Results 1-20 of 213 for long speaker:Malcolm Byrne

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...that was granted for five years and not seeing any progress being made on site. We should look at moving to a situation whereby a call for tenders would be issued in September. The Minister of State knows how long it takes for a new school to be built.I visited the school and saw the condition of some of the prefabs. They are among some of the worst I have seen. There is a brilliant...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...by projects relating to other schools. The building work relating to those schools has either been or is in the process of being completed. Why is the process relating to this school taking too long? It is the understanding of the school and the ETB that everything is in order. I appreciate that the Minister of State is only giving the answer on behalf of the Department, but I am...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (28 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: .... Senators Dooley and Hoey raised the question of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the horrific scenes we are currently witnessing in Rafah. They welcomed the decision of Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, to recognise the State of Palestine today. As Senator Dooley said, the recognition of the State of Palestine in no way condones the horrific actions of Hamas. As a...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (28 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...of thalidomide, as both have done in the House previously. They have both been very strong advocates on behalf of the Irish Thalidomide Association. I agree that this has gone on for far too long. What the House could do is invite statements on the issue of thalidomide at some stage. I certainly echo and agree with their calls on that issue. Senator Davitt raised the matter of...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: Today, as the Acting Leader will be aware, Ireland has taken a very significant decision, along with Norway and Spain, to formally recognise the state of Palestine. That formal recognition will take effect from next week, from 28 May. This has been a long process. In fact, looking back on the records, the late Brian Lenihan Snr., as far back as 1980, spoke about a two-state solution and...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Support for Development of Regional Film and Television Production: Discussion (Resumed) (22 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...as a witness physically present does. Such witnesses may think it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter, although it might be a bit late to do that now. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise, or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it...

Seanad: Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024: Second Stage (21 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...Warfield - that at some stage in the future, Sinn Féin will sing the praises of the creation of these funds. Much as the party changes its position on corporation tax, it will welcome these as long-term investments in our country. It is welcome that our economy is so robust that we have the resources to create these sovereign funds. To establish these funds and to invest in the...

Seanad: Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Second Stage (14 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...significant piece of work, and I thank him for engaging. The number of contributions here reflects the very legitimate concerns in this House but also among the wider community. This has taken a long time to come into being. As the Minister of State will recall, I raised the fact with him before that, when Senator McDowell was Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform prior to the...

Seanad: Loneliness: Motion (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...manifested for some years to come. People in the education system, including teachers, lecturers and those providing support services, are talking about some of the challenges in respect of the long-term impact of Covid-19. From talking to representatives of some of the farming organisations, I know the mart was, in many cases, often a social venue for older men. They may never have...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Illegal Dumping (30 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...for taking this matter. I acknowledge that the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, has been providing a strong lead role, on behalf of the Government, in this area but I am concerned about how long it is taking to put the necessary measures in place to combat the problem of illegal dumping and littering. The Minister of State will be aware I introduced legislation to this House about...

Seanad: Smartphone and Social Media Use: Motion [Private Members] (24 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...number of staff it has and their quality and calibre. We as legislators have a responsibility. This is also about informing ourselves much more about what is happening with technology and artificial intelligence. I am long on the record as looking for a special committee, whether of this House or a joint committee, to examine the impact of AI on society, including on mobile devices....

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Culture and Governance Issues at RTÉ: Discussion (24 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...they make to the committee. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty, as Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, to ensure that it is not abused. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Rail Network (23 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...service. I appreciate the Minister of State is taking this on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The Minister of State will know only too well that the Rosslare rail line has suffered from a long period of under investment. The only positive change that has been made was the introduction of a later evening service recently, which does serve Gorey. If I get on the train in Gorey,...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Rail Network (23 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: I thank the Minister of State. I really am disappointed at the lack of ambition in the long-term development of the Rosslare rail line. There is no discussion here around a significant number of additional services going from Wicklow south. There is no discussion around new rolling stock being made available on the existing line. While it is a very beautiful train line - one of the most...

Seanad: Research and Innovation Bill 2024: Committee Stage (23 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...many hours of debate, and given that there was considerable prelegislative scrutiny and engagement, I dispute that the HEA Act was rushed. It certainly was not. I do not want to have to spend as long on this Bill as we did on the HEA Act.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (17 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...sit their leaving certificate examinations in 2025 and subsequent years. It is important that she will continue to engage with the Irish Second Level Students Union on this. I have raised the long-term impact of Covid on young people here before. Much of that will only begin to manifest itself, particularly for that lockdown generation. Those children and young people who in many ways...

Seanad: Cost of Doing Business: Statements (17 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...are very supportive but the fact they are all coming at once becomes a big challenge. This is one of the concerns that is raised when it comes to all of the additional “red tape” that comes along. The Minister will notice that of the political parties represented here, it is telling that it is only the Government parties that are present, which says a lot about the...

Seanad: Agriculture: Statements (16 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ...farm. We need to engage young farmers in that process. The Minister has been visionary in much of the work he is doing but we cannot constantly look at sticking-plaster solutions. We have to look at the long-term future of the area. I thank the Minister for being with us in the House today and hope he takes those concerns on board.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Vacant Properties (11 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ..., the importance of these buildings being available for that purpose. At that time, it was welcomed by the local community because it wanted to see the building finally put to use, with the hope that, in the long term, it would revert to the local community as a community building. The HSE again did nothing. In November of last year, I arranged a meeting with HSE estates because of...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Byrne: ..., I welcome the students from St. Tiernan's in Dundrum and our guests from the European Court of Justice and I offer a particular welcome to the Estonian ambassador. Ireland and Estonia have a long range of links and friendships. Tallinn is a beautiful city so I recommend that anyone who has not been to it definitely visit Estonia. Apart from recognising independence, we appreciate the...