Results 8,841-8,860 of 9,823 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The Cathaoirleach said one of the parties contacted him------

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: Has RTE asked the Seanad and the Dáil not to discuss this matter? If it has, it is an outrageous attack on democracy.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: On a point of order, the facts of this matter are set out in the apology RTE offered and they will not be in dispute in a court action. The facts of the apology, which Senator Mullen spoke about-----

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The Cathaoirleach has stated on the record that a media organisation has asked him not to have debate on this issue in the House. I cannot accept that. It does not have that power over us. We are entitled to raise any issue on this matter.

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: One issue concerns me, although I will not take too much time with it. I hate saying it but there seems to be a commitment to mediocrity in the university sector. As to the fall in ranking of some of the major institutions, we are taking it lying down. The Minister of State has indicated that he is happy with The Times Higher Education performance tables, which place Ireland firmly in the...

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: We must have flagships in the country and we should not be afraid of elite education. It can bring people from nothing and make them great. It can make this country great and create shining lights to attract industries. The Government indicates it is happy with ranking when the major universities see major drops but I am not and neither should the Government be happy; it should urgently...

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I have.

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I am concerned about the Minister of State's dismissive attitude to university rankings. While the rankings have flaws, dismissing the fact that there has been a drop of 50 places is a source of serious concern.

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: No, it is not, but I will raise the matter on the Adjournment on another occasion.

Seanad: Investment in Science, Technology and Innovation: Statements (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I will table the matter for discussion on the Adjournment.

Seanad: Hospital Services (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown has caused considerable concern among people not only in Dublin 15 but also in County Meath, given that it is one of the main hospitals serving the southern part of that county. It has a higher profile at present because of the by-election in Dublin West. Prior to the last general election, Fine Gael and Labour Party candidates promised to protect...

Seanad: Hospital Services (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, said last year that a serious loss of life would happen in north Dublin hospitals. The Labour Party and Fine Gael promised to retain services. They said they would do it even though they knew what this country's financial situation was at the time. As I said, the amount of tax that is coming in is greater than that expected at the time of the budget. The...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I will make one point about the earlier discussion, namely, I believe it is a retrograde step that the Cathaoirleach obtains legal advice in anticipation of matters that may be discussed in the Seanad. That is an attack on our rights as Senators, on the right of freedom of speech and on the right to represent the people who voted for us and those who-----

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: Anticipating what we might say and obtaining legal advice is not right and is the wrong road to take. We are allowed to raise issues of public importance to the State and the taxpayer. Will the Leader inquire of the Minister for Justice and Equality when the legal services Bill will be published? It was promised a week ago but, since then, apparently, a Labour Party document has been...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: That is a fact regarding the PIAB legislation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: We did not. That legislation was an attack on vested interests.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: The question is that we should have a full debate on the legal services Bill before it comes to the House on Second Stage so we can tease out all of the issues. This is very important in terms of consumers but also in terms of international reputation. Third, I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise a matter on the Adjournment concerning Blanchardstown hospital because some...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: Surely, as the Government is proposing this, Government Members should be able to get out and sell it. That is what Government is about.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency (6 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Cathaoirleach for permitting me to raise this matter. I thank him also for allowing me to raise the issue I raised yesterday. I understand he had to apply some pressure to get the appropriate Minister here. We do not have any problem with Deputy Noonan, as he has always made himself available to the Seanad. I am sure the Minister will not take what I say as an attack on the...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency (6 Oct 2011)

Thomas Byrne: An international banker is examining NAMA and I urge the Minister to get him or her to consider this issue. Not only are these builders and developers in negative equity, they will be in positive equity if they exceed a certain point. The negative and positive is a mathematical impossibility but the Irish taxpayer will pay for it. The Minister is proposing that a developer will get a bonus...