Results 1-20 of 394 for speaker:James Heffernan

Seanad: European Affairs: Statements (22 Jun 2011)

James Heffernan: I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House, and I wish her the best of luck in her important role. Last Thursday, my club Blackrock played a championship hurling match against Dromin Athlacca. We lost that one unfortunately, but as I looked at the match programme, I started to wonder how many of these lads had full-time jobs or prospects of employment that will keep them in...

Seanad: School Transport: Statements (28 Jun 2011)

James Heffernan: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I acknowledge that this policy was inherited by the Minister of State. As a former primary school teacher I believe the introduction of these charges could have a detrimental effect on many of the amalgamated schools. From next September, all children travelling on school buses will have to pay €50. Those living less than two miles...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Jul 2011)

James Heffernan: I join with previous speakers in welcoming the Minister to the House and I thank him for his speech. I would like to take this opportunity to give my continued support and best wishes to all of our peacekeepers abroad. Many of my friends have served abroad in places such as Chad and the Lebanon and I wish them continued success. As the Minister, Deputy Shatter, has outlined the legislation...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jul 2011)

James Heffernan: This morning in this Chamber we gather in the dark shadow of the report into the diocese of Cloyne. While we are here trying to digest the horrific findings of this damning report, the main protagonist in it, Bishop Magee, is nowhere to be found. It is high time he faced the music. I hope the Garda Commissioner will see fit to follow up on Bishop Magee and make him account for his actions...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jul 2011)

James Heffernan: I want to ask the Leader whether he will facilitate this.

Seanad: Future of Local and Rural Transport: Statements (15 Sep 2011)

James Heffernan: I wish to share time with Senators Moloney and Landy. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, back to the House. He was once a Member, although he did not spend too long here. It is good to see him back in his capacity as Minister of State and I wish him the very best in that role. Coming from the predominantly rural constituency of north Tipperary, similar to my own, he is well...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

James Heffernan: I join others in welcoming the Minister. Both he and his Department are doing a great job, as is the Minister of State responsible, Deputy Alan Kelly. I wish them continued success as they proceed with their work. I welcome the provisions of the Bill because there is not a family in Ireland which has not been touched by a road traffic accident. As I think about the number of people I knew...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Sep 2011)

James Heffernan: Following on from what many Senators have contributed this morning to the health debate, I was alarmed when I read the article in this morning's newspaper and the language the Minister had used to describe the nurses' action. He stated it was "unsafe, unsound and unwarranted." To me, such language, especially in the situation in which we find ourselves, is completely unhelpful. I know many...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Sep 2011)

James Heffernan: On the amendment, which proposes to change the time from ten days to two, I understand from where the Minister is coming. A few weeks ago I travelled back to my constituency from work. The new roads caused me to put my foot down a little too much. A garda stopped me and questioned why I was going so fast. He commented that my Toyota Corolla was not built for that type of speed and I had...

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

James Heffernan: I wish to share some time with our newly appointed European sports ambassador, Senator Harte, who I understand is on his way to the Chamber.

Seanad: Army Barracks Closures: Motion (19 Oct 2011)

James Heffernan: I welcome the Minister of State. I listened with interest to the contributions from Opposition Members. They were difficult to swallow at times. In 1998, Castleblayney military post, Clancy Barracks in Dublin, Devoy Barracks in Naas, Fitzgerald Camp in Fermoy, Magee Barracks in Kildare and Murphy Barracks in Ballincollig were closed. Ten years later, in 2008, Rockhill House in...

Seanad: Army Barracks Closures: Motion (19 Oct 2011)

James Heffernan: Senator Wilson should take responsibility for-----

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: How do you know?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: A translation service is provided anyway. The problem is we have to listen to the Senator twice saying the same thing in Irish and then English.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: He is only interrupting himself.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: Is this part of the amendment?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: How would they do that?

Seanad: Road Transport Bill 2011: Second Stage (29 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: As previous speakers said, the Bill seems to have been hurried and rushed. However, I welcome the Minister's commitment to introduce more considered road transport legislation next year. Road haulage is an important part of the economy. There are 25,000 large vehicles on the roads, operated by hauliers here and elsewhere in Europe. The number employed in the industry is significant....

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (30 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, to the House once again. It is great to have him back and I wish him continued success in his important work. As the Minister of State said in his address, this technical Bill aims to increase the amount of money that can be allocated to Fáilte Ireland to provide more state-of-the-art tourism facilities and a corresponding infrastructure. On...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (30 Nov 2011)

James Heffernan: In my constituency there is the mystical Lough Gur and Ballyhoura mountain bike trails. There are also various festivals taking place in many towns and villages throughout the country. I could go on but it is vital we use this resource as best we can, getting the best return from it, especially given our current economic position. This summer I travelled a good deal of the country and I...