Results 6,921-6,940 of 24,319 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I did not say that at all.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I was not joking.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Conway-Walsh knows that full well.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Conway-Walsh knows full well that I am not in any way directing that her way. She should not try to insinuate otherwise.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I am not going to take that now.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I am happy to accept Senator Ruane's amendment to the Order of Business, and we can take her Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: Senators Humphreys, Lombard and Kieran O'Donnell raised the important issue of climate change and I am happy to review and reflect upon the remarks made about the recent statements in the House on climate change. I would be happy to meet Senator Humphreys and the group leaders in the new year to discuss that issue. I join with Senator Humphreys in appealing to all motorists on the road...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: There were enough bad stunts here this morning and last night to earn people a lot of penalty points. With regard to Senator James Reilly and the greenway, we commend all those involved. We will have a debate on greenway tourism. Senators Leyden, Feighan and other Members raised the issue of the events in Roscommon last weekend-----

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: As did Senator McDowell, gabh mo leithscéal. I do not want people to draw any inference or insinuate anything from my comments. On the Order of Business yesterday and on Tuesday, I made the point in respect of the events in Roscommon that we must always ensure the rule of law is upheld. We heard this morning about an incident at the family court where a judge was imprisoned in his...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I am sorry but I was not aware. That makes it even more alarming. On behalf of the Government, and as the Leader of the House, I support the independence of the Judiciary and Garda. There can only be one An Garda Síochána, one Army and one courts system. We should always remember that. Irrespective of whether we like, thuggery happened in the Roscommon incident. I reiterate my...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: Absolutely, also the officers of the court. I agree with Senator McDowell that it is important to recognise that we are Members of the Upper House and we are democratically elected. Under our Constitution and rules of engagement, Members of the Seanad are required to be available to sit on the joint committees of the Houses. Senator McDowell secured 5,661 votes. I can tell the Deputy who...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: My point is that we are entitled to be here.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Joe O'Reilly raised the issue of small towns and businesses and he has been the champion of small towns. I will have the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Michael Ring, come to the House in the new year. Cloisim an méid a bhí le rá ag an Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile mar gheall ar chúrsaí Gaeilge, go mórmhór Bliain na Gaeilge...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: The colours are a different matter. We had raised Senator Alice-Mary Higgins' matter yesterday and I supported her, she may remember, at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I believe the events of 31 January were once-off. Members will know it is to commemorate the sitting of the first Dáil. It is important to allow that to go ahead. The point made by the Senator on the role...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I thank the 23 Senators who contributed to the final Order of Business of 2018. Senator Ardagh spoke about the National Treatment Purchase Fund, primary care and step-down facilities. It is important to recognise that issues relating to the treatment of patients are of absolute importance. The Senator made some valid points, particularly with regard to waiting lists, which need to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: No. As I stated at the outset, I accept that we are not where we want to be and where we should be. I understand that. One would think from listening to some of the commentary that the Government is doing nothing, but that is not the case. That is the point I am making. We are working to ensure that affordable housing is made available and that social housing is built. That is why...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I am trying to tabulate in my head how much time we have spent on it

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator can if he wants.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I think we have spent just over 70 hours on Committee Stage.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2018)

Jerry Buttimer: I appreciate that. I do not want to strike a discordant note on our final sitting day of the year.