Results 221-240 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

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

Joe O'Toole: I must have more than one minute. I started at 10.29 p.m.

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

Joe O'Toole: I am sorry, I did not start at 10.27 p.m. Senator Bannon was still speaking at 10.28 p.m. I say that for the record. I did not get on my feet until much nearer 10.30 p.m. For once I wrote it down because I felt that side of the House was trying to push things on too rapidly. I understand the Chair is working on the basis of advice.

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

Joe O'Toole: No, I will get some back now. In terms of the protection of documents I want the Minister of State to try to listen to this with a warped mind, which he does not have, and see what he could do with it. The Bill states:

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

Joe O'Toole: The group did not speak to anybody.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (5 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: My recollection of August 1969 is also hazy as I was I was trying to find my way from the Bronx to Woodstock. There was a haze over me.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (5 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I never knew the late Senator O'Reilly, but it is proper to recognise commitment to public service by recording our appreciation of his endeavours in this House over 24 years. At a time when we are trying to attract people to politics, which is held in lesser and lesser regard by the public, it is important to single out role models. The Independent Members wish to associate themselves with...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I agree with the points made by Senator Brian Hayes about the late sitting last night and the pressure put on the staff of the House. It was absolutely unnecessary because we could have finished that business on Thursday afternoon but the decision of Government in the matters was different. It is a pity that the House had to sit late to deal with its business. It is not an efficient manner of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I am very pleased to hear that and I am sure other Members will welcome it. I am also sure that the Senator who made the remarks will take the Cathaoirleach's advice and withdraw them.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: On yesterday's Order of Business the Leader indicated that a matter would conclude at a certain time. I misinterpreted that to mean that the discussion would finish at that time, rather than that Committee Stage of the Bill would finish at that time. I wish to be absolutely clear about what is proposed for today.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I fully accept that. However, there was a misunderstanding on this side of the House. I am not saying the Leader caused it deliberately. Are we saying that Committee Stage of the Local Government Bill 2003 will conclude today when people are finished talking about it rather than there being a guillotine? I think the Leader made it clear today that it will continue for as long as Senators wish...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I wish to address an issue raised by Senator Brian Hayes, which we have already raised two or three times. During the Second Stage debate on the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003, every speaker raised the question of consultation, which the Minister acknowledged in his reply. He also indicated that consultation with people had not taken place and that only reports which were two or...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I second Senator Brian Hayes's proposal. In my 15 or 16 years in the House, it is without precedent that a request from three groups for a special meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges would not be conceded. While I accept the Chair has the authority to do this, I do not think it is correct. The issue was raised out of concern about the way business is conducted in the House....

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: This, however, is bad for the House. It reflects badly on the Cathaoirleach, the House and its operation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: New Senators might not be aware of this but there is nothing written anywhere to prevent long speeches on the Order of Business, except that it takes time from other Members. The record shows that a former Leader of the House spoke for 45 minutes on the Order of Business. It can be done, although I do not intend to do so at this stage. The image of the House is at risk and the way we conduct...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: On the business of the House, not on an issue. That is the point.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, this is impossible. Two speakers are standing which is grossly unfair to those who should be entitled to make their point.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: In fairness, I am sure he would prefer to be somewhere else. He has been unfairly dumped with an impossible job.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: I do not question his experience. I hold him in high regard.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: Fianna Fáil actually stated it did not go far enough.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Joe O'Toole: Riddle that with what it is doing now.