Results 121-140 of 394 for speaker:James Heffernan

Seanad: Order of Business (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: That you sold.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: In respect of the referendum last Friday, this House has a very proud history of debating civil and human rights, civil liberty and equality issues. This Seanad has justified the need for this House. I sincerely congratulate Senator Norris, the father of this House, who has been here for many years, and Senator Zappone. While we have fantastic debaters and a fantastic debate on marriage...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: It was inspiring to see such a mobilisation of young people to bring this country into a new age of enlightenment. They took planes, trains, buses, boats, automobiles, you name it, to get home to cast their vote. I congratulate them sincerely.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: I want to finish by expressing support for Senator Barrett's proposed amendment to the Order of Business on the debate about Aer Lingus. I think it is important and should take place today.

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy: Statements (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy: Statements (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: I congratulate the Minister of State on the excellent result of the marriage equality referendum at the weekend and his efforts in that regard. I also welcome his new role as Minister of State with responsibility for drugs. I was heartened to see the frank, open and honest interview he gave on national television a few weeks ago. It was a breath of fresh air into this debate. I am glad he...

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy: Statements (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: I promise I will finish up in one minute.

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy: Statements (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: A debate on more lenient drug policies based on speculation and fear-mongering rather than empirical evidence is not positive. In Portugal, a standard-bearer when it comes to drugs policy, decriminalisation has not increased drug use. Anyone who analyses Portugal’s ten-year experiment in decriminalisation would learn much, as well as from policy in Colorado and other states or countries.

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy: Statements (26 May 2015)

James Heffernan: I wish the Minister of State well. He is the right man for the right time.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 May 2015)

James Heffernan: As Members will be aware, there was an further earthquake in Nepal, focusing around the area of Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is a beautiful small Himalayan town. It is the first place in the Himalayas where one gets to see Mount Everest. I merely wish to inquire from the Deputy Leader what efforts are being made on behalf of the Irish Government to provide aid to the people of Nepal and...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 May 2015)

James Heffernan: Following on from what Senator Eamonn Coghlan said about the level of obesity among the population, I draw the attention of the House to an incident that occurred at the weekend. Prior to the under-21 football final between Tipperary and Tyrone the intermediate ladies football final took place between my county of Limerick and Offaly which Offaly won. It is the treatment of the ladies...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 May 2015)

James Heffernan: The generous allowances will not make any difference. One hundred euro to everyone in the country-----

Seanad: Ash Dieback Disease: Statements (29 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: I welcome the Minister of State. I thank the Leader for bringing this debate to the House today because I called for it some weeks ago, following the retirement of Henry Shefflin, when I said he was a mighty man on the field but left many broken bits of ash behind him. I know it is an issue close to the Minister of State’s heart because he comes from County Tipperary. There are as...

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: I thank Senator Reilly for allowing me to contribute at this point. I also thank the Leader who was very quickly on the case when I raised this issue last week. Concern about the post office network and the threat to its long-term viability is one of the issues that is supported by Members from all parties and none. The Minister of State, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, is aware of the value of...

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: I welcome the setting up of the An Post review group, chaired by Bobby Kerr, and I hope it will make comprehensive recommendations in the next six months. There are significant advantages and value to banking services if they can use a network like An Post with an office in almost every parish. While I accept it is par for the course for the Minister of State to defend these mailshots, I am...

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: I imagine that it was just an oversight. I do not believe there was anything sinister involved.

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: It was just to prove a point and show the letter.

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: No Deputy or Senator would go after someone because of a PPS number.

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: Then why is the Minister of State having a dig at the IPU?

Seanad: Department of Social Protection Payment Methods: Statements (2 Apr 2015)

James Heffernan: Excuse me.