Results 121-140 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: We have one of the most liberal freedom of information laws in western Europe. That will continue after any reform or tightening up takes place.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I support Senator O'Toole's request for a debate on financial projections and competition legislation. We need to bear in mind that social partnership negotiations have not yet concluded and have not been endorsed or ratified.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Certain ideas floating around in the public arena help to undermine the case for this important agreement.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: This House can make an important contribution. I remind Senator O'Toole of something said by another former—

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I wish to say one more sentence.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Another former leader of mine said economics was a—

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: —dismal science and that politics must be the profession of hope.

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I broadly welcome the thrust of the Bill, although I do not agree with everything in it. A clean environment is of immense importance to our quality of life and standard of living and is economically beneficial. An unclean environment is often a sign of economic and social backwardness. We saw this in central and eastern Europe when the Iron Curtain fell. To the extent that this Bill means we...

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I have great respect for Senator Ulick Burke, but I would like to keep going because I have limited time. I have grave reservations about removing responsibility for service charges from local representatives to the manager. A fundamental principle of western democracy is that there should be no taxation without representation. The proposed measure will provoke popular movements of revolt if...

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Nor do I accept the sentiment that there is too much democracy in this country. In many respects there is not enough. As a possible compromise solution I suggest the one used in Europe. The Commission has many executive powers for which it does not necessarily need the consent of a majority of the Council of Ministers. However, the Council of Ministers can unanimously overturn a decision by...

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I was informed I had ten minutes.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the legislation the Tánaiste has brought before the House. I have been convinced for a long time of the importance, as well as the previous neglect, of scientific research and development. I listened to Senator Quinn with interest and I agree with some of his points, in particular that we cannot be purely takers. However, I would take issue with his view of history. He is accurate...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Tánaiste. Does she want me to cringe beneath the desk?

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I have one reservation. I have given some examples – the areas of genetics and microelectronics – where making the connection between basic science and a utilitarian application has worked. When Benjamin Franklin carried out his electricity experiments in the 1750s or the first balloon flight was made at Versailles, did people realise that the world would be totally transformed as a...

Seanad: Road Safety: Motion. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I warmly congratulate the Independent Senators on bringing forward this motion and I welcome the Minister of State.

Seanad: Road Safety: Motion. (5 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Yes indeed, and early morning. It is because people are tired. Very often no other vehicle is involved. Those who drive heavy vehicles and who cause fatal accidents should be debarred from driving for a long time. There must be a deterrent but if a heavy truck collides with a small vehicle we all know who is likely to be worst affected. Road markings are helpful, as are lights on either side...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I reinforce the request made yesterday through the Leader to the Minister for Finance to make a statement on the state of the public finances and the economy. Examining the Exchequer returns I discovered that tax revenue rose by 10% in the first month of this year. This is very healthy, even compared with good years, and something one would never have discovered from the purveyors of gloom...

Seanad: Iraq Crisis: Statements (Resumed). (6 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State. I was very interested to hear the report of Senator Michael Kitt. It is useful for Members of the Oireachtas to undertake responsible fact-finding missions and report back to us. That applies, equally, to Senator Mary White's visit to Colombia.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Hardly.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Martin Mansergh: That is a misrepresentation.