Results 7,061-7,080 of 10,867 for speaker:Patrick O'Donovan

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: I do not see the new Prime Minister of Greece saying to Chancellor Angela Merkel that on top of his country's existing economic problems, he plans to give everyone free water. If no other country in the European Union is doing it, why should we be any different? Country people who have provided their own water for generations know its value and they welcome that they are finally getting...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the motion. I agree with the previous speaker with regard to coverage of this issue. At this morning's meeting of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, the issue of bias on the part of the public sector broadcaster was raised by members on all sides who have concerns with regard to that matter. The House would do well...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: His name is not attached to the motion.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: This strikes to the heart of what this matter is all about. I am not surprised that the rural Deputies who are members of the Technical Group-----

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: -----decided to distance themselves from the motion. It will be interesting to see how many of them turn up to vote.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: As I stated on previous occasions, this Administration is doing something for people who have provided their own water for generations in the absence of any help from either central or local government. They will receive a small conservation grant and this will go towards paying for the cost of maintaining group water schemes or private wells. In the rush to get rid of Irish Water, the...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: That was a completely cynical reversal of Sinn Féin's policies. It was fine for the party to be involved in establishing Northern Ireland Water, paying executives and putting in place a charging system. As I have stated on previous occasions, it is also fine for Sinn Féin to pay for septic tanks in Northern Ireland to be desludged but it does not want to pay for the desludging of...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: I do not know whether it is the season of "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" but it seems the leprechauns are hoping that there is a crock of gold at the end of the rainbow and that if they dig big enough holes in their back gardens they might discover something.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: The reality is that every commodity one uses must be paid for. Up until now, the water consumed by Irish people was provided in a very haphazard way by local authorities. We all know this to be the case because many of us were members of those authorities in the past. We are aware that sewage was pumped into surface water and that wells were contaminated. God only knows the amount of fuel...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: If he does, perhaps he might supply us with a copy of the letter. I am sure it will state "Stand your ground and do not claim Alan Kelly's €100". I will believe that when I see it. Irish Water was probably established ten years too late. The pollution of surface water and underground aquifers has placed Ireland in a very vulnerable position. Investment is coming into the country at...

The Dairy Sector: Statements (Resumed) (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: I welcome the opportunity to speak in this positive debate. A great many of the contributions have been highly constructive. However, it speaks volumes about where lies the interest of the Opposition parties in rural Ireland, after all the bellyaching in which Opposition Members have engaged in recent weeks and months. This is the industry that probably has the potential to lift every...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: RTE: Governance Issues (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: I welcome the representatives from RTE. I concur with much of what Deputy Michael Moynihan said, perhaps not as regards rushing to the defence of Fianna Fáil.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: RTE: Governance Issues (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: The Deputy does not have to call in the doctor yet. The context in which this issue is being raised is that €134 million out of the €214 million raised by the television licence fee goes directly to RTE. There is another sum of money that goes to RTE through the broadcasting fund, a fund of about €10.6 million allocated for other broadcasters for which RTE can apply...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: RTE: Governance Issues (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: Does Mr. Bakhurst accept that the report was politically charged?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: RTE: Governance Issues (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: Not by the presenter.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: RTE: Governance Issues (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: I do not accept what Mr. Bakhurst said about presenters' salaries. I never did accept this business that one has to wait two years for fear they are going to be taken away. If people are going to be taken away at this stage, then good luck to them. One would not run any other semi-State company with that lack of accountability and transparency. Given that RTE is getting €134...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Drainage Schemes Applications (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: 63. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding an application for funding submitted by Thurles Municipal District in respect of funding for the Loughmore Drainage Scheme in County Tipperary. [12313/15]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Felling Licences Applications (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: 83. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the position regarding a general felling licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12320/15]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Single Payment Scheme Applications (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: 84. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding an application made under force majeure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12189/15]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Service Provision (25 Mar 2015)

Patrick O'Donovan: 161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria used to decide the children who receive the July provision in their school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12209/15]