Results 7,041-7,060 of 9,823 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Report Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Thomas Byrne: We rushed the property tax and water services legislation. It is always legislation from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Report Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Thomas Byrne: The suspicion is that certain people want to go home early.

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Report Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Thomas Byrne: On a point of order-----

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Report Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Thomas Byrne: I do not expect to persuade the Cathaoirleach but I agree with Senator Norris. The decision taken by the Cathaoirleach and his office on this amendment is utterly crazy. Senator Norris makes a very good point on this type of provision. I cannot see why there is any provision against that. It is unconstitutional for the Cathaoirleach to say that we cannot put this into legislation. I...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Report Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Thomas Byrne: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: He never got such compliments when he was in Government.

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2013: Second and Subsequent Stages (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: I was too.

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2013: Second and Subsequent Stages (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: I express my deep appreciation to the Leader for setting the important precedent of debating this Bill. He will understand that none of us expected him to grant our request, but I am grateful to him. It is the Seanad's only opportunity this year to debate the expending of public money. The Estimates are solely in the purview of the Dáil, and rightly so. I presume the Appropriation...

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2013: Second and Subsequent Stages (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: The Seanad has a limited function in this matter, but it is important we scrutinise it. For future years, I suggest the Seanad examine certain aspects of spending ahead of the debate. This year, we are particularly concerned about the amount of money granted to the health budget and whether we have achieved the best value for money. Indeed, the Committee of Public Accounts is debating that...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: We had a vote on that.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: Will the Leader clarify what is proposed in regard to No. 4, the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013?

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: That is fine. As I pointed out last year, the Appropriation Bill is effectively a cheque for €47.5 billion which we are being asked to sign today, just as the Dáil was obliged to sign it yesterday. In the past, however, debate was permitted on the Appropriation Bill, which is a practice that should be restored. It is a dereliction of our duty simply to sign a cheque for...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: You are not. You are cleaning up medical cards by taking them from people.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: A person in a wheelchair and a cancer sufferer came to my office this week about it. Two weeks ago I met a child who has an illness that will end the child's life in a few years, and that child had to battle with the Government and the HSE to get a medical card. That is what is happening.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: The health plan for next year was published yesterday. We are due to have a briefing session in private this afternoon, according to an e-mail we all received from the Minister. We should have the debate and the briefing session in this House so the Irish public can know the full details of it and so the Minister and his officials can be questioned in full view of the public, online or in...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Committee Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: I wish to speak generally. My comments are related to the Bill but in a more distant sense. I raised an issue with the Minister previously in respect of the town of Kells. However, I am convinced there are other examples throughout the country where local authorities are sharing. I realise it is in a different context to the amendment. Kells Town Council currently has a substantial land...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Committee Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Minister for looking at this. I agree with him that it is a difficult situation. It is difficult to come up with a concept. However, it is incumbent on us between now and Report Stage to do something. I encourage Kells Town Council in particular to put on thinking caps - I will do it myself - to see if anything can be done in terms of trusts. There is a substantial income...

Seanad: Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (18 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: Will the Leas-Chathaoirleach allow me to make a brief query?

Seanad: Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (18 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: My question is a technical one relating to the earlier signature motion. If we pass the Bill today, does that not mean it will go to the President immediately and must be signed by him between five and seven days after he receives it, which would be Christmas Eve?

Seanad: Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (18 Dec 2013)

Thomas Byrne: Are we passing the Bill today or not?