Results 241-260 of 5,046 for speaker:Paschal Mooney

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: When I think of Ceaucescu, I do not also think of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell. Many years ago someone picked up on a comment the then Taoiseach Charles Haughey made in a narrow political context when asked about a particular policy initiative. The comment may have been relevant to the refurbishment of the new splendid Government Buildings which,...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I was in favour of Abbotstown as a development from the outset. I did not necessarily agree with the arguments that were constantly brought forward about lack of resources. We had growth rates of 13% to 14% and we were generating enormous wealth. The figure of €1 billion was bandied about in initial arguments about Abbotstown. I am sure Senator Morrissey will agree that, regardless of his...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: It is important to make that point and I do not apologise for doing so. I accept that I have a particular agenda, particular in light of the fact that I have worked as a sports journalist for over 20 years, that I played the game and that I am committed to the whole concept. That is why I applaud the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, and the Government but I have also been critical of the fact...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I look forward to the day when we have an all-Ireland soccer team playing at Lansdowne Road. I hope the Government, through the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs who has just entered the Chamber and who may be able to make headway in this area with the help of our European partners, will make efforts to see that this comes...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: As a parliamentarian, while I share Senator Terry's concerns about ministerial replies on motions for the Adjournment, I assure her that the same practice was carried out by previous Administrations.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: We on this side of the House were waiting to hear if Senator Norris had any comments to make on the rubbishing of James Joyce and we were rather disappointed that he did not do so in his usual articulate way.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I support the broad thrust of Senator Norris's comments on the media and the events of the past few days. Will the Leader consider requesting the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, to come to the House and elaborate on his public statements in the past number of weeks on the proposed legislation, for example, the specific proposal on a statutory press council?

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I believe it is of vital importance to the continuing viability of a free press as well as the relationship between a free press and Parliament in a democracy.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: We should be aware of thethinking in Government on this issue. I say this not just as a parliamentarian in this House, but as the general rapporteur regarding the media for the Council of Europe, in which theCathaoirleach had a very distinguished role. There is genuine concern in Europe about what are mainly inventions or interpretations of what is supposedly coming out of Government. It...

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: What about the Department of Agriculture and Food being stuck in the middle of a city?

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: We are getting to the Senator.

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: He is an expert in elections.

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I wish to share time with Senators Wilson and Feeney.

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: It must be difficult to be in Opposition for the one single issue that has captured the imagination of the entire country. Picking up the cue of Senator O'Toole, who surprisingly finished a very positive contribution by saying he could not support the motion on a matter of implementation——

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: The words of Senator O'Toole, as the former president of ICTU, will carry some weight. The question of implementation is something to which we will have to return. When this year's budget was introduced, the one issue that captured people's imagination was decentralisation. This must be admitted by people all over the political spectrum. The very criticism that has been continuously levelled...

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Regional Development: Motion. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: Go and follow that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I support the broad thrust of the suggestion by Senator Ryan, which was supported by Senator Norris, that we should have a debate on the Iraqi situation. We should consider this issue, particularly in light of Ireland's Presidency of the EU. What is the approach of the European Union and of Ireland to the ongoing horror and loss of life unfolding before us in Iraq? I know it is difficult to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I appreciate that. I am trying to emphasise the need to address this serious issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I asked for a debate on Iraq.