Results 221-240 of 265 for speaker:Michael Brennan

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2003)

Michael Brennan: I, too, wish to be associated with the call for Members to congratulate the Taoiseach on the commitment as regards the announcement on housing made today. A similar announcement was made in the past when discussions took place with the trade unions on a wage agreement. I congratulate the Government on fulfilling that promise and pay tribute to the Minister of State at the Department of the...

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Jul 2003)

Michael Brennan: Many of the amendments made during the 40 hours of discussion on the Bill since it last came before this House serve to strengthen it. Senator Bannon spoke about the agricultural sector and the amendments in that regard are welcome. The Minister also took note of the discussion in this House. Many of the amendments that were made in the Dáil had previously been discussed here.

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Jun 2003)

Michael Brennan: I congratulate the Minister, the Minister of State and his officials. I agree with all of the previous speakers that this has been a very good debate and that the consultative process that has taken place has been worthwhile. The Minister has got it right this time. All those involved in the arts are asking for is a fair share. I am also delighted to see the Minister spelling out that the...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Michael Brennan: I also congratulate the Minister on the Arts Bill 2002. He listened well and the consultative process that took place in recent years has worked in the best interests of promoting all sections of the arts. The Bill refers to the involvement of local authorities in the arts. I am sure that the authorities will play a leading role at local level, where arts officers have been appointed and...

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements. (11 Jun 2003)

Michael Brennan: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business: "That the debate be carried forward to another date."

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (28 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I welcome the Bill and thank Members of both Houses for their contributions to improving it. The Bill passed through both Houses with majority support. With regard to its constitutionality, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government has drafted it in accordance with the legal opinion available to him. Everyone agrees that the Bill is necessary and that it has been improved on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: The recreation policy under the national children's strategy is in the form of a draft proposal for Government by Deputy Brian Lenihan, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children. I ask for a debate on the implementation of this plan because there are only 168 playgrounds for a population of four million. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister of State to come to the House to...

Seanad: Strategic Rail Review Report: Statements (Resumed). (21 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I too welcome the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, to this House. The review recommends the investment of approximately €8.5 million over the next 20 years. This will involve major capital funding in our railways system in a number of areas, from massive renewal through to the expansion of the network and increases in capacity and services....

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (21 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I too welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, and I welcome the decision and the commitment of the Government in going ahead with the decentralisation programme. I am sure that many fine applications have been received and assessed by the Department of Finance, and that the towns selected will play their roles in balanced regional development. I support the application by Newcastle...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I support Senator Coghlan's comments on the housing issue and compliment the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, on his recent statements. I ask the Leader to invite him to the House to discuss the issue of social and affordable housing and ask him to take into account the vast amount of serviced land being held by local authorities...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I agree with the Leader of the Opposition in respect of the Local Government Bill and I fully support Senator Dardis in terms of his reply in that regard. If there is a shadow of doubt regarding the legality of the Bill, I am sure the President, in her wisdom, will refer it to the appropriate authorities. I disagree with Senator Norris regarding the spouses and families of locally elected...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: It is the electorate which elects the councillor, not the party.

Seanad: Road Safety: Motion. (14 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I, too, thank the Minister for Transport, Deputy Séamus Brennan, for his address. All Members of the House seem to agree with the report. With regard to the speed limit review, while the Minister has said he has asked local authorities to carry out inspections of all by-laws governing speed limits, it is most important that they now carry out a speed limit review. In the past it has taken...

Seanad: Licensing of Indoor Events Bill 2001: Committee and Remaining Stages. (7 May 2003)

Michael Brennan: I, too, compliment the Minister of State and the staff of the Department on this legislation. I join previous speakers in complimenting the fire service. There is no doubt that it has an enormous amount of work to do. The Minister of State mentioned the figure of €136 million spent last year – money very well spent. We all appreciate the great strides the fire service has made at local...

Seanad: Licensing of Indoor Events Bill 2001: Second Stage. (15 Apr 2003)

Michael Brennan: I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate him on the legislation. I am sure this Bill will have the support of all Members of Seanad Éireann. Over the past 20 years we have been very lucky that no tragedies have occurred. It is essential for the health and safety of people attending such events that legislation be introduced. I compliment the Minister. The extra responsibilities given...

Seanad: Government Policy and the Provision of Services for the Elderly: Statements. (15 Apr 2003)

Michael Brennan: I congratulate the Minister of State on his detailed statement to the House on the many achievements of the Government in recent years. The cornerstone of all our policies is to keep our elderly people living in their own homes and within their own communities. I pay tribute to the elderly for the contribution they have made to the State and also to the carers whose voluntary work makes...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Michael Brennan: I also wish to express thanks to the Taoiseach for making affordable housing a priority. I support the request regarding land banks. It is essential that local authorities release the land banks that are held throughout the country. We should offer our full support to the Minister in bringing forward proposals. I look forward to a debate on the matter in the near future.

Seanad: Local Government (No. 2) Bill 2003: Second and Subsequent Stages. (3 Apr 2003)

Michael Brennan: I welcome the Waterford Minister for the Environment and Local Government and his staff. I fully support previous speakers and thank Members of the Opposition for allowing this technical Bill to be taken in the House today. I am a member of the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly. This was one of the vital parts of infrastructure that body proposed in its submission for the south-east...

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (2 Apr 2003)

Michael Brennan: I welcome the Minister of State's announcement regarding the pavement study. It is important to see where the last six to eight years' investment has gone. I share the Minister of State's view that flexibility should remain at local authority level regarding priorities. As he said, he is prepared to review these programmes with the local authorities. When the value for money study of the...

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Brennan: I wish to share time with Senator Mansergh.