Results 2,041-2,060 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: We have a piece of legislation which would give back to muintir na Gaeltachta an cearta sibhialta sin atá ag aon duine eile timpeall na tíre. That is the right to decide and determine the name of their own place and have a referendum on it. In the past week, Kerry County Council has taken a decision, by 21 votes to four, to allow a plebiscite of the entire Dingle area in the autumn. Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: This is a case of democracy turned on its head by this Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: It has nothing to do with cónaitheoirí na Gaeltachta. That is a decision which is not taken by the people in any area, despite a suggestion made here last week that muintir na Gaeltachta could decide to be in or out of the Gaeltacht. That is decided politically, and it is a matter for Government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: It is not their right. It is a decision of Government to take them out of it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: It does not arise. The people of Dingle have never indicated they want to leave the Gaeltacht. They have never given such a view. It is a matter for the relevant Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: Is that the position of the Labour Party? The people of Dingle would be very pleased to hear this.

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: On my way to the Chamber I became aware this man had been released. While there has been much discussion in the recent past about the question of statutory rape, in most cases people are talking about consenting teenagers and consenting people over the age limit. The young girl in this case was 12 years of age, she was filled with drink and was raped. Under no circumstances would anybody show...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I am delighted we have the opportunity to discuss this issue today as I have often raised the issue of examining the BMW region in terms of its importance to the nation. I am not quite as enthusiastic as the Leader about some of the points made in the Minister's speech. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, to the House and ask him to note a number of points, some of which concern...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I am sorry. I read it three or four times and could not find it.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I cannot see it, but I will come back to that. The issue raised by Senator Feighan is important, especially with regard to the type of development such as Lough Key Forest Park. I know the Lough Key area well and that there has been some good development there. I agree with the point made by Senator MacSharry that there should be some responsibility on Departments as opposed to planning...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: Very well. This is an example of how things are missed. I do not know which Department is responsible for considering such matters. However, in terms of Border area development, the Minister's speech stated clearly that this would be a horizontal aspect of the next national development programme. I welcome this, as would everyone I know who is involved non-politically in this issue. However,...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I know. The last one was penultimate. It could also be part of the proposed ring of wind stations throughout western Europe which is under consideration by Airtricity at present. This could also provide future possibilities to the west.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, when I spoke I chided the Minister for failing to make reference to the Atlantic corridor. I was incorrect and it was mentioned in his speech. I was obviously answering the phone at the time. I apologise.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I am sure it is a point of order.

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: In line with what I said yesterday when I seconded Senator Brian Hayes's proposal, I agreed to its withdrawal on the basis that the Leader would do her utmost to get a debate on the issue today. She has failed to do that. I accept that she said she would try her best, however, she did not succeed. I wish to be clear on this without playing politics. It would be seriously irresponsible and an...

Seanad: National Economic and Social Development Office Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (31 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I have listened to the debate with great interest and wish Members would have the same interest in the social partnership process as they always have when it comes towards a conclusion. I have raised this issue time and again and during peace time while no negotiations were taking place. On at least three occasions in the past year I asked in this House for a process to be established whereby...

Seanad: National Economic and Social Development Office Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (31 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: Yes.

Seanad: National Economic and Social Development Office Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (31 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: There is a great deal of merit in the points which have been made by Senator Brian Hayes. I would like to point out, for the information of the Minister, that I raised this issue the last time we discussed this matter, which I think was in January. I spoke in the House at that time about the issues to which Senator Hayes now refers, namely, strategic economic and social justice challenges. I...

Seanad: Public Hospital Land: Motion. (31 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I thank Senator O'Meara for sharing her time with me. I deeply appreciate it. I also welcome the Minister of State to the House. I had fully intended to speak strongly and vehemently in support of the Fine Gael motion. However, having listened to the Tánaiste's views, my position has changed quite substantially, albeit perhaps not completely. My opposition had been on the basis that...

Seanad: Supreme Court Judgment on Statutory Rape: Statements. (31 May 2006)

Joe O'Toole: I wish to share time with my colleague, Senator Norris. I welcome the Minister and deeply appreciate that he has come to the House. An earlier speaker made the point that he was very much on the defensive. He spent the first ten minutes scotching stuff in today's newspapers. I strongly believe the Minister should have come into the House yesterday to explain, in a non-confrontational manner,...