Results 6,241-6,260 of 9,894 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2015)

Thomas Byrne: -----as was attempted in the Dáil. Did the former Minister, Deputy Shatter, write to or contact the Cathaoirleach about this, and-or did the Government or the Department of Justice and Equality ask him specifically to do this without debate? The motion, which came under the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the previous day was taken with debate. Why was this very similar...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2015)

Thomas Byrne: It is extremely relevant to democracy and debate in this country. A change was introduced in this House, facilitated by the Leader, to the effect that there would be no more, or very few, guillotines on debates. Unfortunately, one was applied to the debate on water services legislation prior to Christmas but there are far fewer now than there were in the past. This is a House of Parliament...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Again, I raise the issue of the very serious motion before this House last week, which Senator Cullinane rightly raised. It was thrown in at the last minute to be taken without debate. I would like the Leader to clarify - I suppose he has already given an answer - whether the former Minister, Deputy Shatter, was in touch with him. In light of the precedent set in the Dáil - this is no...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2015)

Thomas Byrne: On a point of order, can the Leader and the Cathaoirleach clarify whether the former Minister, Deputy Shatter, wrote to them about this matter in the same manner as the Dáil? In fairness, the Seanad has the same jurisdiction as the Dáil in this matter.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2015)

Thomas Byrne: It is an important matter that has caused considerable debate in the Dáil over the past week.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2015)

Thomas Byrne: The Cathaoirleach should answer that question.

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Is there no obligation on us?

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: The Minister used the word "minded", but is there a requirement?

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: I agree. However, last week I was approached by a representative of a very large company to which employees could not get access because the road had not been gritted. This company will have to register to contact the likes of me or to contact the local councillor. Is that correct?

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Do I have to ask them if they have registered before they ask me to get the road gritted?

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: I agree.

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: I can check about the road being gritted and let the company worry about the register.

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: The Senator can lobby the Minister.

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Fianna Fáil supports this Bill. We have been looking for this, particularly in opposition. It is essential that it happens. There is too much lobbying. There has been a great deal of lobbying about the Bill itself.

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: We have all been lobbied. Some lobbyists are more beneficial to the State than others, but who are we to judge? The Bill has been significantly watered down from what was originally promised after lobbying from many good organisations, and I do not want to disrespect them. In respect of the cooling-off period for officials, we are concerned about the grade of the civil servant. Principal...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (28 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh clann John Carty agus muintir Chnoc Mhuire agus Contae Mhaigh Eo atá anseo. I knew John very well when I was elected to the Dáil and in the past few years of his life. He was an incredibly decent person. I get to know him quickly when I was elected because of my connection to Knock. John was able to explain my family history better than I...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Wind Energy Guidelines (27 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Once again, the blame is put down to the volume of submissions received, which is causing the delay. Although the Minister of State did not say this explicitly, the previous Minister did. What is happening is the message is being sent to An Bord Pleanála, in particular, that this is not a major issue of importance to the Government because there has been no effort on its part to update...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Wind Energy Guidelines (27 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: The guidelines are being revised because the turbines are unprecedented. They did not exist when the 2006 guidelines were introduced.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Wind Energy Guidelines (27 Jan 2015)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach as ucht an deis a thabhairt dom an t-ábhar an-tábhachtach seo a ardú ag tús suí an tSeanaid inniu. I am pleased to be presented with the opportunity to raise this issue in the Seanad today. The people of north Meath, and I presume people all across the country, are hopping mad with the Government because left, right and...