Results 7,001-7,020 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Benchmarking: Motion. (8 Oct 2003)

James Bannon: The Government does not have a heart.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2003)

James Bannon: I too compliment the Garda Síochána on their fine act of bravery yesterday, which was performed with very limited resources. A promise was made in the run-up to the last general election that we would have 2,000 extra members of the Garda Síochána on the streets. We are still waiting for them. On planning, I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2003)

James Bannon: It is important that we have a debate on this issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2003)

James Bannon: On another issue, the Minister for Transport reported yesterday that he would spend €10 million replacing speed signs throughout the country. That would be ridiculous. It would not be wise at a time of such cutbacks in the health area. Cash starved health boards up and down the country are cutting home help services, the carer's allowance, community initiatives and so on. It is important...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I welcome the measures taken by MEPs last week in regard to the fight against road deaths and injuries. I understand that the European Parliament is to introduce welcome new changes in design and new technologies are to be used in motor vehicles to eliminate blind spots. I have noticed a variation in the view available in the rear view and wing mirrors on my car. It is an anomaly which must...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I support Senator Ryan's request for extra time in the debate on the Protection of the Environment Bill because there are 34 pages of amendments from the Dáil. I was pleased to read that the Minister has accepted some of the amendments which he had earlier rejected in this House.

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I am disappointed at the time allocated to this Stage, especially given that 62 amendments, covering 35 pages, have been made by the Dáil. It now appears that the Bill was not thoroughly thought through at draft stage. When it was debated in the House, Members on this side submitted numerous amendments, probably as many as were submitted in the Dáil. Many of them were guillotined. I am glad...

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: In view of the provisions of amendment No. 54, the Minister's next step will be to abolish local authorities. As it is, he is reducing the functions of local authority members on a daily basis, despite the fact that they seek a mandate from the people every five years. They are the voice of the people at local level. The Local Government Act has also further depleted their powers. It is a...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Plant Closure. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I wish to share my time with Senators Feighan and Leyden.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Plant Closure. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Fahey, to the House to discuss the sudden closure on 25 June of the Glanbia meat processing plant in Rooskey, County Roscommon. I was somewhat surprised that the Minister refused to take my previous motion regarding the rebuilding of the Glanbia plant, the day before the announcement was made—

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Plant Closure. (3 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: We were disappointed that this plant, which was gutted by fire on 8 May last year, was not rebuilt. Public expectations were raised, only to be dashed again through falling victim to this Government's unique brand of deception and duplicity. Every politician seeking election had promised that the Glanbia meat processing plant would be up and running in the shortest possible time. The Glanbia...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: Does the Leader know when the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government plans to amend the legislation in regard to the €20 fee for planning objections, which was introduced last year and found to be illegal by the European Commission? Will she further ensure that the money paid by people to local authorities is reimbursed? I support Senator Ulick Burke in regard to his...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Treacy, to the House. I was aghast to hear Senator Callanan put a gloss on the agreement. He attempted to lecture farm leaders with regard to the showing of leadership.

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I wonder if the Senator remembers Deputy Ned O'Keeffe's statement to the effect that there had been no leadership in the Department of Agriculture and Food since the days of Ivan Yates.

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: The overwhelming feeling of many in the European farming community is that Commissioner Fishler's Common Agricultural Policy proposals foster a state of uncertainty and a distortion of competition among farmers, among and within sectors and among regions and member states. Subsidies are said simply to have been repackaged and farmers are being asked once again to pay the price while their...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: The farm leaders. When the proposals were first mooted in July 2002, there was no mention of reform or review of the dairy sector. Now, however, this devastating blow has been dealt. Jobs will be lost, farms will be abandoned and communities and individuals will suffer. The IFA estimates that up to 10,000 dairy farming jobs will be lost with 3,000 more in the processing sector. These figures...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I have received representations from a farmer about extensification premium. He is being denied his payments because he was 0.0001% over the guidelines. Is this fair? The Minister must tackle the bureaucracy and red tape in the industry.

Seanad: Nuclear Safety: Motion. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gallagher, to the House. I support and second my colleagues' amendment. Any concession that gives Ireland a vestige of control over a situation that affects our citizens, our health and safety, the safety of our unborn children and our environment is unreservedly welcome. The interim...

Seanad: Nuclear Safety: Motion. (2 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I thank the House for indicating its acceptance of my party's amendment. The Sellafield plant poses a huge threat. Amendment agreed to. Motion, as amended, agreed to.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2003)

James Bannon: I am disappointed there has been no debate on the housing crisis during this session. I ask the Leader to arrange one for the autumn. Inflationary pressures have led to further increases in house prices with the result that well in excess of 50,000 families are on local authority waiting lists. I was appalled to hear the Taoiseach say last week that the needy would have to wait another two...