Results 1-20 of 547 for speaker:Malcolm Byrne

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid Pandemic Supports (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Senator Cummins and I are very concerned about the announcement, which was made on Friday, that the capacity in our theatres and arts venues is to be reduced to 50%. Such a decision must raise questions around the level of understanding of how theatres operate. Many productions cannot survive unless they operate at 70% to 80% capacity. Theatres are safe and controlled venues. I was...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid Pandemic Supports (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: The Minister of State has responsibility for communities and he has been a very good Minister for community affairs but we are specifically referring to amateur and semi-professional community organisations. There has been significant, much-needed support for the professional sector. The Minister of State should be clear that if support is not provided now for amateur theatre, amateur...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Last Thursday, in The Washington Post, an article opened with the following paragraph: Europe's ambition to lead the world on data privacy has a weak spot: Ireland. The country's Data Protection Commission works on behalf of 447 million EU citizens to defend their data from Meta Platforms Inc., Alphabet Inc. ... Microsoft Corp., Apple Inc. and roughly a dozen other tech giants — and...

Seanad: Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021: Second Stage (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I congratulate the Minister, his officials and the Oireachtas joint committee on all the work that has been done. The legislation is long awaited. It is really important for our coastal communities. It is important for the protection and achieving the potential of our oceans and seas and for the roll-out of wind energy. It is particularly important, as Senator Casey and I have raised with...

Seanad: Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021: Second Stage (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: But if a county manager is to sit on the-----

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Enterprise, Trade and Employment): Statements (7 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Tánaiste for coming before the Seanad to take these statements. I share the concerns of others about the impact of the new measures on the tourism and hospitality sector. In Wexford an estimated 9,700 people are directly employed by the sector. Those who run businesses have made it very clear that they are very appreciative of the supports the Government has put in place...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: This week the all-Ireland amateur one act drama festival takes place in Ennis and for the amateur drama movement it has been a particularly difficult 18 months, as we might appreciate. Many drama groups were preparing for the full-length drama festival when the pandemic hit. They had to cancel festivals and their plays were never performed. We have now finally seen the one act festival...

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Education): Statements (2 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber today. Like everybody else, I am looking forward to the day when she comes into the Chamber to debate leaving certificate reform, school transport changes or the school building programme envisaged under the national development plan. We are all tired of this pandemic but unfortunately we need to continue to deal with it. There is no manual or...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I echo the remarks expressed by Senator Moynihan. It is important that in our battle against one pandemic we do not forget the battle against another pandemic. On World AIDS Day it is important that we remember that the fight against AIDS and HIV is a domestic battle and a global battle. The Deputy Leader will be aware that the Central Statistics Office this week published a report on the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Will there be a need for more by-elections after the match tonight in Tallaght?

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I move amendment No. 1: After the third paragraph, to insert the following paragraphs: “- expresses serious concern at the continued abuse of the human rights of the Tibetan people; - notes the erosion of the rule of law and repression of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong;"

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: We have much to learn from the Chinese people, including about their history and their culture. There is a lot that we can learn and there is a lot we can share. I support the development of global, free and fair trade. The EU and Ireland should do what they can to support trade with China, and we need to build co-operation and friendship. I am also conscious of perceptions, and of...

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I agreed not to move it following discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and on the basis that there would be clarity in respect of the case of Richard O'Halloran.

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I am happy for the moment but I am concerned that I have not received further answers on the case of Richard O'Halloran. I made the point when I tabled the amendment and I strongly believe that we should have a diplomatic boycott. However, out of respect for the representatives in Iveagh House, when I was asked not to push it on that basis, I agreed. That said, I am disappointed, and...

Seanad: Human Rights in China: Motion (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I will not push it but I am disappointed that-----

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Health): Statements (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister for coming to the House. While he will not want it to be mentioned, it is important that Senators from all sides of the House show solidarity with him following the awful protest - I would not even call it a protest - that took place outside his home. There is no call for that. These are ignorant thugs-----

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Health): Statements (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: -----who have no respect for democracy. The Minister will find that there is solidarity with him and his family on all sides of this House. We need to take action. We are all in favour of peaceful protest but to do what was done outside the Minister's home and to his family is completely unacceptable. As I am sure the Minister is aware, the difficulty with this pandemic is that there is...

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Health): Statements (1 Dec 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Irish Sign Language (30 Nov 2021)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter on the Irish Sign Language, ISL, which I know is of deep personal interest to him. I thank the Minister of State for coming into this House, as I know she is personally invested in this issue. My colleague in the Dáil, Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan, has also regularly raised this issue. It is an important statement by these Houses...