During a Seanad debate on the provision of health services by the HSE, I said: I agree with Senator Feeney. It is a joy to listen to the Minister who has no notes but is able to provide us with statistics during her contribution. The other reason it is a joy is because she brought us good news...

During of the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: When I heard sometime ago that unemployment benefit was to be called jobseeker’s allowance, I thought it made a great deal of sense that taxpayers’ money should be paid to those seeking jobs...

During a discussion with the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Patrick Honohan, on the banking crisis reports at the Joint Oireachtas Commitee on Finance and the Public Service, I said: My query is about this commission of investigation. From the words he has used, I wonder whether we need another commission of investigation or an inquiry..

On the 15th June 2010, I spoke at the National Dairy Council's Annual Conference and AGM.

For further details of the conference, please click here.

To read my speech from the conference, please click here.

During a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Commitee on European Affairs on the General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Council meetings, I asked: On the enlargement of the Union and Iceland, decisions have been made today on whether that will be on the agenda next week. Is it possible for the Minister to tell me Ireland’s position in this regard?...

During a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Commitee on Finance and the Public Services which discussed the Commission of Investigation into the Banking Crisis with the Minister of Finance, I said: It is very interesting that at present, the Dodd-Frank Bill is going through the United States Senate. It is aimed at achieving almost the same outcomes...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: It is especially opportune that Dr. and Lady Paisley are present today. Yesterday, Senator Mooney called for a debate on Northern Ireland, which I support. The situation in Northern Ireland is quite volatile because, in recent times, there has been a change in government in the United Kingdom and it is seeking £6 billion in savings...

During a Seanad debate on Whistleblowing in the financial sector, I said: I welcome the Minister of State. He will recall the old Irish seanfhocal, “Éist le fuaim na habhann, mar gheobhaidh tú iasc”, or “listen to the sound of the river if you are going to catch a fish”. I refer to it because, having listened to Senator Ross, I hope the Minister of State will do the same. His comments must be instilled in this process...

During a Seanad debate on the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2009, I said: The Minister of State is welcome to the House, as is the Bill. I believe the Bill is necessary and that we must have it. I know it is temporary legislation until the main Bill is enacted, and I have read what the Minister of State has said...

During a Seanad debate on Adult Education, I said: I welcome the Minister of State and I am delighted he is present because the issue of adult education is a challenge. I have spent the past three Mondays at different Retail Excellence Ireland training sessions in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, which were fascinating...