Results 1,061-1,080 of 2,017 for speaker:Paul Bradford

Seanad: EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work: Statements (10 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: It is spreading.

Seanad: EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work: Statements (10 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: I welcome the Minister of State. I am a substitute for my colleague, Senator John Paul Phelan, Fine Gael spokesperson in this area. While I am not sure my views will fully reflect his thoughts on the directive, I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words on it. Its transposition will be the subject of legislation and this is probably the preamble to the debate we will have when it...

Seanad: Effects of Recession on Mental Health: Statements (10 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: There ends the epistle. Senator Geraldine Feeney has eight minutes. The slot appears to have stretched but I am advised that eight minutes is the time ordered by the House.

Seanad: Effects of Recession on Mental Health: Statements (10 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: We were having a calm debate until Senator Buttimer entered the Chamber.

Seanad: Effects of Recession on Mental Health: Statements (10 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I do not have any professional qualifications in this field but the subject of mental health has been high on the political and health agenda in recent years. That is a welcome development, and the action and involvement of people such as the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, has helped in that regard. Mental health is no longer a...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: I support my colleagues who asked the Leader to provide sufficient time in the very near future for another debate on economic matters, including banking, the mortgage crisis and, more important, the overall economic position. While it is a cliché to say the clock is ticking, it is also correct. We are almost reaching the end game. One need only observe what is happening on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: I thank the Cathaoirleach; I did not want to interrupt my acting leader.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: We have had some interesting debates in recent weeks on economic matters, the budgetary situation, the Croke Park agreement and related matters. In view of the fact that today we are advised the Government will pronounce its judgment on the level of fiscal adjustment to be provided for in December's budget, it is very important that the House reverts next week to a debate on economic...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: What has really frightened me in recent days are newspaper headlines concerning the forthcoming budget and the fact that it now appears the future of the Government is dependent on a number of Independent Members of Dáil Éireann. It is quite scary that Independent and maverick Deputies of all shapes and sizes can dictate the economic agenda of Government and the economic future of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Paul Bradford: I agree with the overall approach adopted by my colleagues, Senators O'Toole and Donohoe, to the announcement made yesterday by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the budgetary difficulties facing the Government and the country. I certainly welcome what was announced yesterday. We all wish it happened earlier and that reform had commenced sooner. However, to use a...

Seanad: Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (28 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: I am glad we are having this debate. Over recent weeks Members of this House have led the way politically with regard to encouraging debate, discussing the options and trying to project where the country should go politically and economically over the next crucial months. I listened with interest to Senator O'Malley's comments on the number of budgets and Government changes that took place...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: I support the request by my colleague, Senator Regan, to reflect further at the earliest possible opportunity on the lost at sea report, the special report by the Ombudsman. We should not fail to underscore the significance of this report by the Ombudsman. It was a special report, only the second occasion an Ombudsman produced such a report for presentation to the Oireachtas. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: As far as I am aware the debate adjourned rather than concluded last week. I believe we can have a worthwhile, mature debate and not one that condemns public servants but with a view to ensuring that we have a public sector which works in the public interest, with fair play for all including fair salaries. It is a sector which the taxpayer is funding and on behalf of the taxpayer we must...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: -----would be in a better position to speak with some degree of accuracy next week or the week after if we had an opportunity to study the report in greater detail. That suggestion might be taken on board and we would adjourn the debate with a view to resuming it next week.

Seanad: Food Harvest 2020 Report: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, to the House and thank him for his presentation. This is an appropriate day to have this discussion given earlier comment in this House on the need for an economic and growth stimulus plan for the economy. Agriculture can be part of our approach towards growth and stimulating the economy. Many of us attended...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: I support what many of my colleagues have said, especially Senator Coghlan who spoke of the need to bring a degree of certainty to the economic debate. We have enough detail to go on now although it might be more helpful if final figures were available from Government. There is a general recognition across the political spectrum now of the absolute need to stick to the 3% figure, the...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: I look forward to the debates requested by Senator MacSharry. We should add a fifth pillar to the four issues he has proposed for debate, namely, discussion of growth options and job opportunities. While cuts are one part of the measures that must be taken, we must also focus on incentives, growth and hope. The House will shortly debate tourism, one of the sectors in which progress could...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: I support what Senators Harris and Cummins said on the Irish passport issue. We need to show that this House has a balanced view of world affairs. Sadly, we are continuing to express a one-sided view of Israel, in particular. Senator MacSharry's Freudian slip about the Good Friday Agreement has brought me to the point I would like to make. As I have said previously, peace on this island,...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: We need to set aside time to turn the economic ship of State around. I reiterate that the various parties could demonstrate political maturity by sitting down and agreeing a date for the next general election which I believe should take place early next summer.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2010)

Paul Bradford: Between now and then we should not have to worry about the views of certain Independent Deputies who are concerned about the parish pump rather than the country as a whole. We could debate the issues that need to be addressed and put in place the foundations for the reconstruction of the economy. I assure my Fine Gael colleagues, in particular, and everybody else on this side of the House...