Results 9,861-9,880 of 24,326 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Ardagh mentioned the budget. It is important that the task that to which we are committed in government is to ensure that we have a fair and just society. That is why we will see and have seen an increase in-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: -----the number of people in work. Again, it is good news that Sinn Féin does not want to hear. A reduction in income tax will take place, the USC will be cut and the minimum wage will be increased.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We will maintain core social welfare payments. The party opposite cut them but we have not.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Judge us on our record.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senators Boyhan and Coghlan referred to a judicial council. I join with them in congratulating and thanking Mrs. Justice Susan Denham on her tenure as Chief Justice. The Government has published the heads of the judicial council Bill that Senator Boyhan raised. I agree with the Chair of the Bar Council that the Judiciary must maintain high standards. There is also a need to see...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: No. Deputy Ross is the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Senator must be fair and accept that the Minister has done a good job.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I presume the Bill will be published in the autumn. We will debate the legislation here in this House. We all accept that there is need for a debate. Senator Coghlan mentioned the appointment of the Chief Justice. I agree with him that the establishment of a three person judicial council is a good concept. We look forward to the results coming back. Senators Craughwell, Feighan,...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is new politics. We see a new alliance between the Labour Party and the Green Party over plastic cups. Great things are happening. Senator Maria Byrne made reference to Limerick Institute of Technology and commented on the planning. Senator Ó Clochartaigh made reference to housing as well. It is my intention that the the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It was 2010, yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: If Senator Wilson wants to start at 2008, we can do that.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I remind Senator Wilson-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: If Senators want to have a history lesson, I would be happy to go back to 2007.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I know it is embarrassing for both the Senators, because they were part of a Government that did that and wrecked the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The important point is that the new Government economic policy is about creating a fairer and just society. This will allow us to invest in home care packages, keep people at home longer and living longer. We want to invest in more sustainable lives and keep people rooted in their communities. I accept the concept of what Senator Swanick was saying. However, we have increased the respite...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We have increased home care packages.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I will get the Senator the figure if he wants it afterwards.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Gavan raised the important issue of migration and migrant workers, in particular the issue of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. I share the concern of Senator Gavan. It is a source not only of worry but of absolute angst that people are being refused exit in situations. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, is in the Middle East at the moment. I would be happy to have...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I would be happy to have him take up the matter. Senator O'Sullivan will be glad to hear that, home and away, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and I work very well. I would prefer to stay at home, as Senator O'Sullivan can imagine. Senator Norris raised the issue of the Corrib gas field and the Royal Dutch Shell sale. That is a matter for other parts of the world, but not for me. Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is a matter of absolute importance for all of us. I join Senator O'Donnell in paying tribute to the late Martin Molony. Senator O'Sullivan knows the story well, but for Members who are not aware, Martin Molony was a jump and flat jockey who was a superstar in his time, as Senator O'Donnell said. I want to pay tribute to him. He was one of the most prolific and profound jockeys of his...