Results 1,341-1,360 of 9,810 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Seanad: Situation in Ukraine: Motion (1 Jun 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Tá áthas orm bheith sa Seanad anocht. Russia's shocking, illegal invasion of Ukraine - a further invasion of Ukraine, of course - which started on 24 February, is a profound event with numerous implications for the entire world. I thank Senator Dooley for all his work, particularly on the political front with political parties in Ukraine who have been advancing the cause of...

Seanad: Situation in Ukraine: Motion (1 Jun 2022)

Thomas Byrne: The text of this motion has a strong focus on holding Russia accountable for its behaviour in Ukraine. The most important facet of the resolution is its call that those responsible for crimes in Ukraine be held to account. This focus should remain to the fore in international consideration of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Everybody responsible within and without Russia should be held...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim mo bhuíochas arís leis an Teachta as an obair atá á dhéanamh aige i gCill Chéile i gContae Chill Dara maidir leis an uisce lofa atá ansin agus chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh agus feabhas a chur ar an uisce sin. I thank the Deputy again for his comments. His interest and representations are very much appreciated in the Department. The...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I had better continue this because it is the important part.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Yes, but this is important. One of the options being discussed-----

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I accept that, but this is the nub of the issue. One of the options being discussed by the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, is to open-----

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: As I said, it is a proposal, not a decision.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: As the Deputy noted, the draft proposal is an option, not a decision. That is what the Minister of State emphasised to me today. This is very much at an early stage and subject to further engagement. I am glad that some engagement has already happened, with strong views being expressed at the meeting and in public statements. Clearly, further significant work is required to progress this...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: May I propose that the fourth Topical Issue matter be heard next? I am taking that as well. I believe I have agreement from the Deputies.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the House.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an ábhar seo a ardú agus an deis a thabhairt dom, ar son an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, déileáil leis. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me an opportunity to address it on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who cannot be present but who sends...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Enrolments (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Deputy for mentioning the Ardcath group. I had good engagements with Mr. Mick Reilly, who I have known for a long time. I will engage with the Minister next week and will inform the Deputy in advance of that. We need to work on this together. It is something that can happen. There are things going against it because the school is closed. It is for sale so, presumably, money...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I very much thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am glad the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, is present to listen to his comments. There was not much we disagreed with on the substance of his points, quite frankly. In fairness to the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, there was not much she would disagree with either. The bottom line is no...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Enrolments (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I want to thank Deputy O’Rourke for raising this issue. As he rightly said, I am very familiar with it. I did give apologies to a public meeting that I could not attend last year. I fully support the Deputy’s proposal. I was at a public meeting three years ago when I put forward the exact same proposal. I tried to get action on it then. Unfortunately, people were not...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Enrolments (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: The official script.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I accept that, but that will not be the majority of cases. That will be a small number of cases. A significant number of issues have been put forward in the debate. I have no doubt but that the passport service will take into account all those issues and all the really good suggestions that have been made. I agree with Deputy Paul Murphy that we should not have to do this on behalf...

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Deputies for their contributions. The sentiments they have expressed are sentiments I know only too well. I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, but I am glad that the director of the passport service has been in the Chamber throughout the debate. Many suggestions have been made by Deputies during this debate. There were some good suggestions and many...

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Three weeks.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: That is only a very small part of it.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: We can find ways around the problem and try to solve it. That is the point I am trying to make.