Results 61-80 of 220 for speaker:Martin Brady

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (27 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: I agree with the points made by Senator Coffey. However, from the information I have and having worked in the business previously, I understand premium calls are a problem for many people, in particular when others use a person's phone without his or her knowledge. A disputed account situation may develop, which is a big issue. At the time I worked in the business, it was possible to bar...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (26 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State and the Bill, which is long overdue. Senator Hannigan mentioned barking dogs in estates. We receive many complaints about this; I received one only last week. Barking can keep people awake all night. They wonder what they can do about it and who can they go to. Do they go to the Garda? I am glad to see there is provision in the Bill for this, but more...

Seanad: Employment and Competitiveness: Statements (21 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary. I had some dealings with him in respect of a number of people who wished to set up business projects. He was most helpful to those involved and gave them the confidence to proceed with their ventures. I was extremely impressed by what he did and thank him for becoming involved. It is great to make statements on business interests of all...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this Bill. The Minister explained the legislation both adequately and at great length. Section 22 relates to instances where operators cease business, which was a major difficulty in the past but which will now be catered for. I worked in this area when premium calls were first introduced and I am aware that with regard to disputed...

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: Next Tuesday. Committee Stage ordered for Tuesday, 26 January 2010.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: I wish to share time with Senator Mullen, if that is agreed. I am very proud to be a Member of the Seanad. The general public tell me all the time that the level of debate in the Seanad is much better than that in the other House. There are many eminent Members in this Chamber. Regarding reform, Senators Norris and Ross stated that insiders elect insiders. My first time to run for the...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: That is highly irregular.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Brady: It is disloyal. Loyalty comes into the equation. That is something I would like to see dealt with. As an example, the Senate in the French Parliament operates in the same way as this one. I read about this only the other night. It performs an important role as does the Seanad. We scrutinise legislation and ensure this is done to such a degree that no mistakes are made. From that point...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: Ballymagash No. 1.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: Many points have been made but I want to speak on an issue I raised earlier, when the Minister was not here and a Minister of State was in attendance. We all deal with constituents and people who feel vulnerable and in trouble. The main complaint I get in my constituency in Donaghmede is that people try to contact the local social welfare office in Kilbarrack but the phone rings out for...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: These people are entitled to be looked after and treated with respect. Staff should be deployed from other Departments to deal with the clients. I could go on all night about-----

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: -----representations. It may be nothing to do with the section but as I do not speak very often, I am entitled to make the point.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: I know that. I may be out of order but I have said my piece and it is on the record.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Second Stage (15 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey. As other speakers said, nobody likes cutting payments. Senator Buttimer made one point with which I must agree with regard to the astronomical salaries that heads of semi-State bodies are being paid. It is anything from €200,000 to €500,000 but nobody is worth any more than €250,000 irrespective of the responsibilities they have. If a...

Seanad: Climate Change: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran. Senator Quinn made relevant points that members of the public also make. I do not like using the term "ordinary people", which is often used. I do not know what ordinary or extraordinary people are like, but people are asking questions about green energy. For example, if they want to get a wind charger or so on, they ask whether buying a...

Seanad: ^ Bio-fuel Obligation Scheme: Motion. ^ (18 Nov 2009)

Martin Brady: I am very happy to second the motion. I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I have great admiration for the man because every time I hear him in a radio interview he has his facts and I heard him discussing this issue recently. Nobody is ever able to nail him on anything; he always has his facts right. In politics one never knows what...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State. I acknowledge the good work done by the Minister for Finance who I think has shown great courage. He has led like a real general, as has the Taoiseach. There has been much talk about who is to blame, but the public wants to know whether NAMA will be good for us. Senator O'Toole has referred to other options that have been proposed, but none of them has...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Martin Brady: We paid a high price for social partnership, the aim of which was to guarantee there would be no industrial unrest. Good trade union leaders ensure there is no such unrest, unless their members are being badly done by. Unless they have a serious grievance, they do not bring their members out on the streets. A social partner does not place a picket on a premises with the words, "You are an...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (22 Oct 2009)

Martin Brady: I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to Tony, his wife and family. I got to know Tony many years ago when I worked with him on the city council. Tony had some great qualities and I will touch on a couple of them. I do not wish to go on for too long because many good things already have been said and there is no point in repeating them. As a person, Tony always had time...

Seanad: Proposed Postcodes: Statements (21 Oct 2009)

Martin Brady: I thank the Minister for his participation in the debate. Many Members asked when this system will come in and so on. I raised many questions also but the Minister may not get an opportunity to read the Official Report in that regard. When will I get replies to those questions because they are important to me as a former trade union activist and a former employee of An Post, with which I...