which became Eircom. We got rid of a network that would have ensured broadband would have been provided to every house in the country. That would have happened had...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: The Senator's party had 14 years to do it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Sep 2011)

Martin Conway: I too was disturbed at the reports in recent days about Irish involvement in the slavery that has allegedly taken place across the water. I am very disturbed to think that Irish people were involved in that, given our history and given the way Irish people have been treated when they have gone abroad to work over the years, and the difficult terrain they had to go through to make a living....

Seanad: Family Home Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: We started the day on a very positive note and we are preparing for our holidays. It is somewhat ironic that our last bit of business is this major issue which affects thousands of people. I commend Senator MacSharry for this Bill. I assure him I read his letter and I have studied this proposal which I regard as a genuine attempt at a solution and he has put substantial work into its...

Seanad: Family Home Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: I know people are anxious to leave but this is a very important discussion. We may be having discussions about the role and the future of the Seanad but that is the last thing on the mind of anyone on the point of losing his or her home. The Government has a serious responsibility to devise practical solutions to this problem. I acknowledge that important steps have been taken. For...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: That is okay, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: In view of the fact that it is a glorious sunny day and we are breaking up on a positive note, I invite my colleagues to County Clare if they have not decided on where to go.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: Senator Tony Mulcahy and I would be only too delighted to look after colleagues from any side of the House who decide to staycation in County Clare. One of the country's greatest tourist attractions is the Cliffs of Moher. I am delighted that the pickets have been removed and that all parties have returned to the negotiations. The Labour Relations Commission discussions have broken down...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: I am coming to it in a roundabout way. The Leas-Chathaoirleach said I had priority.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: I thank the Leader for the work he has done to ensure the project will be foremost in the mind of the Government. It is unfortunate that Fáilte Ireland has washed its hands of it and stated it is a matter for Shannon Development. I would like the Leader to write to Fáilte Ireland to point to the importance of the competition for Irish tourism, not just the industry in County Clare. He...

Seanad: Electoral Amendment Bill 2011: Committee Stage (21 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: The Minister of State's reputation for his diligent constituency work and his national profile speaks for itself. I agree with the broad thrust of Senator Power's arguments. Our political system is not fit for purpose and has not worked for the past 24 years. The Irish experience of national politicians working on issues that should be done by a local councillor is unique to Europe if not...

Seanad: Electoral Amendment Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: It was synonymous with Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Electoral Amendment Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: That is because it has been in government for so long.

Seanad: Electoral Amendment Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Jul 2011)

Martin Conway: People were hoodwinked.