During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Several steps are being taken by the Government that seem to be working in the direction of job creation, something to which Senators O’Keeffe and Bradford have referred. Another step was yesterday’s announcement of Springboard’s plan for this year. Springboard is a scheme whereby the State allocates a considerable sum of money to develop people who already have qualifications, but not those needed at the moment...

During a Seanad debate on the Review of the the White Paper on Irish Aid, I said: he Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, is getting fond of Members and comes quite regularly to the Seanad. I am delighted he is wearing his current hat because his words give us confidence that we can achieve far more than we might otherwise have done. A billion people fall asleep hungry every night. That is a major challenge..

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I seldom support Sinn Féin but I support Senator Cullinane’s call for a debate on the stability treaty. Every time people who advocate a “No” vote in the referendum opens their mouths, they lose support. There is no case whatsoever to be made for a “No” vote...

On 3rd May 2012, I spoke at the Network Irlande business network event entitled “Dîner Celtique” for an evening dedicated to Ireland in Paris on 3rd May. To read my speech, please click here.

During the ORder of Business in the Seanad, I raised several issues. I said: The Leader will be aware of the concern I have expressed for a number of years over the number of organ donations in Ireland. There was great news yesterday when Facebook announced it would provide a facility to allow its users in Britain and the United States to declare whether they were willing to donate organs...

During a Second State Seanad debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012, I said: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry. While, like others, I would like to have the ear of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, I am glad the Minister of State is present. I welcome the Minister’s reforms, in particular the new methods of tackling fraud...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I raised several issues. I said: Today eight months is Christmas Day. As a shopkeeper I am always reminded of how many shopping days remain until Christmas Day. The work we need to do to achieve the goals of the Government’s programme for this year does not seem to be taking place; there are distractions and it is being put on the long finger. We must, however, make sure we do it...

During a Seanad debate on the Report of Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, I said: I welcome the Minister to the House. I also welcome the tribunal report because it highlights the wide ranging corruption that took place. Everything that happened was underhand and shameful...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Today is an important day for some of the visitors to this country. Some thousands of them will leave today, 23 April, and return to Canada. I refer to the brent geese, who come every year on the same day, 23 October, and go home every year on 23 April...

During a Seanad debate on the sale of state assets, I said: I am very concerned at the reports that the State assets on offer will raise nowhere near €3 billion. I am also concerned that the €1 billion that has been earmarked for reinvestment in the economy to boost job creation, which the Minister mentioned, is also said to be at risk. If the money is not raised, what will the Government cut next?...