Results 781-800 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I seek a debate on the role of Ministers and the two horrible words the Government hates — accountability and responsibility. I asked for this debate last year and it is more pressing now than ever especially considering the fiasco with the computer system for health services. The new tactic is to blame the HSE for everything and, by implication, to blame the Tánaiste's predecessor....

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: The Taoiseach might stop making stupid comments about the alternative government——

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: —— not agreeing when we see such clear differences on the Government side between the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil on matters such as drift netting and the groceries order. The electorate would be better served without his comments.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: The Taoiseach's contribution was not exactly intelligent conversation.

Seanad: Early Childhood Education: Statements (Resumed). (5 Oct 2005)

Fergal Browne: I have almost concluded my contribution but will make a number of final points. It is worth noting that Ireland has its largest population since 1871 and a significant increase in the number of children under the age of six years, who now account for nearly 10% of the population. The number of women who work outside their homes has increased by 60% in recent years. Logically, we must start...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services. (29 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Minister to the House. Two constituents of mine were on holiday in Florida recently. The wife of the constituent who contacted me gave her mobile phone to an American friend in Orlando in order that he could phone his wife in Boston. This Irish couple were able to connect to the US network on that mobile phone, which their American friend borrowed to telephone his wife. He...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services. (29 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: Does the Minister agree that there is an element of double charging for this service? I am sure that when Vodafone receives a bill from the telecommunications provider in France or Spain, it pays VAT at the local rate in that country and the consumer, in turn, also pays Irish VAT on calls made there. Therefore, there is an element of double charging.

Seanad: Garda Investigations: Motion. (28 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: I wish to share my time with Senator Feeney.

Seanad: Garda Investigations: Motion. (28 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Rafferty family to the House. I sympathise with them on the death of their brother and son, Joseph. It is time for Sinn Féin to get real. We listen to its representatives every day talking about the great work the party is doing and stating it represents the marginalised in society. I always feel that all the political parties represent the marginalised. Nobody has a monopoly...

Seanad: Early Childhood Education: Statements. (28 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome this report on early childhood, care and education. It is startling that the report shows that we have the highest population level since 1871, with children under the age of six accounting for 10%. The number of women working outside the home has increased by 60% in recent years. This is a reflection on the Government's poor planning, where it went out of its way to encourage more...

Seanad: Early Childhood Education: Statements. (28 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: We have created an awful mess. Grandparents now find themselves taking a very active hands-on approach to the care of grandchildren, after rearing their own children. Their own children invariably commute, work long hours and face considerable pressure to pay mortgages and child care costs almost equal to the value of a mortgage.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Sep 2005)

Fergal Browne: The raising of the issue of school transport will be welcomed by everyone in the House, although the issue was badly timed and mishandled. It was grossly unfair on the VECs, Bus Éireann and the parents and children to have such pressure put on them in July and August. The decision will be implemented for primary school children next year and will be done over a year and a half. The decision...

Seanad: Child Care Services. (1 Jul 2005)

Fergal Browne: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. My Adjournment matter is simple. The recent announcement to allocate €45 million to child care sounds like a lot of money but, by the time it is divided up around the country, it will be disbursed before long. Only two child care facilities received allocations in Carlow-Kilkenny, in Kells, County Kilkenny and in Loughlinbridge. I congratulate Loughlinbridge on...

Seanad: Child Care Services. (1 Jul 2005)

Fergal Browne: This has been one of the better Adjournment replies I have thus far received. While the exact geographical distance may be three miles, a mountain may be situated in the middle. It might be three miles as the bird flies. Department officials might bring their measuring tapes to examine roads. As far as I am aware, a mountain lies between the two places in question.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2005)

Fergal Browne: Will the Leader prioritise a debate on the MRSA superbug at the start of the next session? A lady from Kilkenny spoke to me on the issue this morning and there is significant anxiety among the public about it. Over 200 people attended a meeting in Dublin last week on the issue and over 100 attended a meeting on the issue in Kilkenny a few weeks ago. I have written to the HSE and the...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second and Subsequent Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the Bill and the amendment proposed to the Civil Registration Act 2004. It allows registrars not employed by the HSE, and employees of the HSE who are not registrars, to receive payment. Approximately two hours ago the House debated the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005 and discussed the updating of it on a regular basis. Great advancements have been made in this area. I suggested...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second and Subsequent Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Fergal Browne: This is an election broadcast.

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second and Subsequent Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Fergal Browne: I wish to be associated with those comments. I omitted to welcome the officials to the House but I thank them for their work. I hope this amendment to the Bill will ensure that they proceed with their good work.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Fergal Browne: It is being withdrawn.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Fergal Browne: I will do so in the absence of Senator Bannon.