Results 1-14 of 14 for feel "party:" . (isset($parties[ucfirst("$a[1]")]) ? $parties[ucfirst("$a[1]")] : "$a[1]") speaker:John Whelan

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Lottery Funding Disbursement (15 Jul 2015)

John Whelan: ...to communities to enjoy. Their work has climate change benefits and all sorts of ecological and environmental dividends. Communities are proud of these groups, which are spread across the country, and feel they have ownership of them. I would also like to mention the work that has been done at Fenor Bog in County Waterford, the Wexford Slobs and Wildlife Reserve, Clara Bog in County...

Seanad: Ash Dieback Disease: Statements (29 Apr 2015)

John Whelan: ...the branches of an ash tree whose leaves are not fully filled in, it is time enough to sow the potatoes. I was heartened by that at the weekend and I checked and managed to get a few spuds in and did not feel too bad that the ash tree had not come into full bloom. I am glad that Senator Quinn broadened the debate to deal with biodiversity, habitat and the other connections within our...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: General Practitioner Services (24 Mar 2015)

John Whelan: ...for rural affairs and development and has an important role to play. One of the cornerstones of the viability of any village or rural areas is a GP practice in order that families can feel secure and safe and have recourse to such a service. Without it, the sustainability of a rural community is undermined. Will the Minister of State lend her voice and support to this issue? The...

Seanad: Regulation of Lobbying Bill 2014: Second Stage (29 Jan 2015)

John Whelan: ...sale of Aer Lingus. Public bodies, such as RTE, and public companies, agencies, advisory groups and policy bodies have an important bearing on our lives. Communities and individuals are concerned because they often feel they are out-gunned by more powerful and influential elements which they believe have more resources and more access to the body politic or the Government of the day....

Seanad: Broadband, Post Office Network and Energy White Paper: Statements (27 Jan 2015)

John Whelan: ...change his or her lifestyle and practices. The answer is not to construct thousands of giant wind turbines and place them at every crossroads in the country and within 500 m of people's homes. I feel strongly about this issue, as this will not work; it cannot work and will never be acceptable. I, therefore, urge the Minister to use his influence at the Cabinet table to come forward with...

Seanad: Critical Utilities (Security of Supply) Bill 2013: Second Stage (11 Dec 2013)

John Whelan: ...be commended. Employees have dug deep to help this country rebuild after the fiasco of the bank bailout. I would not like us to squander that progress by criminalising or vilifying workers who feel they have to strike as a last resort. One of the best, if not the best, union in the country is the Irish Farmers Association, which is fantastic at looking after the interests of its members...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

John Whelan: ...State agency, Sustainable Energy Ireland, which advises Government on energy policy is on the board of another private wind farm development company. The public is losing confidence in a process where it feels that the deck is already stacked against it with what it sees as the convergence of an old boys’ network, an inner circle and circle of friends which individually may not...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Court Accommodation Refurbishment (9 Jul 2013)

John Whelan: .... When this happens, the entire main street is blocked with Garda and prison vehicles and people attending the courts by whom senior citizens and other people going about their business often feel intimidated. The situation is no longer tenable. I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, to impression upon the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, the need for investment...

Seanad: An Bille um an Dara Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Deireadh a Chur le Seanad Éireann) 2013: An Dara Céim (Atógáil) - Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Jul 2013)

John Whelan: ...use that word and to fail to follow up with what one means by it. Is it a reference to the chandeliers in the Chamber? Perhaps, if we changed them to florescent lights and got gaudy curtains as opposed to the nice drapes, people would feel more comfortable.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Ms Nessa Childers, MEP (1 May 2013)

John Whelan: ...to ask Ms Childers about a matter of public health. I am not going to be a holy Joe or holier than thou. I like to take a drink - I am not anti-drink or teetotal - but we have mixed views and feelings in this country, particularly as policy makers and politicians, in our attitude to alcohol, particularly the abuse and excessive use of alcohol and the attendant social, domestic and health...

Seanad: Europol Bill 2012: Second Stage (29 Nov 2012)

John Whelan: ...to the State of criminality, trying to solve crimes and fighting a rear-guard action afterwards is greater than ensuring we have a Garda presence in towns. Having gardaí on the beat makes people feel safe and secure in their businesses and on the main thoroughfares. We cannot continue to reduce Garda numbers and suggest it has no impact on deterring and preventing crime, or on the...

Seanad: Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration: Statements (27 Jun 2012)

John Whelan: ...am a member, on the report, in particular the Chairman, Deputy Andrew Doyle. The report is an important volume and a benchmark which allows us to have an informed debate on this important issue. I feel a little out of my depth discussing offshore oil and gas exploration. Coming as I do from the most landlocked county in the country, it is not something that will bother us unduly.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 May 2012)

John Whelan: ...2 million members. The Tullamore Credit Union, in my own area, is one of the largest in the country with 35,000 members and €61 million of a loan book. Many members of the credit union movement feel that the personal insolvency Bill, which is intended to solve one problem, could cause an even greater problem if it is introduced in its current state. As Senators will know, most credit...

Seanad: Housing Market: Motion (22 Jun 2011)

John Whelan: ...the motion and adopting non-partisan positions on what is a serious matter. While the longest day of the year fell this week, one needs to spend time on the dole if one wants to know how long days feel. I do not know if any of the Senators present had the misfortune and experienced the indignity of spending time on the dole. Having spent the past three years unemployed, I know all about...