Results 301-320 of 996 for speaker:John Gerard Hanafin

Seanad: International Criminal Court Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages (12 Oct 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I thank the Minister of State and his officials. It is worth recalling the savage and brutal events that led to the creation of the International Criminal Court. Conflict among nations has resulted in great loss of life and destruction. In an effort to afford justice to the victims of this devastation, ad hoc tribunals have been established to ensure legal responsibility. It is not least...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support the calls for a debate on agriculture, and I would like to commend the Minister on the great work she is doing. I would especially like to seek a debate on bio-fuels. Last week we had a debate on energy and there was a strong demand for excise duty to be removed from home-grown fuel. We have a case for such measures, particularly in light of the quantitative restriction law in...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I can, however, understand why the United States would want information in light of the events of 11 September 2001.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support the calls for debates on both energy and competitiveness. I accept there was a debate on energy recently but there are other issues that could be usefully debated, for example, our high dependence on oil and media reports last year which indicated that there was a possibility of electricity cutbacks in some sectors. Many matters are not being examined, including the reluctance of...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I call for a debate on credit institutions, particularly after the recent statements by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on those who do not qualify for credit being forced to go to moneylenders who charge exorbitant amounts. This year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, arranged a microcredit scheme for the poorest of the poor communities, through his Grameen Bank. The...

Seanad: Patents (Amendment) Bill 1999: Second Stage (26 Oct 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: A balance must be struck with patents. There is the risk and reward necessary for people who will undertake long, difficult and arduous tasks in an effort to create something for the benefit of all. For example, Edison made 4,000 attempts to come up with the rubber formula. When he was asked whether his effort was a waste of time and money, he replied it was not, that he had found 4,000...

Seanad: Disability Act 2005 Sectoral Plans: Statements (2 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, to the House and thank him for his speech. The progress that has been made to date is most welcome. The Seanad can play a very important non-partisan role in the debate on the framework for social partnership agreement, specifically dealing with disability. I look forward to seeing each sectoral plan being integrated into the business plans and...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support calls for a debate on the Middle East. Today, 18 people were killed in Beit Hanoun. For those of us who strongly support Israel and her right to thrive and survive, it is sad to see the response to a single rocket attack kill 18 people.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: There is no difference between Palestinian children's shoes in the rubble and Jewish children's shoes in the rubble. Both incidents are sickening and the public is outraged. As a pro-life supporter I am opposed to the death sentence. Not only does it not serve the purpose intended, it is counter-productive. It is the soft, weak option. One may be executed within months instead of spending...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I, too, call for a debate on legislation pertaining to the protection of life. I was glad to hear this morning that a direct link was made between care for the elderly and care for the embryo. The approach required is holistic and it is a question of value. Regardless of whether the Houses decide to protect life in legislation, it is still precious. This is the important point. Can we,...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I share the views of previous Senators in calling for a debate on trafficking in the sex industry. Slavery has again reared its very ugly head in society, and I share the view that those involved in the clubs where illegal immigrants work have a particular responsibility in this matter. That point was well made by Senator Ryan and it should be pursued, as those people should feel the brunt...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I ask the Leader for a debate on the economy. The Economist publication for 2007 has been issued and Ireland is again shining with a gross domestic product, GDP, per person far in excess of our European neighbours, which shows we have done things right. GDP is not the only measure of success. Another measure is the sharing of that wealth and that is why I would welcome a debate on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: Over decades we have ensured that money has been expended for all the people of this country. I would like a debate to focus on the economy, education and the need for continued spending in that area. Now that we have become a wealthy nation, we must examine research and innovation.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2006: Second Stage (6 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I wish to share my time with Senator Daly.

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2006: Second Stage (6 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister to the House. This is a technical Bill and I support the recommendation of the enterprise strategy group and the new mandate for Shannon Development. The indigenous industry support functions carried out by Shannon Development under delegated authority from Enterprise Ireland will revert to Enterprise Ireland on 1 January 2007. The reversion of these functions will...

Seanad: Industrial Development Bill 2006: Second Stage (6 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: In 2004, e-towns were launched and Limerick broadband networks were completed. Technology was boosted in different areas and heritage attractions have been developed at Bunratty Folk Park. The living past centre has been developed at Craggaunowen, which opened in 1970. It has been a marvellous success story. I wish the Minister well. He will continue the good work. Transferring staff to...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support my colleagues' call for a debate on landmines. We have seen the terrible effects of landmines in particular areas many decades after wars have ceased there. It is time for landmines, like chemical and biological weapons, to become unacceptable and be banned. The budget was an excellent, fair and balanced budget which looked after all sectors. However, it demonstrates clearly a...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: Senator Ryan rightly mentioned media coverage of debate in this House and that every Member is entitled to coverage. The Irish Times journalist in the House gives adequate and full coverage to all, but the newspaper management is slow to print some of what is covered and only prints what it wants.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I share the call for a debate on the cost of nursing homes and the future plans in this area. This Government has a fine tradition of providing for the future, as the National Treasury Management Agency encourages people to take out pensions. Two major costs most people encounter during their lives are school fees and long-term nursing home care. It is possible, through long-term and ultra...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2006)

John Gerard Hanafin: I ask the Leader for a debate on the subvention for private rented accommodation, particularly on the trend to increase rents not only by the amount of inflation but also that of mortgage increases. Many people depend on the subvention and are on the maximum rent supplement. While it is outside our control, we should note and debate it as it could become a difficulty. We must ensure those...