Results 161-180 of 1,687 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Billy Timmins

Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) (No. 2) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: I wish to share time with Deputy Terence Flanagan.

Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) (No. 2) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: Aside from the legislation itself, one point has struck me as being extraordinary in the Chamber today. I am surprised by it because while this legislation on the surface appears to be draconian in many respects, certain aspects of the medical card regime have improved over recent years. I refer to the lack of Government speakers on the issue. While Members on this side are always arguing...

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Unions (13 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: I thank the Minister for his reply. A message seems to have gone out from the Government that it is supportive of a replacement credit union in Newbridge. That demand may be coming from the public - I do not know - but it is important that we know where the Government stands on this, so that false hope is not built up. Does the Minister know what will be done with the building? Do we...

Topical Issue Debate: Credit Unions (13 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this matter for the Topical Issue matter. I also thank the Minister for attending the House. At a time when we are increasingly sceptical of the media, I acknowledge the role of local radio in this regard, including East Coast FM, which is my local station. This morning I listened to the Clem Ryan Show on Kfm Radio in Kildare, and he approached...

Order of Business (13 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: The EirGrid Bill is No. 68 in section C. The Tánaiste stated that the Bill would be published next year. This is a very contentious issue and, in fairness, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has produced a briefing document on energy infrastructure. Could the Government put aside some time to debate this issue in advance of the legislation because it is a...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Political Reform (12 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: I acknowledge the Government has brought forward some measures, and albeit some ones in the past couple of months. There is a kind of inverse relationship between the length of time one has been here and the amount of time one speaks which would indicate that the longer one is here, the more one realises speaking in the Chamber is futile. In fairness to him, Deputy Durkan is probably one of...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Political Reform (12 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: Give me a bit of speaking time. I am not looking for a trip to Australia.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Political Reform (12 Nov 2013)

Billy Timmins: The anti-social democrats.

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2013: Committee and Remaining Stages (25 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: When speaking on this legislation last night, I made two points. The first was that the welfare budget should protect the vulnerable but should also encourage people to return to employment. Many of the measures outlined by Deputy Naughten assisted people who employed people. Consequently, these measures helped to maintain and create jobs. One difficulty being experienced in Ireland at...

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: I thank the officials in the Department, which is one of the more efficient Departments when one is seeking information. It is startling to listen to the statistics Deputy Naughten has outlined relating to education and the expertise that is flowing out of the country on a weekly basis. The figure he put on it was approximately €9 billion per annum. What we are doing is frightening....

Topical Issue Debate: Child Protection Issues (24 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: I want to find out the truth about this situation as much as anybody else in this House. On many occasions with which we are familiar, various State authorities have acted unethically and unlawfully. It would be slightly hypocritical of us on this side of the House if we were to castigate the bad treatment of both families in this situation by equally castigating the authorities that dealt...

Topical Issue Debate: Child Protection Issues (24 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: For an individual, whether a child or an adult, to be removed from his or her family home and the care of his or her family is a traumatic experience. It is even more traumatic when there is no reasonable or sufficient grounds for doing so. These incidents have been accompanied by a frenzy. However, I am of the view that the authorities probably did act in good faith and we cannot go into...

Local Government Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: The Minister will hear many contributions on Second Stage. Most, mine included, will be tailored to our own areas and experiences. Probably more than any other Deputy, the Minister has experience of local authorities and councillors. I do not say this lightly. I commend him on introducing this Bill. Notwithstanding broad-ranging Second Stage speeches, he knows that how the Bill is...

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: On a point of order-----

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: Is there any speaking time for the group of "others"?

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: Then I want to come in on a point of order after Deputy Donnelly.

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: It is. I protest against the deliberate ploy by the Government to frustrate the intention of the Ceann Comhairle when speaking time was allocated so that I, as a member of the "others" group, have no speaking time today. This is not a debate. Little more than 5% of people have made a contribution here. No Government backbencher has got to speak, maybe Deputy Tuffy. I have not been...

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: We have budgetary measures of which Government Ministers do not know the implications. I am sorry if I appear to be out of order but I have no opportunity to say anything.

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: If the Government continues to try to treat people such as me and some of my colleagues as political piranhas, we will behave accordingly. I put the Government on notice that we will make this House unworkable if the Government continues with its behind-the-scenes measures.

Standing Orders: Motion (17 Oct 2013)

Billy Timmins: They think they are smart with their petty, small-minded measures, as represented by the timing in this debate. This is an outrage. This is not a debate. It is a complete and utter farce that does justice to nobody, inside or outside this House.