Results 161-180 of 669 for speaker:Grace O'Sullivan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: The same problem of fuel poverty arises for those who are renting social housing to have a high standard for comfortable living.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: It would be good.

Seanad: Mental Health (Capacity To Consent To Treatment) Bill 2018: Second Stage (10 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly. I support this really important legislation which has been brought before the House by Senators Máire Devine and Fintan Warfield and commend Ms McManus for her contribution and research. It is common-sense legislation. As this is World Mental Health Day, it is a really appropriate day on which to see the Bill being passed. The Green...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (4 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: Anyone tuning into this broadcast would be left thinking that in order to tackle climate change, one would need an electric vehicle, EV, because most of this conversation has been about electric vehicles. How are we really going to tackle the fact that 20% of greenhouse gas emissions are generated by transport? We will do so by moving into the public transport space and away from...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (4 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: What is the Department doing to support cyclists and walkers? I ask because cyclists and walkers produce zero greenhouse emissions. If we are serious about tackling climate change then something must happen in those areas. Mr. Doyle mentioned the alternative fuels offer and stated alternative fuel "offers one of the most cost-effective and feasible pathways" to reducing emissions. What...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (4 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: It was stated in the submission that alternative fuels offer one of the most cost-effective pathways to reducing emissions. What is the cost per tonne of CO2 emissions?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (4 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: As electric vehicles are deployed how will the shortfall in revenue be made up? Is the Department meeting the Department of Finance?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (4 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: On that point, there is a capacity issue affecting the trains at peak hours as well. That needs to be taken into account in planning timetables. What is the National Transport Authority doing about congestion in its timetables? I hear all the time from people that they arrived on the bus arrives to Limerick to find the bus to Waterford had left ten minutes earlier. Congestion is having an...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I will briefly address supports for the local media in advance of budget 2019 next week. There was a briefing with some 40 representatives of Ireland's local and regional newspapers and other media here in Leinster House two weeks ago. The AV room, in which the event was held, was full to the rafters.The media outlined the severe pressures faced by their industry in a digital news age. We...

Seanad: The Transfer of Functions of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: Statements (3 Oct 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I thank the Minister for coming to the House for this debate. In advance, I consulted my Green Party colleague and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county councillor, Mr. Ossian Smyth. The Minister will be aware that the Minister of State, Deputy John Paul Phelan, told the Dáil last night that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council taxpayers will not be liable for the €33.5...

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Statements (27 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Phelan, and thank him for his opening statement on the proposed electoral commission. I am glad that we are finally making a move on this important issue. As democracy faces challenges across the world, Ireland is a beacon of reason and toleration in the face of waves of hate and disruption...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development: Sustaining Small Rural Businesses: Irish Local Development Network (27 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: It is wonderful to hear the witnesses' enthusiasm. They are the champions in their communities. I acknowledge the presence of Dr. Senan Cook, whom I know personally. I attended the communities creating jobs workshop in Dunhill. What is being done in this community, in terms of bottom-up, is incredible. As someone who lives close to the Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand and Annestown area, I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Future of Council Housing: Discussion (26 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I, too, was at the launch. The report is a great contribution to the issue of local authority housing. I came back from the Netherlands in 2000 as a single parent with three children and went into social housing, so I know what it is like. As someone said earlier, it is very different from 30 years ago. The demographic has changed and the type of people who need support from the councils...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Future of Council Housing: Discussion (26 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I asked about the best examples from the local authorities and abroad.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (26 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I am always reminded of the mobile phone and how 25 to 30 years ago, people carried a large battery cell phone around with them and how it is such a small device now. We should embrace the challenge, particularly with regard to renewable energy and having a healthy environment in which to live. I have a number of questions for Mr. Mark...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (26 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: Sorry, I have several more questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Discussion (26 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: That is my question. What is the Department doing to support energy co-operatives?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Engagement with Ms Marie Donnelly (20 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I thank Ms Donnelly for her presentation. It is quite inspiring because she has given us examples of countries such as the Netherlands and Germany where it all seems so easy. There are so many different mechanisms to generate energy and to work towards energy security. We are here on the island of Ireland and we have probably the best wind in Europe available on the western seaboard. We...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Third Report of the Citizens' Assembly: Engagement with Ms Marie Donnelly (20 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: Some in Waterford sent me a text the other day to tell me that Kilbarry eco-estate has received planning approval. It will be Ireland's most sustainable development. Homes will have no energy costs and will have enough power to power an electric vehicle. This will lead to a 50% reduction in the annual footprint of homeowners. Savings of €40,000 a year will be made in respect of...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2018)

Grace O'Sullivan: I have just come from Buswells Hotel where cyclists.ieis presenting its pre-budget submission. As a Senator from Waterford, I have seen the benefits of cycling. The Waterford greenway has been an absolute game-changer in Waterford in terms of tourism and encouraging local people to cycle. Everyone knows that cycling not only reduces emissions, thus helping Ireland to achieve its climate...