Results 1,341-1,360 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Perhaps the word "three" triggered it.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Fine Gael took a shilling off the pension. That is what Senator McFadden meant to say.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: As always.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: That is an appalling statement.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: He received an assurance in the meantime.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I assure Senator Hannigan that every Senator will be given an opportunity to speak on the topic of climate change. As I am spokesperson for the Department of the Taoiseach, I propose to take the Bill after the Order of Business in the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Carey. I will be present to adjust matters, if required.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Hannigan, Boyle, Leyden, Healy Eames, Hanafin, Norris, Ó Murchú, O'Reilly, Donohoe, Callely, McFadden, Buttimer, Bacik, Doherty and McCarthy either welcomed or expressed constructive opposition to the budget. The budget debate will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. However, if other Senators wish to make a contribution, I propose to continue the debate...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I am correcting inaccuracies to give balance to the debate. I am sure all colleagues appreciate and welcome the fact that vulnerable children and low income families will be protected from the reductions in child benefit. The qualified child payment for those in receipt of social welfare payments will increase by €3.80 to €29.80 per week, a very welcome announcement. With regard to...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I can honestly say everything in the budget was worked hard for-----

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: -----by the men and women of Ireland, not by any other means.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I will do my very best to have the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, present for the start of the debate, if his diary can facilitate it. I take the point expressed by Senator Ross, but in fairness to the Minister, he took Committee and Report Stages of the banking Bill in the House and I have always found him to be very supportive of Seanad Éireann.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I will do my best to have the Minister present. Senators O'Toole, O'Reilly, Wilson and others spoke about the decision of Emerald Star and said it was a considerable blow to the Shannon basin. Towns such as the Cathaoirleach's home town of Banagher, Portumna-----

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: -----Athlone, at the other end of my constituency in the area of Senator McFadden and Deputy O'Rourke, and Belturbet will be affected seriously by this decision. I will have no difficulty in discussing this and seeking up-to-date information on the funding given by the Government to make the service available. Senator Cummins called for a debate on law and order. I will arrange to have that...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: My apologies. Bob Dylan said he was the greatest ballad singer he had heard in his lifetime. On behalf of the House I offer our condolences to Liam's wife and family on his sad passing. Senator Hanafin called for a debate on genetic modification and everything concerning that area. I can agree to that debate. Senator Ó Murchú, Senator Ross and other colleagues mentioned FÁS.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I agree with Senator Ó Murchú in regard to the success of FÁS over the years. There have been other examples that Senator Ross has brought to our attention, which none of us could condone, but the extra allocation of funding for FÁS yesterday is because there are so many people unemployed.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We must upskill the next generation for when the upturn comes in the economy.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We have to upskill and train-----

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Ó Murchú is speaking from wide practical experience in this area.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: A total of 95% of placement is an incredibly high success rate. We must continue to give hope to the young men and women who have no job. They must be given an opportunity to upskill, train and have some reason to get out of bed every day. Hope is crucially important at this difficult time. Senator Quinn asked me to raise with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and...

Seanad: Report on Implementation of the Lisbon Treaty: Motion (10 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That Seanad Éireann — having regard to— (a) the provisions of the European Union Act, 2009 (''the Act''), and (b) the Joint Report of the Joint Committees on European Affairs and European Scrutiny on Implementation of the Lisbon Treaty: Interim arrangements on the enhanced role of the Houses of the Oireachtas, — pending the outcome of the review referred to in paragraph (f) of...