Results 141-160 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: It is a sad day for democracy when we have to come into the Upper House of the national Parliament to debate what it is intended to leave of the Freedom of Information Act. It is inherently contradictory in many respects, not least when one studies the Progressive Democrats' election campaign. We will never forget the sight of a particular candidate for that party who has been attributed with...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: Even at my age one gets a bit tired of these things every now and then. One of the most disappointing aspects surrounding this amending legislation is that the Government failed to embark on any form of consultation. I was going to say meaningful consultation but there was no consultation at all. Senator O'Toole rightly pointed out that the person central to the Freedom of Information Act,...

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Community Services. (4 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for Finance, Deputy Tom Parlon, for remaining here until this unearthly hour. The issue I wish to raise is one with wide-ranging consequences. It relates to CoAction West Cork, an organisation which for several years has provided sterling service to people with special needs and adults with learning dificulties, and their families, in the West Cork region. At...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: I also thank the staff of the House who covered the debate last night, which continued until almost 3 a.m. Concerns have been expressed by some in the primary schools sector that text messaging shorthand is contributing to deteriorating standards in spelling and grammar. This is illustrated by a case in the United Kingdom this week where a 13 year old schoolgirl submitted an essay written in...

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: I acknowledge the Minister's presence in the House. It would a better House for all of us if all legislation was as non-contentious as this and had such a speedy exit from the House.

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: The Adjournment Matters still had to come after that. I thank the Minister for his input and for his thoughtful contributions.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: It would be a big mouse.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: I welcome the Minister to the House. This is wide-ranging legislation and there have been many fine contributions. There has been much debate about this matter in recent days and weeks. Two years ago, there was massive opposition when the then Minister, Deputy Dempsey, attempted to introduce this legislation, especially from three Independent Deputies – one in particular – and that drove...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: The Minister should recognise this. The electorate for the Upper House largely consists of members of local authorities. Those who went through the rigours of meeting councillors around the country prior to the election picked up on a lot of issues. There was a sense that those contesting the Seanad election might be in a position to improve local government. A particular issue was severance...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: When it is considered that the senior counsel was of a particular political persuasion, it gives room for thought.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: It should be looked at in greater detail by the parliamentary counsel. I was elected to Cork County Council three years ago at the age of 22. One soon cuts one's back teeth sitting on a council; one learns the hard way as one is dropped in at the deep end and it is a case of sink or swim. Council chambers could be seen as dodgy waters full of sharks. The many areas in which local authorities...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: The Senator can do so if he passes through the "Níl" lobby with us.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: I am surprised he has not lobbied the Senator at this stage.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: Over 100 miles.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: I did not know the Senator was going to canvass there.

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: Section 35 deals with the waiver and I made my point before debate on this Stage was adjourned. I ask the Minister to consider this amendment. I would like to see a stronger provision that the waiver "shall" be implemented as opposed to "may be" implemented.

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: My party also opposes this section, my views on which are well known. I have a fundamental difficulty with any move that would lead to the denigration of the role of the councillor. That role is already restricted and limited enough and that is the view of many councillors across the political divide throughout the country. It is one of the perennial issues which councillors raise....

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: In case the Minister thinks he has not got worse, and I do not think he has—

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: The Minister more or less took issue with the former Minister for the Environment, Mr. Flynn. The councillor from Waterford was being gung-ho but that in itself is local democracy at work. The fact that people can take these stances in regard to decisions is what local democracy is all about. One of my biggest fears in regard to this section is that waste collection charges next year will be...

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael McCarthy: Last night when a Senator referred to another Senator's accent Senator Dardis was quick to jump up and down and beat his drum in defence of somebody else.