Results 1,061-1,080 of 2,412 for speaker:Niall Ó Donnghaile

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: In terms of the Order of Business, perhaps the Cathaoirleach could advise me. I think part of his role is to advise and protect us in terms of our entitlements to ask questions and get guidance. I have flagged consistently over the past couple of weeks, as I am sure all Members will acknowledge, that the consistent approach of rushing all Stages of a Bill, and sometimes two Bills, through...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: We have an Order of Business. We have Standing Orders. As I understand it, those Standing Orders give the Cathaoirleach ultimate discretion in terms of how the protocols and procedures of this House operate.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I do not think any of this has precedence, to be honest. There is no precedent for any of it.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I will say this. I have made my point. I am deeply concerned that, when we look at the approach in the round, we can see we have gone from being called back early and having three-day sittings, to having a two-day sitting and now to having a one-day sitting with one item. That does not bode well.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: It should not have been a special sitting. That is the point. I know of the Cathaoirleach's interest in the issue of Brexit and our collective well-being and future. The members of the British Government are on their feet in their parliament telling us that they are going to break international law.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: We are being told that we cannot come to this Chamber and talk about that matter.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: It should be an issue for the Order of Business. That is the point.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: This has gone beyond the realm of being disrespectful to Members of this House to bordering on being undemocratic in terms of what is being done. It should give everyone in this House cause for concern. If this is to become the precedent, then it is deeply worrying. I am confident in saying that those of us on this side of the House would be highly reluctant to participate in business that...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: We thought, up until I got a telephone call to say that the schedule had suddenly been changed, that we were being afforded the opportunity to speak on that.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I understand that too. The point I am making is that people should not try to blame us for the change in the scheduling.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Sep 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: To do what? Was it to have a full and proper scheduled sitting?

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: Yesterday I raised the very serious situation in the Skellig Star direct provision centre in Cahersiveen. I asked that the House would hear statements from a Minister on the very stark humanitarian crisis that residents in the centre are facing and an update on the Government's plans to bring the system of direct provision to an end. It was the responsible thing to do to suggest we provide...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I listened intently to the Deputy Leader and I do not doubt her efforts. However, given the strong feelings and the consensus in the House and the fact that the Minister will not be available tomorrow given that the North-South Ministerial Council is meeting, it is important that a clear message is sent from this House. I will press the amendment.

Seanad: Skellig Star Direct Provision Centre and the Future of Direct Provision: Statements (30 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I am sharing time with Senator Boylan. I will take four minutes and she will take two. I will begin by expressing solidarity with the residents of the Skellig Star centre. They are the primary reason we are all here today. I welcome the Minister and thank her joining us. I note the welcome Government Senators have extended to her despite those Senators voting against the motion to invite...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (29 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I also want to raise the dire and serious situation in the Skellig Star direct provision centre. Direct provision is a stain on society. It is a great shame that this system prevails. The Government has made a commitment in its programme for Government to end that system. I fully endorse that. I want to see action on that and we need to see it now, not least for the people who are...

Seanad: Tourism: Statements (28 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus gabhaim buíochas léi as an ráiteas cuimsitheach atá leagtha amach aici dúinn inniu. Tá mé fíordhíograiseach ó thaobh cúrsaí turasóireachta de, go háirithe nuair a chuireann siad lenár bpobal agus lenár n-eacnamaíocht. The...

Seanad: Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020: Second Stage (28 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Tá mé buíoch go bhfuil deis agam labhairt sa Teach agus an reachtaíocht thábhachtach seo á plé againn. The Minister is very welcome to the Seanad I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important legislation. As others have done, Sinn Féin will support the legislation, although we have an amendment that I will...

Seanad: Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (28 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: I move amendment No. 1: In page 6, line 2, after “provisions” to insert the following: “and continue in operation until the 9th day of November 2020, unless a resolution approving of its continuation has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas”. I referred to this amendment in my Second Stage contribution. I will begin by saying that the composition of...

Seanad: Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (28 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: With such an inspiring rallying call, how could I not? I thank Senator Boyhan. I listened to Senator Ward. My experience on justice matters in the Seanad is that they have been conversational. Members have engaged with and listened to one another and spoken out on matters about which we feel strongly. I would probably concede the Senator's point more broadly if the Bill presented to us...

Seanad: Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (28 Jul 2020)

Niall Ó Donnghaile: In many ways we have a consensus here but I reiterate for the record that the amendment will not delay any of those demands. I fully accept that many of the demands are necessary and come from within the sector. It is about freeing up backlogs and helping people who work within our courts system. I have no issue with that and I do not disagree with the Minister in that regard. If the...