Results 1-20 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

Fergal Browne: I wish to be associated with comments made in respect of the Cathaoirleach, the new Senators, former Members and those who have volunteered to retire. I hope some of us will still return to the House after the election. I do not doubt that the next Seanad will be more representative and reflective of society, perhaps with more political parties represented here than is currently the case. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

Fergal Browne: ——or the powers that be that consideration be given to nominating, among the Taoiseach's nominees for the next Seanad, someone from the new Irish community.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

Fergal Browne: It is an issue that arises because the purpose of democracy is to allow participation. Members of the community to which I refer do not have a voice at present. These people comprise 10% of the population and many of them are members of the workforce and pay tax. This is an ideal opportunity to appoint someone to the Seanad who could articulate their views and concerns.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: We could have a special debate on expanding the university vote.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: As only 16 minutes remain to discuss this Bill and Members will be most interested in speaking on the issues pertaining to sections 63 and 64, I ask that we quickly deal with amendments which give rise to no difficulties.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Bill in general, and the Minister has clarified several issues. I am aware the IPU would have preferred a blanket ban on the collocation of pharmacies in primary care centres but I understand why that did not happen. I am happy we have clearly set out in the legislation that pharmacies must have separate entrances to primary care centres. I reiterate the need to introduce...

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: To be helpful, all I mean is somebody who is in it purely for money and has no medical background or interest.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I thank the Minister, her officials and the Bills Office for their assistance. I have a greater understanding of the health services after four weeks of debating health Bills in the House. I thank the IPU, the Irish Pharmaceutical Society and the hospital pharmacists for their assistance. I acknowledge the role played by the Irish Pharmaceutical Society during the past 135 years and wish...

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: Amendments were put down.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: Amendments were put down on Committee Stage.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I wish I had his money as well. I ask the Leader to speak to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to consider an information campaign aimed at first-time voters such as 18 year olds in secondary schools or in their first college year and the many new citizens who are entitled to vote. Our system of voting is quite complex. People probably have a vague idea of...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: It is important the system is explained in a public information campaign. I wish to make a point about the MacEntee report. The guilty ones are those who planted the bombs and they should be the people in line for most criticism.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: We could debate Seanad reform and the extension of the university vote.

Seanad: Medical Practitioners Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: We do not wish to be partisan, we want to look out for the public interest. Whatever one thinks of politicians, they must present themselves before the electorate every five years. The electorate may decide to hire or fire. During my short time in politics I have seen an erosion of democracy. Members are not allowed to sit on local authorities. County managers are the only people happy...

Seanad: Medical Practitioners Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 6: In page 41, subsection (1), line 15, to delete "establish and maintain a" and substitute the following: "establish, maintain and make available to the public a published". This is about public accountability and availability.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I agree with the change in today's Order of Business. Will we debate the Pharmacy Bill tomorrow? I hope we will not as it will go to the Dáil at 9.30 p.m. and if changes are made, it will mean an extremely short turnaround. It seems to be rushed and unfair to everyone involved. Tomorrow, one of the most dangerous places any of us can be is near an off-licence because we will be met with...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: People are mature and intelligent and they can decide whether they want to drink regardless of whether an off-licence is open. It is time the origins of the law were examined and it was relaxed. Off-licences should be allowed to sell alcohol on Good Friday. It might reduce the consumption of alcohol on Good Friday. People can adhere to the rule according to their religious beliefs.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I remember when one could not go to pubs between certain hours on Sundays. This rule was relaxed and the world continued as normal without chaos.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: I wish to echo what Senator McHugh said about the postal vote. We must make a case for people going on holiday who are taxpayers and citizens and as such entitled to vote.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Apr 2007)

Fergal Browne: If they are allowed bring in their plane tickets or whatever they need to prove they will leave the country, they should be given the option of an emergency postal vote which can be supervised in a Garda station.