Results 221-240 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I compliment the Tánaiste on her contribution in which she outlined the strategy in place to tackle the issue of insurance. It is true that she set it out as one of her political priorities. I am pleased she is fulfilling that commitment in the way she is moving forward.

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: It gives me great pleasure to speak on the motion. I have a business and I fully understand the great increase in insurance costs in recent years. I have witnessed small businesses closing as a result. There has to be a proper approach to correcting this problem. The establishment of the PIAB by the Government is one strong measure in addressing the wrongs and the spiralling costs of recent...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Will the Leader arrange a debate on the situation in Liberia and particularly on the intention to commit members of the Defence Forces to Liberia? I understand this matter will come before the Dáil next week. Under a triple lock mechanism we must have a UN mandate, Government approval and approval of the Dáil, not the Oireachtas, for this. It would be remiss of the Seanad not to debate this...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: We are about to commit some 400 Irish troops to Liberia and will want to debate this over the next 12 to 18 months as the mission unfolds. We should debate the issue from the start and should be made aware of the situation on the ground and of the commitment we are making. As the issue is coming before the Dáil next week, I ask the Leader to consider arranging a debate. I thank Senator Ryan...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Biotechnology.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I join with previous speakers in calling for a debate on stem cell research. I know we do not want to have a debate on the Order of Business, but some of the comments made here this morning are a little unbecoming given the seriousness of the issue. I, for one, have called for this debate on a number or occasions over the last few weeks. I am not aware that the Tánaiste and Minister for...

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on the participation of members of the Defence Forces in this peace enforcing mission in Liberia. At the outset I welcome the Minister to the House. We may not have always agreed on micro issues within the Defence Forces but on a macro basis I congratulate him on his role as Minister for Defence and on the major reform in the Defence Forces, much of...

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I accept that but we have a responsibility to take our troops out of that theatre for a two week period. We should not impose huge financial costs on them in order to avail of that facility. Given the uniqueness of the situation, will the Minister look at that positively? It is a sincere request. It would constitute a once-off basis for this mission, as I am not trying to create a precedent....

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Although I am being flippant, the All-Ireland final of 1988 resulted in a minor incursion by Israeli forces into south Lebanon to try to counteract the new colours which were flying. Those types of morale boosting supports have improved dramatically. I welcome the Minister's assurance to the House that telephone and Internet access will be provided. However, we cannot forget the wives and...

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: And the husbands. I apologise to the Leader. It is imperative that we ensure there is proper support for the families and that we keep that to the fore. I wish my former colleagues in the Defence Force every success on this mission. I also wish them Godspeed and hope they will be safe because there is no doubt they are going into a dangerous theatre. The people and the Defence Forces are...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: It is none of the Senator's business.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I join with previous speakers in wishing the troops going to Liberia well. On the comments on military equipment, we had a good debate in the House on the mission to Liberia and received assurances that the troops would be properly equipped. No one would have more serious concerns in this regard than I, which is why I called for an ongoing debate on the mission while our troops are there. If...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I assure the Opposition that, as a member of the junior party in Government, there is no confusion in my party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Does the Senator want to read my notes?

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I assure Senator Hayes that as a member of the Progressive Democrats, I am well used to Fianna Fáil backbenchers in Cork blaming my party for all the Government's unpopular decisions and taking credit for all the popular ones.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: There is no confusion among the Progressive Democrats.

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I hope Senator Norris will be able to continue to enjoy the luxury of his Jaguar at no great expense. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for his contribution to the debate. There is no denying that over the past 12 months we faced a challenging economic situation. The major international economies performed poorly, the American boom slowed markedly despite comments...

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Now I am getting worried.

Seanad: Book of Estimates 2004: Statements. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I do not believe that either but that is the reason we have been given.

Seanad: Overseas Development Aid: Motion. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I support the motion and welcome the Minister to the House. I compliment him on his drive and initiative in his ministry and in keeping the area of overseas aid to the fore.