Results 161-180 of 228 for speaker:Déirdre de Búrca

Seanad: Health Services (6 Feb 2008)

Déirdre de Búrca: I ask the Minister for Health and Children to outline her intentions on the implementation of the recommendations of the Pollock report. This report was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and was published on 7 February 2005. Its author is Dr. Ron Pollock and the title of the report is, An Independent Review of Cystic Fibrosis Services in Ireland. The report stated...

Seanad: National Waste Strategy: Statements (6 Feb 2008)

Déirdre de Búrca: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, to the House and thank him for his presentation. I welcome the opportunity to make a statement on the Government's waste management strategy. I do so as a member of a political party that is a party of Government but has long been preoccupied with the need to move towards a more sustainable waste management system. As a party we are now in...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (6 Feb 2008)

Déirdre de Búrca: Will the Leader of the House invite the Minister for Defence to the House to discuss the issue of the delayed deployment of Irish troops to Chad? This issue is a matter of concern. It was discussed in the House before Christmas and many speakers wished the Irish troops well in the EUFOR mission in Chad. It was recognised at the time, however, that this was a dangerous mission. Since then...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Déirdre de Búrca: Will the Leader invite the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the House as soon as possible to respond to the announcement in my constituency today, which has caused great concern, to the effect that Allergan will close its operations in Arklow and relocate to low-cost Costa Rica. This is a matter of grave concern for the 350 employees working for the firm who have been left in...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I support the call for a debate on the use of Shannon and share the concerns about the use of Irish air space by aeroplanes that have been involved in extraordinary rendition. There are serious concerns with regard to the use of Shannon Airport by aeroplanes involved in extraordinary rendition and while we have the assurance of the American Government that this is not the case, there is no...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: There are sufficient public concerns to justify our seeking a strong response from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I call for him to come to the House in the new year and for further debate. We must ensure systems are put in place that will reassure people the practice does not continue and that Shannon Airport is not used for this purpose. There are concerns among non-governmental...

Seanad: Substance Abuse: Motion (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, to the House and thank him for his response to the all-party motion which demonstrates the serious concern among all Members about the epidemic of alcohol misuse and illegal drug use in society. The Minister of State warned against exaggeration of the problem, and perhaps "epidemic" is a strong word to use, but when we examine society today and...

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I welcome the Minister. I intend to make only a brief statement regarding the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007, particularly because a great deal has already been said and owing to the fact that the legislation is technical in nature. I accept, and the Minister acknowledged earlier, that there is a sense of urgency regarding the introduction of the Bill which is, in a sense,...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: It is difficult sometimes being on this side of the House and having to listen to comments from the opposite side. It appears to me that to be in Opposition——

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: ——one must be in a state of perpetual complaint.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: Yesterday, the members of the Opposition were saying the issue of the water charges in schools had to be dealt with and that a more lenient approach had to be adopted towards them. There is a lack of clarity and certainty about the exemptions that are allowed under the EU water framework directive.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: The EU Commission was not clear in terms of the direction it gave to the Government. The Government has come up with the best possible arrangement it can put in place for the time being.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I am sure most schools this morning are relieved that these transitional arrangements have been put in place.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: The Opposition is at least capable of acknowledging when positive steps are taken by the Government to try to address serious issues of concern.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: On the community childcare subvention scheme, I ask the Leader to convey the support of certain parts of this House to the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, who listened to many of the concerns that came directly from the community child care providers on the subvention scheme. The tiered system that has been introduced is much more satisfactory. It will mean that low income parents...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: ——or social welfare. That is a welcome move and a quick response by the Minister. I ask the Leader of the House to convey the support of certain parts of the House to the Minister.

Seanad: Integration Policy: Statements (Resumed) (13 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I welcome the opportunity to discuss integration policy. This issue is very important for this country because of the speed and extent of the demographic changes in the past ten to 20 years. It is difficult to believe the extent of immigration in this country. It is estimated that up to 14% of the Irish population is made up of immigrants and non-nationals. It poses a significant...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: A great deal of debate is taking place at present regarding the European reform treaty. I welcome the coverage in the media today which suggests that the Government is willing to back Pat Cox, former President of the European Parliament, as the chair of a group to which President Nicolas Sarkozy referred as a council of wise men on the future of Europe. However, I ask the Leader to convey a...

Seanad: European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, to the House. I am grateful for an opportunity to comment on the reform or Lisbon treaty — I have not yet decided which title I will use. The signing of the treaty tomorrow will put an end to approximately two years of what was described as a period of reflection but which was, in truth, a period of great uncertainty or, as some described it,...

Seanad: Merits of Farmers' Markets: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Déirdre de Búrca: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, to the House and I thank him for his presentation. I recognise the role played by the Minister of State in promoting the concept of farmers' markets around the country. His arrival into the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is very timely because there is a public appetite for the emergence and development of a much greater number...