Results 261-280 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: Members must understand their roles and how to develop them. I agree with much that Senator White said. It is not undemocratic but unhealthy that there are not enough women in public life.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: Political correctness does not frame my view but legitimacy, and the diversity that can bring to public life. I have spent time talking to women's groups and realise it is a difficult issue. Women need support and encouragement and I am happy to provide that. However, when an attempt is made to find women to go into politics, the number willing to do so melts away, which is disappointing. I...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: We are arguing opposite points of view. I take the view that the dual mandate should end. That would be good for public life, local government, the Seanad and Dáil Éireann. It would be good for the enhancement of our respective roles that the structural cross-overs that exist will be removed. There will, of course, be complementary roles between the existence and demands of local and...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I remind Senator Tuffy that I quoted Article 18.2 of the Constitution which says that "a person to be eligible for membership of Seanad Éireann must be eligible to become a member of Dáil Éireann". I quoted directly from the Constitution.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I never said that.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: We have discussed these issues at length, but at the heart of the point being made is the question of whether or not we are making the break between local and national government. If we are, this Bill is the way to do it. Senator Tuffy has effectively proposed that we consider the matter for six years, instead of thinking about it for the next 12 months, which begs the question "How long is a...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: It would be unfair of me to quote what they said, but I can say that they did not convey to me that there had been a major policy shift with regard to the dual mandate.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: If the Senators were serious about reform, they would support the provisions I seek to introduce. In this case, they wish to know the result of the race before they allow their horse to run. This is an evolutionary process.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: Some very junior grades are allowed.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I have listened with great interest to the debate on this aspect and intend to introduce an appropriate amendment on Report Stage to address the concerns raised. It will insert a new expanded section to replace section 3. The matter will be addressed by way of statutory regulations as opposed to guidelines. I hope the amendment will be seen as an attempt to deal with the issue in a fair and...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I will take everything into consideration. There is much validity in what has been said, both in this House and elsewhere. There will be a full debate on my proposals on Report Stage.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: On Report State I will propose the insertion of a new section. Issues may arise regarding the statutory regulations but the key provision will be a repeal of section 3. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Amendments Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, not moved.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I understand the logic behind the amendment which would insert a new subsection (5) in section 3 of the Bill, as published. It seeks to have local authority annual reports laid before both Houses. I have already indicated my intention to bring forward a new version of section 3 by way of amendment on Report Stage which will provide for the making of regulations. I propose to deal with the...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I was not aware of this but the Local Government Act 2001 does set time limits for the production of annual reports to be approved by elected members. The time frame is about four months. Therefore, the accounts should be laid before members by April of the following year. Some councils are achieving this target. Perhaps those Senators who are councillors should raise the issue. This is...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I am saying by 1 April, which is three months. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Section 3 agreed to. Sections 4 and 5 agreed to. SECTION 6. Question proposed: "That section 6 stand part of the Bill."

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: This is just to bring clarity. The person must choose. By doing it this way we bring certainty into which authority the person chooses. Question put and agreed to. SECTION 7.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: The Senator is discussing amendment No. 14. We are discussing amendment No. 11 tabled by both Fine Gael and the Labour Party. The Labour Party opposes the repeal in section 7 of the Bill of the provisions of the principal Act providing for direct election of county and city cathaoirligh in 2004. The relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 are principally contained in Chapter 3 of...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: That is accepted by the Senator's colleagues.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: The Senator's colleagues accept there is a different point of view.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: The elimination of the dual mandate as proposed will in itself bring about significant change to the local government system and allow for an influx of fresh blood, with the opportunity for councillors to participate in a fuller and more meangingful fashion with SPCs, information training and back up as well. We will also open the system to wider representation by women and young people. I...