Results 761-780 of 5,732 for speaker:Fidelma Healy Eames

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That is what I heard. I am only looking for clarification.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That is what I heard. I am looking for clarification. The record can be checked. I do not think I heard wrong. I am suggesting that, as a result, those of us who do not have meters installed are being discriminated against. That is why charging should not commence until the national water meter installation programme is completed.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It is ridiculous.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: On a point of information-----

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: On a point of order-----

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: -----I was curious to know why two of my amendments had been ruled out of order.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I understand that and that the Cathaoirleach has said this amendment does not involve a potential charge on the Exchequer, but I reject his ruling because, truthfully, there is a massive difference between starting to charge on 1 January 2015 and when the metering programme ends. Of course, that involves a potential charge on the Exchequer. Therefore, the Cathaoirleach should have ruled...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I move amendment No. 17: In page 6, line 7, to delete “1 January 2015” and substitute “the date of completion of the national water meter installation programme”.The Bill states: "Where a dwelling is provided with a water meter installed by Irish Water and, at any time after 1 January 2015...". The Bill references everything commencing on 1 January 2015. I am not...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I accept that there is movement, which is useful. I ask Senator Thomas Byrne not to press the amendment, but will the Minister confirm to the House that he will come back to us by Monday on this proposal? If he can say "Yes" to this, I will be happy to ask Senator Thomas Byrne not to press his amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Will that be on Monday?

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: An alternative amendment will be tabled on Report Stage.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: No, it shows the ability to negotiate.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It is Christmas week and I would love to go home, but we are not going home until we get a reasonable response to our concerns. The Minister has repeatedly claimed that he is sincerely and genuinely listening and that he will accept any reasonable amendment. With respect to Senator Byrne, he is offering the weakest possible amendment. The Minister need do nothing but consider it. If he...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I saw him shake his head.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I am delighted.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I was checking. At the end of the day, actions will speak louder than words. This amendment would allow the forum to consider the issue of keeping water as a public resource. It will be given seven months to consider that issue. If the Minister does not have that power, I am concerned. I accept that he may wish to consult his Cabinet colleagues on this, but we will press the amendment....

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: How do I follow Senator Norris?

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: While I had no plans to speak to the amendment, I will take the opportunity to do so given that this is the season of goodwill. The Minister has repeatedly informed the House that he is sincere and means what he says. He even used the term "over my dead body" in reference to possible privatisation of Irish Water. Perhaps it is time he came out of the bunker and ceased being a prisoner of...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I agree with one point made by Senator Mac Conghail - this debate provides us with an opportunity to make a civic gesture. The Minister should accept this amendment and allow the debate to proceed. If, as he states, he is sincere about listening, I ask him to show sincerity by accepting the amendment and allow a forum to consider this issue for seven months. The amendment does not dictate...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The Minister is under orders.