Results 2,441-2,460 of 4,085 for speaker:Dan Boyle

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: It is particularly useful to have a debate on the position of the Irish labour market in the globalised economy given the present state of the global economy and Ireland's position within it. Recently I listened with interest to Senator Quinn's observations in a radio programme on the role played by Dr. T. K. Whitaker in Ireland's economic development. Senator Quinn gave a fair treatise on...

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I am mildly surprised at the tabling of this Private Members' motion, not that anything in politics should surprise me. The tabling of the motion is badly timed, considering the potential to improve An Post's services and the post office network.

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: This comes a week after the European Court's decision that social welfare allowances should be paid through the post office network. That decision was hard fought for and many thought it could not be won, especially with the impending onset of the EU directive on postal services. That it was won shows the potential for how the one-stop-shop concept, particularly for rural post offices, can...

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: The wording of the motion should have provided an opportunity to have a more open and consensual debate on the future of the postal services.

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I read the motion. It concentrates on post office closures, the diminution of services and the failure of delivery within set times. It is negative throughout.

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: It does not highlight the potential of the post office network.

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: If Fine Gael wishes to be taken seriously as a potential party for government, it should have put forward a broader vision for the postal service, how it would use it to its maximum potential and how the service, which has served us well since the foundation of the State, can adjust to change and the new EU directive. Sadly, I have not heard this in the opening contributions or through the...

Seanad: Postal Services: Motion (21 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: Many of these closures were decided on commercial grounds and population levels. That is not necessarily how these decisions should be made. Ideally, I would like the Government to examine the possibility of a rural services Bill. It should not be the case that a service in a rural area must be justified by population level and viability. No citizen should have to live more than a certain...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: Senator Hannigan may be surprised to know that I support his call for such a debate. The programme for Government includes the need for a review and updating of planning legislation. The process would cover several of the areas he mentioned.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: In light of today's decision, another commitment in the programme for Government should be instigated instantly, namely, a review of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and the legislation that will follow that review. Senators have recently discussed an ongoing process of derogating political responsibility to stand-alone bodies that has diminished political decision making and...

Seanad: Realising Equality and the Traveller Community: Statements (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I wish to share my time with Senator Walsh.

Seanad: Realising Equality and the Traveller Community: Statements (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I was first elected to a local authority in 1991, the first year of former President Mary Robinson's term of office. The platform on which President Robinson was elected included a promise to instigate sponsorship of an architect's scheme for accommodation for the travelling community. This marked one of the first occasions I was exposed, as an elected representative, to the issue of...

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I move: That Seanad Éireann welcomes the commitment in the programme for Government, that this Government is to determine the extent of cross party agreement on the recommendations of the Report on Seanad Reform to advance proposals for implementation, which previously had all party agreement, and work collectively to ensure that as many of these agreed changes can be achieved during the...

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: The Minister is of a mind that other universities and other degree graduates can be brought into this process in a newly enlarged university constituency. My final point, before my colleague addresses the changing functions of the Seanad, concerns the Taoiseach's nominees, although I realise my difficulty in making this argument. The report referred to increasing the number of Taoiseach's...

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I would prefer not to.

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: What about the word "acknowledge"?

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: It could be noted.

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: What about acknowledging it?

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I thank Senators for their contributions and particularly for the tone and tenor of the debate which demonstrates that membership of the House is consistent with the belief we exist to serve. How we do so depends on the quality of this House and its structures. I cannot accept the amendment put forward by the Fine Gael and Labour Party Senators as it is too descriptive. I ask those who...

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Dan Boyle: I withdraw that. The basis of what I said is that the existence of a place on the list is determined by a small number of people, which is an even greater diminution of the electoral process. We should examine this. It is important, in order to get greater public acceptance of the important work we do as Senators, that we get a degree of public involvement in the selection of Members of...