Results 10,821-10,840 of 24,326 for speaker:Jerry Buttimer

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Cathaoirleach caught me by surprise. I thank the 16 Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. I share Senator Ardagh's concerns about the help-to-buy scheme and thank her for raising the matter. The scheme was established by the Government to help first-time buyers, given the critical difficulty in the market. The Government made no apologies about that because it...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: He has appointed John Callan as a second Secretary General to lead a new division dealing with Brexit in the Department. It is important that we put Brexit in context. The Government is not standing idly by. The Taoiseach is not just sitting in his office twiddling his thumbs. He is travelling Europe and negotiating quietly and effectively with other European and world leaders. It is...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I cannot answer for the British Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Government has a comprehensive and clear plan on Brexit. What we must do is protect and advance our country's interests whether it is in regard to trade and the economy, Northern Ireland, the peace process and the issue of a physical Border, the common travel area or the future of the European Union. We are very clear on what we are doing. The Taoiseach is a member of the European...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is too serious an issue for Members to come in here and try to score points. I do not say that is what Senator Leyden is doing.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Senator Leyden should allow me to finish. The issue is far too important for that. Senator Gavan spoke about the elections in the North. I think he completely misrepresented the point I made yesterday. I understand that in the cauldron of election battles people take positions but what I said yesterday is that language is important and the contribution of certain Senators yesterday was...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Order of Business is No. 1, Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 - Second Stage, to be taken at 4.45 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: As Leader of the House, I pay tribute to a former Member of the House, Dr. T.K. Whitaker, and express my condolences to his family on his passing since the House last met. Dr. Whitaker played a huge role in building a modern Ireland. As Leader of the House, it is appropriate and important that I pay tribute to him on behalf of all Members and sympathise with his family on their recent...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: We can discuss later where it should be situated in Ireland, but the important point is the Minister has made an attempt to have it located here.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I forgot to mention that on 9 February the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, will come to the House to discuss the action plan for rural development. Senators Murnane O'Connor, Devine, Landy, Davitt, Horkan and Boyhan spoke about councillors' pay and the decision by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, yesterday. The announcement by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, means for the first time in 15...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is important to recognise this. The days of the Progressive Democrats are over, Senator McDowell.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: It is not Harney versus McDowell with O'Malley and Cox. We will not go down that road. We could play that game too. Seriously, it is an important point. An attempt has been made by the Minister to improve the terms and conditions of our councillors.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Let me finish. We read Senator Craughwell's pronouncements over the Christmas holidays and I ask him to allow me a chance to respond.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I know that.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, helped with the K class PRSI. The Minister has written to the CEO of the councils-----

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: These are the Members who came in here week after week stamping, shouting and roaring about councillors' pay and conditions.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Suddenly, when something starts happening,-----

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: -----we get the opposite.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: I omitted to mention Senator Landy. My apologies.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2017)

Jerry Buttimer: Let me finish.