Results 241-260 of 447 for speaker:Brendan Kenneally

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: At least Senator Norris did not have to distribute most of his contribution because we already have it. We all received what he got and what he said.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: Senator Norris was speaking about being interrupted, but it did not take him long to start interrupting somebody else. I realise he did not have the benefit of being in the House on Committee Stage and hearing what the Minister of State said. He indicated, and Senator Norris is saying, that this would not have come about as regards radio broadcasting were it not for the amendments tabled by...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: He is off again. RTE already has a remit to broadcast and is already doing this on long wave. However, the Minister of State agreed — and Senator Norris is correct in saying this suggestion came from all sides of the House — that he would include it in the legislation. The Minister of State came forward with the amendments on Committee Stage, as agreed by the House. The Bill is not...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I did not realise the Senator was so offended.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I have some sympathy with the amendment tabled by Senator O'Meara regarding the British broadcasting services. A great part of the country in the Border region and along the east coast benefits from this spillover. However, the Bill refers to the national television broadcasting service, including TG4. We have some control over these services in this country and we can legislate on them....

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, for their attendance in the Seanad throughout the passage of this Bill. I thank the Members of the House for the consideration they gave to it. I was not casting any aspersions on Senator Norris when I pointed out earlier that he was not present for the Committee Stage debate.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I understand why he could not be in attendance on that occasion. I agree with his comments. This legislation has been improved as a result of the comments and consideration of Senators. It is now a very good Bill. I thank the Minister of State, his officials and the Opposition Senators for their co-operation.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Institutes of Technology. (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I thank Senator White for sharing time. The upgrading of Waterford Institute of Technology's designation to that of university is an important issue for Waterford and the entire south east, which is being fought at regional rather than county level. One of the weaknesses of the region in the past was its failure at times to pull together. While Waterford has the largest population in the...

Seanad: Institutes of Technology. (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I do not dispute that, but Waterford Institute of Technology offers a much broader range of degree courses than any other institute of technology. Carlow has its place.

Seanad: Institutes of Technology. (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: Of the five cities in the State, Dublin has three universities, Cork, Galway and Limerick each has one, while Waterford does not have a university. The city and the south east region suffer as a result. This issue must be addressed. Today, the Urban Forum criticised Dublin's urban sprawl and the manner in which the city has developed. It called for a regional balance and proposed...

Seanad: Institutes of Technology. (13 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I wish to ask a brief question. When is it expected that the Government will receive that report and any recommendations that Dr. Port may make?

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I had hoped to take Report Stage now because most of the concerns outlined by Members on Committee Stage were dealt with by the Minister. I accept, however, that Senator O'Meara has a problem with a particular section and wishes to resubmit her amendment on Report Stage. I will not push for Report Stage to be taken now but suggest we take it next Tuesday, 13 February 2007.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I intended to move a change to the Order of Business. Is that not possible?

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I understand that but, following a conversation I had outside the Chamber, I intended to propose taking the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2007 now.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I thank the Minister for responding to Senators who pointed out during the Second Stage debate that while the Bill gives RTE a remit to provide television services to the Irish abroad, it does not make specific provision for radio broadcasts. Is such a provision is necessary, however, given that RTE already broadcasts on long wave? I recall listening to Gaelic games while on holiday in France.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: Does the Senator also mean to refer to football? It was marvellous to be able to receive a radio signal, although I accept that digital technology will allow for a much improved signal. I hope the Minister will clarify whether the need exists for provisions on radio broadcasting. When referring to overseas services from RTE, we probably think of emigrants in the UK, to which a signal can be...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: That is the Celtic tiger.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: Will the Minister clarify whether there will continue to be six multiplexes, some of which will be used for radio signals, instead of there being additional channels for radio?

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Feb 2007)

Brendan Kenneally: I welcome the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, back to the House to continue the debate. Like the previous speakers, I welcome this Bill, which makes further provision for the upgrade and extension of television and general broadcasting services. Any measure that will ease the transmission to digital broadcasting and reception and make services...