Results 101-120 of 220 for speaker:Martin Brady

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

Martin Brady: ——which years ago powered tanneries, corn mills and so on and provided employment for a large number of people. Those facilities still exist and we should examine the possibility of progressing that issue. We have to get back to that type of operation. It is beneficial on three fronts. It will create jobs and be good for the climate and for the people in that our natural resources...

Seanad: Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Statements (12 Feb 2009)

Martin Brady: Next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.

Seanad: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Feb 2009)

Martin Brady: I would like to be associated with the remarks. The Minister of State is always very straightforward. There are no fancy frills or veneer, and what one sees is what one gets, which is to be welcomed. I would also like to thank his efficient officials who are here today.

Seanad: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Feb 2009)

Martin Brady: I am glad to have an opportunity to say a few words on the Bill, the purpose of which is to amend section 23 of the Gas Act 1976 to allow Bord Gáis to complete its ambitious plans. I will speak generally on the price of energy, particularly gas. Gas bills for the most recent billing period, which includes Christmas, doubled for most people in my constituency. Elderly people are now afraid...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Martin Brady: I thank the Minister of State for his useful statement, which puts everything in context. I listened to Senator Harris who put it all in context in the most straightforward way I ever heard. We all tend to talk about the public sector and the private sector but we are all in this together. As other speakers have said, we must work together and we must work through this. If we do not, we...

Seanad: Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (3 Feb 2009)

Martin Brady: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I will not discuss it in great detail. We all know what it is about. I have a script, but I do not intend to rely on it. I will speak about a matter that affects customers in a real way. It has been raised by Senator O'Reilly and others. I refer to the cost of energy, particularly gas. Last week, I spoke to a lady who had just received a...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (29 Jan 2009)

Martin Brady: Senator Hannigan is correct that young people are more tuned into politics, despite what some people claim. The points made by the Senator in this regard are relevant. It is agreed changes in the electoral boundaries were needed to secure equality in representation. There are many articles and comments claiming there are too many Deputies and Senators. Senator Buttimer is correct that it...

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (17 Dec 2008)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials. Like others, I welcome the Bill, which will lead to a cleaner and better environment. I also welcome the establishment of the interdepartmental group to examine the best way forward in promoting the use of electric vehicles. However, public representatives receive many letters and telephone calls from motor industry representatives about...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Dec 2008)

Martin Brady: Senator Norris has covered some of what I wanted to say. Some constituents brought a matter to my attention of a situation where a landlord has a partner living under the same roof and the partner receives rent supplement. The evidence is anecdotal. I believe the situation is widespread in north Dublin. Is the Minister aware of this? If it is happening, what can be done about it? It is...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (9 Dec 2008)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, and her officials to the House. I welcome many aspects of this Bill. There are a couple of sections with which I have concerns, but I particularly welcome the increase for social welfare recipients and the fuel scheme for the elderly. As Senator McFadden stated, the fuel scheme is a big issue with the elderly, quite a number of whom in my...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (9 Dec 2008)

Martin Brady: No change appears to have been made. If I operate a business, I would integrate sections to achieve efficiencies, value for money or a better work environment for my staff. However, I would not promote people to make them happy or if they refused to move. I would like to know what grades are involved and which staff are to become civil servants. I ask for this clarification because I have...

Seanad: Radon Protection Measures: Statements (13 Nov 2008)

Martin Brady: I wish to share my time with Senator O'Donovan. I welcome the Minister of State as we discuss this very important subject. There is a very low level of awareness of radon gas levels, as previous speakers noted. I knew very little of it until I read up on it yesterday evening. We must zone in on this and ensure the level of awareness is increased. There are many ways of doing this. In...

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Martin Brady: I agree with some of the points made by Senator Alex White, particularly with regard to responsibility. In any business, whether it be broadcasting or anything else, if one's name is over the door, one is responsible. Those in charge in television or radio stations should have the necessary qualifications and should be of the required calibre to make decisions that are correct and proper at...

Seanad: Report on EU Climate-Energy Package: Statements (16 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: The report examines the potential implications of three significant EU proposals on climate change and energy security. The proposals aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and to achieve a level of renewable energy usage of 20% by 2020. The report examines EU proposals on emissions trading, including the regulation of the buying and selling of GHG emissions from electricity plants...

Seanad: Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Statements (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister and her officials. Money advice centres are similar to some citizens information centres. They offer advice and direction and help people in preparing a household budget. Advisers assist and support people who are trying to cope with debt problems. It is important to note that MABS does not provide financial help, although some members of the public think it does....

Seanad: Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Statements (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: ——whereby politicians tell constituents to come to them as they are the best and know the Minister. They say they will be able to get them funding on the basis of knowing this one, that one or the other one. They might ask a constituent not to approach a certain politician as he is a member of the Opposition and therefore can do nothing for him or her.

Seanad: Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Statements (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: No, I operate in a friendly environment.

Seanad: Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Statements (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: We should all work together to achieve what is best for our constituents. MABS is doing a good job and perhaps is necessary. However, we should not get carried away with it. Many agencies — I am not referring to MABS — put on a great show for a Minister if he or she visits, but if one arrives unannounced, one will not be received in the same way. I visited a certain forum associated...

Seanad: Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Statements (9 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: I thank the Minister and my colleagues for listening.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (1 Oct 2008)

Martin Brady: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I value and treasure my long-standing friendship with him and wish him well in his role. I also welcome the opportunity to speak to the Bill. The Housing (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill 2008 will improve the delivery of housing services by giving effect to the programme of social housing and the measures outlined in the Delivering Homes,...