Results 2,901-2,920 of 4,085 for speaker:Dan Boyle

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: With regard to the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority, although a proposal had been made to create a single agency, they will remain independent organisations with a shared secretariat.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: The Combat Poverty Agency issue is something I personally consider unfortunate. Efforts are being made to arrange for the agency to discuss the matter with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. I am not sure how that situation will be dealt with in the immediate future. We must await events following that discussion. Senator O'Toole and Senator Leyden raised the airport levy. How it...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: They are international airports.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senator Alex White, Senator Leyden and, to an extent, Senator Hannigan raised the issue of fuel pricing differentials. Senator Hannigan spoke about the wider issue. The question on fuel was on foot of the recently released European report which shows that Irish prices are higher than those in other European countries before taxes are applied. However, Irish prices at the pump are still...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: The question of profiteering, as some speakers mentioned, is being addressed in a report from the National Consumer Agency.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senator Leyden and Senator Norris raised the issue of rendition. The American administration that will be dealt with on this issue is the one led by President George W. Bush, who brought this policy into practice. The transition of the new president who will be elected in the United States today will take place in January. I agree that all the measures that have been agreed can only be a...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senator O'Reilly and Senator Buttimer spoke about the US elections and a new initiative on the position of the undocumented Irish. It is a good opportunity and I will make that view known. It is also an opportunity to wish the two main party candidates well in today's elections, even though——

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: ——we might wish some candidates better than others.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: We need to be at least somewhat politic, although I wish to stress, on a personal level, that the passing from one administration to another, regardless of who is in charge, cannot come soon enough for many people, given the practices that have occurred. The current President has compromised the world in terms of peace and economic stability.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senators Ó Murchú and Glynn raised the issue of No.16 Moore Street and the need to protect that building as a national monument. This is, first and foremost, a matter for Dublin City Council but the concerns of Senators will be made known to the relevant Department. Senator Mullen withdrew his request for a debate on stem cell research on the basis that he intends to introduce a Private...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senator Mullen also raised the question of Burma and the treatment of the Chin people. Indeed, several speakers raised issues in the foreign affairs arena, including the need for an international commission of inquiry in Somalia with regard to the recent Sharia law case concerning a 13 year old girl who was raped. Senator Ormonde asked for a debate on Irish Aid, in the context of the recent...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: ——on what he sees as ideals in society. However, the Civil Partnership Bill is very much a part of the programme for Government. In itself, it is a compromise of the positions of both parties in government. The Green Party's position on civil partnership is stronger than what is likely to be introduced in the Bill. Nonetheless, it is a development in legislation that will deal with...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Senator MacSharry has consistently called for a debate on BreastCheck and, given the concerns about how the programme is operating in the north west, he is justified in continually raising the issue in the House. The Senator will have an opportunity tomorrow, with the visit of the Minister for Health and Children to the House, although I accept it will not be the perfect opportunity, given...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I accept that, but the intention is to keep alive the Bill that the Senator has presented to the House or to force the Government to come up with a better alternative, and that is what we will seek to do. Senator Bacik also asked about the protection of listed buildings, which ties in with the request from Senator Glynn for a debate on legislation and regulations as they apply to derelict...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I hope that request will sit well with the intention to discuss these issues on a regular basis in the House. I advise Senators that it is proposed that statements on broadcasting standards will conclude at 6 p.m. this evening.

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: A comment was made on the usefulness of this debate. It is worth noting this Chamber has a history of debating issues of public offence and censorship. The most famous debate in this Chamber was on the publication of The Tailor and Ansty in 1942, which had some of best contributions ever made in a Seanad debate and is a depressing account of Ireland as it was then as most of the...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: When the old age pension was first introduced in 1908 by David Lloyd George, it was seen as a progressive measure. It was, undoubtedly, the first political statement on these islands — Ireland was part of that jurisdiction then — of governmental intent on looking after the needs of older people in society. It can be argued that it was cynically introduced as the eligibility age for the...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: No. Since 1908, people have been living longer and healthier lives, fortunately, but their health needs and the cost of meeting them are also increasing. The Government is committed to introducing the best possible public health care service for the maximum number of people in society. Where that cannot be met from public resources — it must be remembered we are dedicating €16 billion...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: Other than pious aspirations, I am not hearing those questions being asked or answered by the Opposition parties.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Statements (5 Nov 2008)

Dan Boyle: I heard the Minister raise Fine Gael's policy from the last general election which was based on 4.5% economic growth for the next five years.