Results 161-180 of 561 for at speaker:Maria Byrne

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Sep 2022)

Maria Byrne: I will raise an issue I raised previously relating to the Revenue Commissioners. They must be the only public service that is not open to the public. Every other public service building in this country is open but all the Revenue Commissioners' offices are still closed. People cannot go into their premises for an appointment. I have written to them and have got the Department to contact...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Sep 2022)

Maria Byrne: I rise today to welcome two things, the first of which is the fact that the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has released more than €2 million and we will see 25 affordable homes being built at Brú na Gruadán in Castletroy. This is most welcome news. It is an area where affordable housing will be really welcome and will help so many people in terms of setting up their new...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Sep 2022)

Maria Byrne: I would like to be associated with the condolences to the ambassador and the people of the UK. Student accommodation is crucial. We have three third level institutes in Limerick: the University of Limerick, TUS Limerick and Mary Immaculate College.I have received many calls from people not just in Limerick but throughout the country who cannot source student accommodation. The students'...

Seanad: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged By the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022: Second Stage (11 Jul 2022)

Maria Byrne: ...for their work on the Bill, as well as for the inclusion of Limerick within its provisions. I recall when I got involved with the people in Limerick who were affected by pyrite in their foundations. At the time, they met the Pyrite Resolution Board. Some people who were affected by mica came to the same meeting and it had to be explained to them that while they were similarly affected,...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (29 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I welcome the news from the Minister for Rural and Community Development about the significant changes that have been made in the Tús and community employment, CE, schemes. These schemes have been beneficial for so many people and communities. I also welcome the mayor, Councillor Joe Kelly, and his wife to the House. I raised a few weeks ago the fact that Caherconlish in Limerick was...

Seanad: Sick Leave Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (29 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. There is overwhelming support for the general thrust of the Bill. It is about bringing in sick pay for employees who never had the option of it to date. While there is goodwill, I too support the call from the Local Jobs Alliance, about which my colleagues, Senators Currie and Seery Kearney have...

Seanad: Higher Education Authority Bill 2022: Second Stage (28 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the House today to discuss this important Bill. I have a keen interest in it. I served in the previous education committee when this legislation was mooted. I also served on the governing bodies of both a former institute of technology and the University of Limerick, so I have had a great interest in this area. I welcome the fact that the Minister is...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I welcome the intervention, at long last, from the Minister for Health on University Hospital Limerick. I welcome the fact that he met senior officials in the HSE yesterday and that he has put together a crisis management unit that is to go to the hospital and work with senior people in the HSE and in the hospital. There also needs to be some independent people brought into this because it...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I was at the briefing we had this morning where we met representatives of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council, CTTC. This issue has been raised already. The 20% discount in fares has created inequality. Senator Cummins mentioned the Expressway buses. The private transport operators now find themselves in competition with public transport in some areas. They are losing customers...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Overcrowding (21 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming back to the Chamber to discuss this all-important issue. I would like him to make a statement regarding the recent HIQA report on University Hospital Limerick. It is a damaging, concerning, disappointing and shocking report. I have been raising the issue of UHL in this House, as well as with the Minister for Health, for a long time. I raise issues...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Overcrowding (21 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State. While I acknowledge there has been significant investment and expansion of services, it is not enough. This report has made that clear. I am disappointed that the Department has not acknowledged that services need to be expanded further. I acknowledge the Department is awaiting the expert report but it is not right that the people of the mid-west are...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I rise today to raise two issues. They are two good news stories. One is the fact that the first women's shed is going to hold its meeting in Limerick tonight. It is based in the Dooradoyle-Raheen area. I would like to wish the committee of Emma, Jackie, Mary, Margaurette, Jackie, Sinead and Eimear all the very best. It started out as a women's walking group and its main aim is physical,...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Grant Payments (15 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming here today to discuss this all-important topic. I met recently with representatives from Young Carers Ireland. This is an issue that certainly impedes them. They are on social welfare and alongside their carer's payment, they are allowed to work 18.5 hours per week and study part-time. They are not entitled to the SUSI grant on the other side, however....

Seanad: Sick Leave Bill 2022: Second Stage (15 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I am sharing time with Senator Conway. I welcome the Tánaiste and thank him for all the work he has done in his brief, including the introduction of a new public holiday, provision for remote working, legislation on the treatment of tips and gratuities, supports for workers during the Covid lay-off period and now the introduction of statutory sick pay. I am a former member of the...

Seanad: Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022: Second Stage (15 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I thank the Minister of State for coming here today. I know his commitment and dedication to the whole issue of insurance. I agree with all that Senator Casey has said. While some people will shop around, others do not. I am chairperson of a community centre in Limerick. Our insurance went up by more than €10,000 this year. We are a not-for-profit organisation in the voluntary...

Seanad: Cost of Living: Motion (15 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I move: That Seanad Éireann: acknowledges: - Ireland, and the entire world, is facing a cost-of-living crisis driven by inflation, which is largely being caused by international factors beyond our control; - the cost of living in Ireland is high by international standards but wages are also amongst the highest in the EU, with median gross hourly earnings one-third above the EU...

Seanad: Cost of Living: Motion (15 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: We have had a very fruitful and frank discussion. I welcome the Minister's commitment and that of the Government in respect of the motion. Many things have been outlined, including in respect of the cost of childcare and of fuel. It is the squeezed middle, as well as lower paid workers, that is affected. That is the kernel of the debate. There has been overwhelming support for the motion...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I, too, wish to be associated with the votes of sympathy to former Councillor Noel Collins. He certainly was a gentleman. I know he will be missed by many and especially the people he represented over a long period. May he rest in peace. I rise today because 700 is a number that is lucky for some in County Limerick and not lucky for others. More than 700 people were accepted into the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: I welcome the €12 million funding announced to third level students with autism. It will make colleges autism friendly through the use of apps. I understand that it is €3 million for this year. The three third level colleges in my own part of the country, University of Limerick, UL, Technological University of the Shannon and Mary Immaculate College, will receive more than...

Seanad: Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021: Second Stage (2 Jun 2022)

Maria Byrne: At noon on Tuesday, 14 June 2022.