Results 3,021-3,040 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, I never made either comment.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: That is because they announced it before they spoke to the unions.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The point raised about children's legislation is crucial. We need to give it broader consideration. I received a communication from the National Youth Council stating that the recently issued regulations regarding alcohol and young people were put together without consultation with any youth organisations, which is appalling. In addition the matter should be addressed through legislation...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: We need to discuss the matter. I am not putting this in any assertive way to Senator Butler and I do not query his good intentions. However, people need to understand why we need the facts before us this time. I agree we need to share the pain. We should have a view that anybody who speaks in this House should propose a solution that covers everybody. Income and wage restraint are fine....

Seanad: Cancer Services: Motion (2 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I am delighted to welcome the Minister to the House. In my 21 years in Leinster House I have never learnt anything in political debates on the health area. Anything I learn about the health service I learn through talking to people working in the service or through listening to experts on the radio. I find it very difficult ever to find that middle line and I tend not to involve myself in...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I join other Senators in welcoming the release of Ms Ingrid Betancourt. This is a topical global issue and who knows what minor incremental influence we might have had somewhere along the way, but the fact that nations cared and offered a view on her detention is very important. We are in an age when we are able to watch, when CNN decides to broadcast it, rockets going down streets in...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I have heard various reports. I do not believe she was rescued by the army without a shot being fired.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I also find it difficult to believe that her release was negotiated. I am simply making the point that we still do not have all the information. It is another example of how news is manipulated and edited. I call for a debate in this House on neutrality in the context of Zimbabwe. I would like to hear Members indicate what they feel Ireland, Europe and the UN should do. I am certain about...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: When people speak about neutrality, I never know what they mean precisely. I know what it means to me but others have a different view. We must examine the issue of neutrality in the context of Zimbabwe, the good samaritan and so forth.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, I thank the Leader for his unprecedented identification of speakers during a debate. I assure him that he has lost much of this side's co-operation. He should apologise to the Senator he threatened to name. Despite the fact that the Leader of the House stood and asked a Member on this side to read the Standing Orders, he does not have the option of naming anyone.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The Standing Orders are clear and I advise him to read them. Instead of looking at the number of speakers who do not appear for a debate, a matter that will be regularly shoved his way during the coming months, he should read Standing Orders 50 and 51. They state that only the Cathaoirleach may name a Member of the House. An apology and a withdrawal of the threat made by the Leader would...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: There is no misunderstanding. The Leader threatened to name the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I want to make it absolutely clear that irrespective of whether the Leader asked the Cathaoirleach whether he would name someone, the answer is still the same. Even if the Cathaoirleach said "Yes" to that, the Leader still could not do so. Will the Cathaoirleach clarify that for the House?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Am I right in saying it is a matter for the Cathaoirleach?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I thank the Cathaoirleach for that.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Yes, and it did not change this morning. The Leader should read the rules some time.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2008)

Joe O'Toole: It would be worthwhile if the House noted and welcomed the new initiative from the library and research service of the House, namely, a digest of each new Bill. One of the reasons this House wanted such a service was that it would get an unbiased, unprejudiced and neutral view on the legislation and would not have to depend on the explanatory memorandum issued by the sponsoring Department....

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2008)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, the Leader did not indicate the position regarding the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The Leader is supposed to be seeking a bipartisan approach. It is appalling that the time cannot be extended.

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to the House. In all honesty, as one who has admired the contributions he has made, his speech today was one of his weaker contributions. It is not a day to come in and tell us we must also take steps to improve productivity or that we must be committed to implementing responsible fiscal policies. That is not today's business — it is...