Results 1,781-1,800 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

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

Fergal Browne: It makes a mockery of the role of the Seanad as a debating Chamber when only Members on one side are making contributions to the debate. It is outrageous. The last four contributions have been made by Fine Gael Members. Members of the Fianna Fáil Party appear to have lost their tongues. We were elected to the Seanad to voice concerns about legislation, but Members on the Government side are...

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

Fergal Browne: It is relevant. Earlier tonight, I researched the debate on the Freedom of Information Act. Deputy O'Donnell spoke of her regret that the Official Secrets Act had not been repealed when the original legislation was being passed. She said there was little point in announcing a principle of openness and access to information if everything sensitive to the authorities can be excluded by way of...

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

Fergal Browne: The proposal regarding the exemption of the records of Cabinet deliberations is outrageous, particularly when the public depends on information leaked to the newspapers. The Government is expert at leaking information, especially against its own members. Senator Maurice Hayes referred to this. It is embarrassing that when the Government is concerned about concealing information, it engages in...

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

Fergal Browne: I am looking forward to hearing them speak and debate this issue. Aristotle said that it is through the clash and collision of ideas that things get sorted. It is not healthy in any democracy to have only one side offer its views. We need to hear both sides. We will certainly oppose this Bill.

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

Fergal Browne: The silence was deafening.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: When does the Leader plan to take No. 12 on the Order Paper? The House seems to have been forgotten by the Minister for Transport. We have not seen him for some time. There was no legislation on transport last term and none is proposed for this term. It is time the rail review was published. It is already two months overdue. Why is it delayed, given that the national spatial strategy has been...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: We are still awaiting legislation on the taxi regulator. When will it be published?

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I wish to share time with Senator Cummins.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I am amused during the debates on Wednesday evenings to see the sycophantic nature of Government party Members and the long prepared scripts they use. I would love to find out who prepares the scripts and where they find their information.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: No. This was highlighted in the recent debate on agriculture. Members from the Government side read prepared scripts they had never seen, not to mind written.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: We are being constructive.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: What is the Senator's question?

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I also support Senator Ó Murchú's call for a debate on the position of the bean an tí following the new guidelines issued by the Revenue Commissioners. I understand there are over 700 of them and that over 24,000 students avail of their facilities every year. Perhaps the Minister for Finance should address the House on the changes in the tax laws. A debate would be welcomed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I asked about the bean an tí.

Seanad: Finance and Related Matters: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: Christian Democrats.

Seanad: Finance and Related Matters: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I welcome the opportunity to speak in this very important debate.

Seanad: Finance and Related Matters: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: I will conclude by saying that the majority of people interviewed for the poll in The Irish Times expressed grave concern at the deal that was hammered out. They were concerned also by the long-term implications for the taxpayer and thought it was a bad idea. Senator Mansergh referred earlier to the appalling state of the transport system and I agree with him.

Seanad: Finance and Related Matters: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: At present, DARTs and trains are using the same track, which is an indicator of how bad is our infrastructure. Major work needs to be undertaken and proper funding should be invested in the public transport sector.

Seanad: Finance and Related Matters: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)

Fergal Browne: Like Senator John Phelan.