Results 21-40 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Under the Local Government Act, the period of membership for members of local authorities is five years. I remind the Minister of the debacle that occurred in November 1994.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree with all the previous speakers with the notable exception of Senator Quinn. If a local authority member meets the criteria laid down by the Minister and if he or she has a certain level of expertise, skill and knowledge in that area, there is no reason he or she cannot serve on this or any other board. Any system which is enhanced by the role of a member and which is able to elicit...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with Senator Daly. What will be the titles and functions of those committees? If that was answered already, obviously it escaped me, for which I apologise. Is there a more definitive explanation of the functions? We need to get that final detail to tease out an issue like this in the context of this legislation.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I seek your indulgence, a Chathaoirligh. May I raise a matter on section 12 which relates to the contractor specified in the Bill?

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: My understanding was that I could raise an issue in respect of—

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I accept your ruling and will raise the matter on Report Stage.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree with Senator Henry. Would the Minister be favourably disposed to an amendment tabled on Report Stage to amend this section of the legislation to the effect that only clubs under the auspices of the authority which conform with equality legislation would be permitted to avail of moneys? The Bill states, "For the purposes of section 8(2)(b) or (c), the Authority may pay such sums of...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I support Senator Quinn on this amendment. In the 21st century, in a country where we pride ourselves on a fairly good information technology system – I am sure that Senator Daly would agree because Ennis is the information town – it is shabby, to say the least, that a body like Bord Fáilte did not display this type of information and make it available by electronic means. I support...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with Senator Quinn. I heard Senator Quinn raise this issue on the other Bill earlier this afternoon. The wording of this section is Dickensian. I cannot understand the wish of anyone to restrict the expression of another person's opinion. This goes against the notion of accountability and transparency and is not healthy. It also restricts the role of the chief executive officer....

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 6: In page 11, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following: "(2) In carrying out functions under this section arising by virtue of section 8(1)(c), a contractor shall not, without good cause, impose a requirement on an operator of accommodation which is more exacting than the requirements imposed on that operator by law or by any other public authority.". I am aware...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: In the recent case to which I referred, an inspectorate contracted by Bord Fáilte used different standards to those applied by the Southern Health Board in relation to the proximity of washing and toilet facilities in the same accommodation unit. My amendment intends to cover such cases. I accept what the Minister says. I will withdraw the amendment if he gives us a commitment that the...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment. The spirit in which it is intended follows from the appalling situation at Portmarnock Golf Club, the venue for the Irish Open golf championship, where females cannot play. This event is being grant-aided by Bord Fáilte. The spirit of the amendment would ensure the practice is not permitted whereby a State authority would assist financially an organisation which,...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: It is a famous quiz question. I got it wrong the first time when in the company of a few women. Therefore, I will never forget it. I support the amendment.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: The Senator is the first Kerryman who could claim that.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Friends of Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: That is not equality either.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I support the amendment and reiterate the points made by Senator O'Rourke. The fact that there is a lower fee for associate membership is not the issue. If money was the issue, Senator O'Rourke would not have taught in the school in Summerhill for one third less pay than her male counterpart, which was ridiculous. The marriage bar, which was only abolished in 1975, affected people like my...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I support the spirit of this amendment. Some minutes ago we debated the merits of equality. One of the fundamentals of social justice and equality is freedom of expression, particularly in this context. What would happen if a civil servant had an opinion that was more pertinent, effective and constructive than that of the Minister and there was no modus operandi on the part of the civil...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with previous speakers in expressing gratitude to the Minister for coming to the House on this and many other occasions recently. I appreciate the spirit and manner in which he analysed and reflected on amendments and his willingness to accept some of them.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree with earlier speakers regarding the speed with which it is proposed to debate two Bills of major importance. My colleague, Senator Tuffy, will refer to this matter later. In recent weeks we have heard conflicting reports about the proposed abolition of the dual mandate by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Some people say the Minister will proceed with the...