Results 261-280 of 21,128 for speaker:James Reilly

Seanad: 25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion (19 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: I seek to oblige.

Seanad: 25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion (19 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: As others pointed out, this is an important anniversary in the coming to maturity of a nation. I cannot let this pass without mentioning people I believe have been hugely influential, some of whom are in this Chamber with us today. Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn's push to decriminalise what was clearly an archaic law that did huge damage to so many of our citizens was a major step forward...

Seanad: 25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion (19 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: I mention my good friend and colleague, Senator Jerry Buttimer, who formed a group within Fine Gael, often considered a conservative party, to push for the marriage referendum.

Seanad: 25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion (19 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: I mention my colleagues in the Labour Party who also pushed for it. As Senator Martin Conway said, it is one thing to change a law but another thing to change people's minds, hearts and attitudes. If we needed evidence of that change, the marriage equality referendum was evidence of that. I also agree with Senator Conway that much else remains to be done on equality in this country. I...

Seanad: 25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion (19 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: He was a great advocate. When I was Minister for Children, I realised the harm and the hurt caused to younger people by some of the commentary during that referendum. I am pleased to say they can now look forward to a bright and equal future and our country is a far better place for it.

Seanad: Small and Medium Enterprises: Statements (19 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: I welcome the Minister of State. I also welcome his comments about SMEs and the commitment the Government is showing to the sector. As others have said, SMEs are the backbone of our economy. In rural Ireland, they can be the backbone of the community as well. As somebody who believes that the economy is extremely important insofar as it supports society, it is critical that we remind...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: Two days ago, I raised an issue concerning Irish Water, the lack of supply and the number of outages, particularly in Skerries, so I welcome the fact that following that, we had a meeting with Irish Water. I commend the residents for their determination to have this matter resolved. Arising from the meeting, there was a worrying element. The focus is rightly on finding an immediate,...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: I echo the sentiment of the previous speaker on cycling which clearly has tremendous benefits, both environmentally and to the individual in terms of exercise. There is a dearth of safe places to cycle.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: Would I be so impertinent?

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: I raise a serious matter regarding the housing crisis, which others have mentioned and which the Government is using all its resources to address. The building of many houses has now started. We would like to see that accelerated. One of the places where a lot of development will take place, because this is where most of the land available to us is, is in Fingal in north Dublin. It has...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: The last thing I want to hear from Irish Water is that it will allow this problem to spread to the other towns and villages of Fingal-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jun 2018)

James Reilly: -----including Rush, Loughshinny, Lusk and even Balbriggan. I ask for the Minister to be brought t the House to explain how he will ensure Irish Water is made fit for purpose. I say to Irish Water that it should not take a public outcry over many days and the media to get it to come to turn the water back on. If that is from where it is starting, the end is nigh for it.

Seanad: Community Banking System: Statements (30 May 2018)

James Reilly: I ask the Acting Chairman to let me know when I have a minute remaining.

Seanad: Community Banking System: Statements (30 May 2018)

James Reilly: I welcome the Minister to the House and I also welcome the Government's support and commitment to the post office network outlined. I welcome any proposal that might bring new banking services and competition into Ireland. Clearly, we have a major problem with our banking system. We have a situation where we are clearly, with the pillar banks, running away from face-to-face interaction...

Seanad: Community Banking System: Statements (30 May 2018)

James Reilly: Like other speakers, I strongly support the initiative. Also, I was very determined that its representatives would come before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation, as well as the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach because of one matter. The cost of doing business in this country, affordability and access to...

Seanad: Community Banking System: Statements (30 May 2018)

James Reilly: -----which are so integral to all our communities. We can give the power back to the people, give control of their money back to the people-----

Seanad: Community Banking System: Statements (30 May 2018)

James Reilly: -----and remove it from the faceless suits that make decisions in faraway places, decisions which in the past have nearly wrecked this country.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (17 May 2018)

James Reilly: Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire agus buíochas a ghabháil leis as teacht isteach. I raise this issue of concern that came to light on Thursday, 10 May at the Fingal, Balbriggan and Swords council area meeting, which Councillor Tom O'Leary attended. A motion was discussed seeking support for a CCTV proposal for the town of...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (17 May 2018)

James Reilly: I thank the Minister for his reply and for the clarity he has brought to the situation. Clearly, the information given at Fingal County Council is not accurate. My understanding is that this information is very much on the record of that council. Therefore, it will have to be corrected. I will speak to Councillor O'Leary to pursue that matter. This is a critically important scheme. One...

Seanad: Report on Credit Union Sector: Statements (9 May 2018)

James Reilly: I welcome the Minister to the House and the opportunity to contribute to this important debate because, to my mind, credit unions have been a bulwark for many communities in this country and the saviour of many a small business. We are all aware that more competition is needed in the banking sector. We are also aware that the pillar banks have moved away from communities and have moved...