Results 1-20 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. His friends and neighbours in Limerick, Tipperary, Munster and the nation are proud of him. I also congratulate the Leader of the House who brings great distinction and political experience to our deliberations. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, on the exceptional vigour and intelligence with which he has prosecuted the...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Martin Mansergh: When we seek support or understanding of our interests at the Council of Europe after a referendum, it is the governments that are our partners, not the scattered groups of eurosceptics across Europe. Their support for the Irish "No" will find no echo in the Council Chamber to relieve our isolation. What is the advantage to Ireland of voting "No"? Sovereignty is repeatedly invoked. In the...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: Céim an Coiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Sep 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I congratulated the Cathaoirleach on his election in his absence and I now reiterate my best wishes to him. I thank the Minister and his colleagues for being present at this debate and replying to it. I pay tribute to the leadership that has been given by the Minister, Deputy Roche, in dealing with all the issues raised in the Oireachtas and nationally. This debate has been a very good...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I wish to share time with Senator White. I compliment the Leader of the House for initiating this debate which raises many important issues. The All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, chaired by the Leader's nephew, has produced a report which needs to be worked through, and I will talk about one or two of the matters raised. I compliment the leader of the Opposition, Senator...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: The question of Northern Ireland was raised on the Order of Business. In wishing to be relevant, we should concentrate on being thoughtful and reflective rather than go for the instant soundbites that are going to hit the "Six-one". We have a role we can exercise in depth and I see that as the priority. It is curious that there is no system of questions in this House, which is very unusual in...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: This is why we had both the New Ireland Forum and the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, which both worked very well. There is a place in this House for such representatives as it is far more suitable than the Dáil. I would like a firm system allowing that to emerge from this process of reform.

Seanad: Education Funding: Motion (9 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. I have great respect for his achievements in other Departments and have no doubt he will bring the same spirit of innovation and courage to this Department and make his mark in an area where innovation is much needed. I regard education, with health and basic income maintenance, as being the highest priority as far as Government expenditure is...

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage. (16 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I warmly welcome this Bill. It is one facet of the tremendous leadership we have had from the Government, the Minister and the Minister of State. Whether it is correct or not, I recognise a contemporary and former colleague from the Permanent Representation in Brussels behind the Minister of State. The Labour Party should be complimented on the very constructive role it has played since the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I support the call for a debate on the benchmarking report. It is part of social partnership arrangements and, contrary to what Senator Ross says, the notion that the Government will simply repudiate the benchmarking report is totally wide of the mark. Obviously how it will be implemented will be part of the social partnership negotiations.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I support Senator Higgins's request for a debate on overseas development assistance on which we have made great progress which I would like to see sustained.

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (23 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: On a point of order—

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (23 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: While it is quite in order for Senator Norris to talk about understanding the Unionist case, it is not at all helpful to have a prominent Member of another House described as "poisonous". I do not wish to see that on the Seanad record. We may entirely disagree with Peter Robinson, but "poisonous" is not a description I would like to see stand and ask Senator to withdraw it.

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (23 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: The Minister's speech was excellent. It was also good to hear from Senator Maurice Hayes because, as I said in my contribution on the reform of this House, it would be better if there were more Northern Ireland voices in the Seanad. Consideration should be given to the leader of the SDLP's request for the recall of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. Nobody familiar with the Northern...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: In consultation with our spokesperson on transport, Senator Dooley, I wish to point out again that the House should have an early discussion about the proposed closure of rail freight. If necessary, we should raise the matter on the Adjournment at the next opportunity.

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (24 Oct 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I congratulate the Minister, Deputy McDowell, on his appointment and I am sure he will be an excellent reforming Minister. He has some exceptional public servants at his side who have contributed a great deal. Whatever may have been the case in the past, there is much progress and enlightenment to be found in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform today. Very good progress was...

Seanad: Agriculture and Food: Statements. (6 Nov 2002)

Martin Mansergh: The Senator is amazing.

Seanad: Agriculture and Food: Statements. (6 Nov 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I wish to share my time with Senator Michael Kitt, by agreement.

Seanad: Agriculture and Food: Statements. (6 Nov 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I was thinking as I listened to the Minister's speech that perhaps Seanad membership itself is a form of off-farm employment. We are very fortunate to have a Minister of immense experience who has served, bar 2.5 years, for 13.5 years. He has streamlined aids to the farm sector so that they come through very efficiently. Schemes such as REPS work...

Seanad: Agriculture and Food: Statements. (6 Nov 2002)

Martin Mansergh: —and has done a great job at all the difficult negotiations to do with the EU, the WTO and otherwise.

Seanad: Social Welfare Benefits: Motion. (6 Nov 2002)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome and congratulate the Minister. I am delighted to see her in this role as another Minister with responsibility for social welfare from a Border county.