Results 341-360 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: I move amendment No. 9: In page 6, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: "(12) In this section, "missing", in respect of a parent, means a parent who has had no contact whatsoever with either the child or the Health Service Executive for a continuous period of at least 1 year.". This amendment seeks to clarify what "missing" means. That provision of the Bill should be tightened....

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: I am not sure when Report Stage is to be taken, but I would like it to be deferred until those amendments are ready. It is not ideal that they go before the Dáil for scrutiny and then come before this House to be rubber-stamped. The issues raised in the Ferns Report are very complex and it would be better if both Houses scrutinised them fully.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: If an amendment were to be changed on Report Stage in this House, the Bill would have to go back before the Dáil. The Minister of State hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that the Dáil has less time to consider the Bill. It is an election year and the Minister of State could be promoted next year.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: All I know is that we are guaranteed much uncertainty in the next few months.

Seanad: Social Housing. (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Minister for Education and Science to the House, although my question does not relate to her Department. I hope she will pass on my concerns to the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern. I plead with the Government to start rebuilding one-bed dwellings. This was the practice in the past, but it has been phased out in favour of two-bed dwellings. An unfortunate aspect of that has...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: —— oppose it but it is worrying to read in today's newspaper that the Taoiseach said yesterday there is a problem with a shortage of staff in the Bills Office, which is causing a delay in legislation coming forward. I ask the Acting Leader to investigate that matter. I have no difficulty explaining our expenses and our salaries but we should push as much legislation as possible through...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: How many vehicles were seized?

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: I bet that no vehicles were seized.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: Will the Acting Leader find out whether more amendments will follow today's Committee Stage debate on the Child Care (Amendment) Bill arising from the Ferns Report? The Minister's speech last week was somewhat ambiguous. I hope we will take all the amendments today and that amendments will not be introduced in the Dáil which this House will rubber-stamp subsequently. Will the Acting Leader...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: It is important to know in advance of the debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: The Minister did not refer to it last week in his speech on the Ferns Report. I understand there are no Government amendments and I am asking if amendments will be made in the Dáil, provided the Bill is passed by the Seanad, which this House will have torubber-stamp.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: That is not the way to do business. This is the way it should be done from day one. I understand TDs and Senators are due to get a pay increase today. I certainly do not——

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: I support calls for a debate on fireworks. I was not on the Naas Road last night but in Carlow where hundreds, if not thousands, of fireworks lit up the skies. I followed gardaí on the beat into an estate and observed how ludicrous is the current position when the gardaí in question were unable to apprehend those letting off fireworks directly in front of them. Those involved included...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: We have them in Carlow now.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Fergal Browne: I can testify to that.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters (26 Oct 2006)

Fergal Browne: May I raise my matter first to give Senator Morrisey time to catch his breath?

Seanad: Adjournment Matters (26 Oct 2006)

Fergal Browne: I had a similar experience one day, of racing up from downstairs to attend the House for an Adjournment matter and being out of breath. It is not pleasant.

Seanad: Regional Aid Maps (26 Oct 2006)

Fergal Browne: Yesterday, The Irish Times mentioned the reclassification of the country in terms of EU funding from 2007 until 2013. It appears to be good news that counties Carlow and Kilkenny have been included in the area which is being classified as an economic development region and will continue to qualify for regional aid. This is based on factors other than the unemployment criteria as specified...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006: Second Stage (26 Oct 2006)

Fergal Browne: I wish to share my time with Senator Tuffy.