Results 1,301-1,320 of 1,730 for speaker:Colm Keaveney

Topical Issue Debate: Regulatory Bodies (13 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: Last week a committee of the Oireachtas was subject to what I can best describe as a show of disdain and arrogance by the chairperson of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in his refusal to answer questions or provide any sense of being responsible to anyone but himself in the exercise of the functions of his public office. ComReg has since come into increasing conflict...

Topical Issue Debate: Regulatory Bodies (13 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: It is clear ComReg receives its current funding from the industry it regulates. It has nothing to lose by pursuing by what can be best described as an exercise in folly in challenging An Post because An Post will pay its own costs, as well as ComReg’s. An Post’s financial position is between the red and the black. Will the Minister discover from ComReg the basis for which it...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Forthcoming General Affairs Council: Discussion (13 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: I warmly welcome the Tánaiste and the departmental officials. I join others in acknowledging this country's good news on the human rights agenda. It is indicative of the Tánaiste's commitment to delivering for this country that we have secured such a prestigious opportunity to show our compassion at international level. I would like to raise an issue that is of great concern to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Home Help Service (8 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: To ask the Minister for Health the average spend per head of the population aged over 65 years in each county for the provision of home help hours; the account that was taken of the disparity in average spend in each county in determining the level of cuts to be made to the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48746/12]

Pensions and Retirement Lump Sums: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: Deputy Mattie McGrath rubbed Bertie's belly.

Pensions and Retirement Lump Sums: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: The Deputy is a monkey grinding away.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: May I have the dates and times, prior to the €12 million being levied, of where corrective action was proposed by ComReg to avoid the levy being imposed? I want to see the paperwork. Who did ComReg speak to in An Post? I want Mr. Chisholm to inform the committee for the public record what action ComReg took to provide the information to which Deputy Harrington has referred and to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: I want an answer with regard to the €12 million. How was that constructed? Who made the decision? What scientific measure was used to justify it? I want an answer on that before I leave this meeting.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: We will deal with this again.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: It took a long time to get that information. From 104 to 122. That question was asked three times this morning.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: That is the quality of the answers we are getting.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: I take grave issue with Mr. Chisholm's refusal to account for matters of public record. He wrote to the committee yesterday implying that matters were sub judice. I take issue with the fact that he has tried to pave the way for the type of question to be put in a public setting. I would like a frank response to the questions. Mr. Chisholm may take issue with whatever he wants. I want a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: If the quality of engagement which has taken place today is the type of engagement which has taken place with An Post, I would be incredibly concerned by the degree of clarity and accountability. I agree fundamentally that we need to get the Minister in to determine what amendments are required to the legislation to ensure accountability, particularly by people who are hiding behind...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: On a point of order.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: I am beginning to understand that ComReg gets its resources and money for current expenditure from a levy on the industry. My point of order is that the Chairman has been given his answer - the industry is paying. ComReg gets its money from three private operators and the public operator. Essentially, the people of this country are paying for this action.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: I cannot understand the incomprehensible folly, as I consider it, that Mr. O'Brien took in exposing the State to this liability. He needs to demonstrate here today the objectivity vis-à-vis the core principle of the organisation, which is to ensure a universal postal service provider complies to protect the stability of the universal service provision and to provide regulatory...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: With the permission of the Chair, may I intervene? Will the clerk to the joint committee make a reference to Standing Order 57, as we are giving evidence in a public committee? We are legislators. There is no point in somebody telling a legislator about the Standing Orders of the Houses of the Oireachtas. There is a standing order that provides that in the public interest we can ask any...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Postal Strategy Statement: Discussion with ComReg (7 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: I welcome the delegates from ComReg and thank them for their comprehensive presentation. As Deputy Michael Colreavy pointed out, there are several fundamental issues that must be clarified regarding ComReg's role, activities and mandate. I was taken aback at the letter members of the committee received yesterday advising us - Members of the Oireachtas and legislators - that we are not...

Pensions and Retirement Lump Sums: Motion [Private Members] (6 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: That is a weighty issue.

Pensions and Retirement Lump Sums: Motion [Private Members] (6 Nov 2012)

Colm Keaveney: Hear, hear.