Results 81-100 of 220 for speaker:Martin Brady

Seanad: Proposed Postcodes: Statements (21 Oct 2009)

Martin Brady: The Minister said changes in work practices could occur as a result of this measure. That is an important issue because if there are to be changes in work practices, that is all the more reason there should be consultation with the people involved prior to doing anything.

Seanad: Proposed Postcodes: Statements (21 Oct 2009)

Martin Brady: That is the Minister's view but the union, which represents the workers, will have its view and it is entitled to examine it.

Seanad: Proposed Postcodes: Statements (21 Oct 2009)

Martin Brady: I wish to declare that I am a former employee of An Post and I was involved in the CWU having been on the executive of that union. I am not too quick to say I welcome this proposal as I have many reservations about it. The Minister referred to an efficient system and many believed this was the reason for the introduction of postal codes. However, many other issues are associated with this...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2009)

Martin Brady: I want to raise an issue that a number of small business people raised with me. They received correspondence from various local authorities informing them that their rates will be increased. In one case, it amounts to a 35% increase. One man owns three restaurants and his rates are being increased. In some cases the business done by these enterprises has decreased by 50%. The person I...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (8 Jul 2009)

Martin Brady: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: --recognising the importance of rural Ireland to the social fabric of the nation; --recognising the level of isolation felt by many residents in rural Ireland; --recognising the benefits in social communication brought about by Broadband access; and --recognising the importance of broadband...

Seanad: Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2009)

Martin Brady: It is true, as the Leader said, we must lead by example. That is the way one brings people with one. The general public, as Senator Buttimer said, should not be the reason for this legislation. We have to do the right thing because the general public and the media will not thank us for the new arrangements we are making. Senator Cassidy made a valid point on remuneration. When I worked in...

Seanad: Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2009)

Martin Brady: One Member told me one day he had received ten job offers in Canada. When I asked him why he did not go, he told me because he was so fond and proud of his country, he wanted to represent his people. I told him not to be telling me then about job offers elsewhere. I commend the Bill to the House.

Seanad: Information and Communications Technologies: Motion (17 Jun 2009)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Trevor Sargent. There has been much emphasis, and rightly so, on broadband. I worked in the business sector before I became a Member of the House and I am aware that the first thing foreign investors ask about in this country is infrastructure such as roads and, most importantly, a good telecommunications system. If a country does not have a good...

Seanad: Information and Communications Technologies: Motion (17 Jun 2009)

Martin Brady: Thank you.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 May 2009)

Martin Brady: Estate management fees is an issue raised regularly with me on the doorsteps. I raised it in the Dáil when a Member of that House. Young people in the Dublin area who are struggling to pay mortgages are also being hit with exorbitant estate management fees of €1,100-€1,200 per annum, which is a rip-off. This is nothing short of extortion. There is very little management of estates...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2009: Second Stage (29 Apr 2009)

Martin Brady: I propose to share time with Senator Walsh. I welcome the Minister. I welcome the improvements in the back to education allowance scheme, which allows jobseekers to return to education and maintain welfare payments. Senator McFadden referred to cuts. We would prefer if there were no cuts but one cannot give what one has not got. We must be upfront with people. Senator McFadden also...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Martin Brady: I wish to raise a financial and budgetary issue with the Minister of State. I am reliably informed that Leinster Lawn is to be reinstated and the car park removed, which will necessitate the tarmacadam surface being dug up and re-grassed at a cost of €600,000. I am also informed that alternative arrangements will be made for staff and journalists to park elsewhere and that they will be...

Seanad: Supplementary Budget Statement 2009: Statements (9 Apr 2009)

Martin Brady: No, but I wish to avail of the opportunity, if the Leas-Chathaoirleach will bear with me, to ask the Minister of State to confirm whether that is the case. In my view it is a total waste of money and it is sending out the wrong signal to the public from this House. I do not think we should indulge in that type of business. It is a waste of money. The likelihood is that the lawn will have...

Seanad: Affordable Housing: Statements (8 Apr 2009)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for the good job he is doing in the Department. The schemes he has initiated will make a considerable difference to people on the waiting list. In Dublin city, approximately 4,400 people are on the waiting list. From time to time, we must all make representations on behalf of people seeking housing, transfers and so on. Given the number of...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (25 Mar 2009)

Martin Brady: I acknowledge the very fine contributions made and I especially thank the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I am aware the Minister, Deputy Ryan, means well. I refer to a matter raised by Senator Norris, that is, the privatisation of Telecom Éireann. I worked in Telecom Éireann and I was a trade union official and president of a union in that...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (25 Mar 2009)

Martin Brady: Correct.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (25 Mar 2009)

Martin Brady: I move: That Seanad Éireann welcomes the various Government interventions in broadband which have led to improved choice, quality and prices of services and the national broadband scheme which will make broadband available in those parts of the country not currently served. I welcome the Minister to the House. I welcome the Bill regarding the investment in broadband services. Foreign...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (25 Mar 2009)

Martin Brady: I thank the Minister of State for the efficient manner in which he dealt with this Bill. I thank also his officials and Senator Coffey for his contribution. He always makes sensible suggestions and amendments to legislation. I agree with everything he has just said. Regarding a level playing pitch, perhaps in future we could examine the way Seanad elections are conducted with a view to...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009: Motion for Earlier Signature (25 Mar 2009)

Martin Brady: I move: That pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the Commission constituted as provided in section 2 of Article 14 of the Constitution to sign the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to it.

Seanad: National Insulation Programme: Motion (18 Feb 2009)

Martin Brady: It gives me great pleasure to second the motion that has been proposed by Senator Butler. I thank the Senator for bringing this matter before the House. I remember he first raised this issue at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party. Senator Butler, who has spent most of his life in the building industry, has a vast knowledge of and keen personal interest in this topic. I thank...