Results 1-20 of 204 for speaker:Peter Kelly

Handling of Criminal Matter in Longford: Statements (10 Dec 2010)

Peter Kelly: Mr. Noel Keegan, rest in peace. I would like to say a few words on the tragic death of Mr. Noel Keegan, which occurred almost a year ago. The dreadful circumstances surrounding his death have been well documented in the press and what happened on last New Year's Eve was a dreadful tragedy and has robbed a wife and family of a loving husband and father. I went to see Marie, Noel's widow,...

Reform of Structures of Government: Motion (Resumed) (10 Nov 2010)

Peter Kelly: On the subject of political reform, there is a need and a hunger from the public for it. I would take a good look at the committee system which exists in the Dáil. It is a very good system and an all-party forum should examine committees and give them more teeth and power because that would be the way to go. I would also abolish all the tribunals. They have not served this country well...

Education (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (10 Nov 2010)

Peter Kelly: This legislation is one of several measures currently being progressed by the Government to cater for the changing nature of Irish society and the new requirements of education provision. There have already been many developments that have helped bring about greater diversity in our education system. Today's legislation is just one of many ongoing developments and I welcome the Tánaiste's...

Education (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 Oct 2010)

Peter Kelly: The Education (Amendment) Bill will pave the way for the involvement of vocational education committees in primary education, create a welcome community national school model and make a number of other notable changes to the Education and Teaching Council Acts. The Bill provides for a legislative framework to allow VECs to become involved in the provision of primary education. As the...

Education (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 Oct 2010)

Peter Kelly: I ask for further debate on this issue as I wish to re-examine it. There is no need for non-registered teachers at present due to the number of registered teachers who are out of work. The timing is wrong.

Fuel Poverty: Motion (13 Oct 2010)

Peter Kelly: Will the Leas-Ceann Comhairle the Minister? The Government has introduced a wide range of comprehensive actions aimed at delivering a secure, sustainable and competitive energy supply. The Minister outlined these actions in some detail last night. However, I will touch on some of them this evening. I will first examine the issue of pricing. We must keep our electricity and gas costs down....

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (6 Oct 2010)

Peter Kelly: Question 254: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the actions he will take to advance Ireland's position in seeking to block a European Commission initiative that would allow the free transfer of personal data on EU citizens to Israel. [35458/10]

Written Answers — Sentencing Policy: Sentencing Policy (6 Oct 2010)

Peter Kelly: Question 256: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has plans to allow the courts to only use prison as a last resort for crimes incurring minor sentences. [35460/10]

Tourism Industry: Motion (Resumed) (23 Jun 2010)

Peter Kelly: The current economic climate has impacted the numbers of people travelling globally, not just in Ireland. The US and most European countries are in recession. People have lost their jobs and have seen their living standards fall both at home and abroad. Naturally, that has had an enormous impact on the tourism industry. The CSO statistics published in May last showed that tourism numbers...

Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (17 Jun 2010)

Peter Kelly: I wish to share time with Deputy Niall Blaney. I am pleased to speak today on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010. Yesterday, I listened with interest to my friend and colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, outline the main provisions of this important Bill. I am very aware of the work of his Department as it impacts on almost every...

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 May 2010)

Peter Kelly: The purpose of the Bill is to reform the law on begging. Many members of the public have complained about begging and will welcome this measure. The current law dates back to 1847 and was deemed to be unconstitutional by the High Court. The Bill before us will outlaw begging accompanied by threats, intimidation, violence or obstruction. It makes begging an offence and carries a penalty of...

Nurses and Midwives Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 May 2010)

Peter Kelly: I wish to share time with Deputy Aylward. The Bill will result in the formation of a new nursing and midwifery board. The legislation recognises the role of nurses and midwives in the health care system and one of its important functions is to recognise the role of midwives and to classify them as a separate and distinct profession. It is only right that midwives be recognised in such a...

Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 May 2010)

Peter Kelly: I am fully committed to supporting Ireland's fishing industry which delivers employment and economic activity to many of the regions where there are few alterative income opportunities. We all want to see a strong and prosperous fishing industry in Ireland. The Bill proposes a new system of administrative sanctions for fisheries offences. According to Fine Gael, this Bill will establish a...

Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 May 2010)

Peter Kelly: Over recent years we have seen a significant decline in quotas and this is a matter of urgency. The Minister of State made clear that he is committed to supporting changes in the Common Fisheries Policy that strengthen that policy and deliver better management and conservation methods for our fisheries. The Minister of State, Deputy Connick, recently set out Ireland's priorities for reform...

Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage (22 Apr 2010)

Peter Kelly: The purpose of the Bill is to introduce a bio-fuel obligation in Ireland with the result that 4% of transport fuels would come from renewable sources. Along with all other EU member states, Ireland is required, under the 2009 renewable energy directive, to have a 10% penetration rate of renewable energy in transport by 2020. The Government programme and the White Paper on energy policy also...

Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2010)

Peter Kelly: In fairness to Deputy Bannon, he always acknowledged it.

Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2010)

Peter Kelly: The Central Bank Reform Bill is the latest in a series of measures introduced by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to stabilise our public finances and to fix our banking sector. The failure of regulation in this country has greatly contributed to our economic downfall. Regulation under the soon to be disbanded Financial Regulator was a disaster. When Patrick Neary appeared...

Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2010)

Peter Kelly: The Government has taken a number of bold and, at times, unpopular decisions to get this economy back on track. This Bill is a vital part of that strategy. Without effective regulation, the actions and greed of an irresponsible few could nearly destroy the whole country again.

Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2010)

Peter Kelly: I understand the anger and frustration that people feel when they hear about the vast sums of money that banks need to meet their capital requirements. Like my colleague, Deputy Bannon, I share their anger. This is why it is particularly galling to hear of the extravagant pension entitlements that those in key positions have received and are continuing to receive. That situation cannot be...

Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Apr 2010)

Peter Kelly: If the Labour Party had its way, the banks would have collapsed on the night of 29 September and, with that, our economy. Without the State guarantee, our banks would have been unable to access funding in the days that followed. While Fine Gael, including Deputy Bannon, supported the bank guarantee, it has opposed every initiative the Government has since introduced. Despite Opposition...