Results 301-320 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Citizenship Rights for Non-Nationals: Motion (7 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: Perhaps I might proceed without interruption.

Seanad: Citizenship Rights for Non-Nationals: Motion (7 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: We now have 65 days until 11 June, which gives ample opportunity to debate this matter. Senator Hayes referred to the possibility of the matter being contentious. I doubt if it will be very contentious. I do not agree with him that the issue is complex; it is very simple. It gives the Oireachtas the right to legislate regarding Irish-born children of non-nationals. The issue is very simple to...

Seanad: Citizenship Rights for Non-Nationals: Motion (7 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: Free speech.

Seanad: Citizenship Rights for Non-Nationals: Motion (7 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order, those remarks, as the Senator knows, are intemperate and inappropriate and should be withdrawn. It is not the first time——

Seanad: Citizenship Rights for Non-Nationals: Motion (7 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: That is sour grapes.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (8 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: A Leas-Chathaoirligh, as there are only four amendments left, is it possible to fasttrack them to finish Committee Stage within the allocated time? Those amendments can then be re-entered on Report Stage.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (8 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: It is proposed to take Report Stage on Tuesday, 27 April 2004. Report Stage ordered for Tuesday, 27 April 2004.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (8 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: It is proposed to sit again at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 April 2004.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: It was on the radio this morning.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I join in welcoming the Minister of State and I welcome these amendments that will bring clarity to the intent of the Bill. I fully subscribe to everything Senator O'Meara has said, as I think she has put the case very well. The tribunals are inquiring into issues that are matters of public concern and which needed to be inquired into and one looks forward to their ultimate determination. The...

Seanad: Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I note the point being made by Senator Terry and there may be some validity in it. One would wish that people served their sentences. On the other hand, early release must be taken into consideration. Resources should not be used up for such a short period of time. Community service might be relevant in this case. In general, community service sentencing can often be a very prudent and...

Seanad: Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order, the House agreed to discuss the amendments together and when Senator Tuffy spoke to them, she refused to agree to them being grouped together because she did not believe they were related. However, the Chair did not rule on her objection.

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: Senator Brady made an interesting point on following the example of the United States where schools use the curriculum to give people an appreciation of, to use the Minister's words, the privilege of driving, but also the responsibilities, risks and dangers it entails. Extending the areas covered by civics and placing greater emphasis on the subject in the school curriculum could equip...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Bíonn sé anseo go minic le hábhair tábhachtach a phlé. I have listened with interest to Members' comments, especially from the Opposition. I disagree strenuously with the last assertion of Senator Ryan that the Opposition has behaved responsibly on the issue. Many comments made during the course of the debate have been...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: The cost of asylum seeking——

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I am.

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: On Second Stage, I am entitled to deal with issues I consider pertinent and relevant to this debate. The State spends €340 million. Of the 600 civil servants dealing with immigration, some 420 are dealing with asylum seekers. Anybody who contends that the State is not acting responsibly in this respect is not being factual. The main bone of contention from all Opposition spokespersons I...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I appreciate fully that there are different ways of dealing with it but the Government's job is to govern. Equally, if the Government was seen to be vacillating on an issue which the Opposition felt should be addressed, it would be the first to argue that the Government should deal with it instead of prevaricating. The arguments on this issue are simple and the electorate will have no...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (5 May 2004)

Jim Walsh: I will not rehearse the arguments put forward on Second Stage. What is being sought here is further delay by means of referring this matter to an all-party committee. I have been a Member of the Seanad for seven years and I have not seen a simpler amendment to change the Constitution being put before the House. The Bill merely asks that the people allow the Oireachtas to legislate in respect...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (5 May 2004)

Jim Walsh: I am happy to propose that we continue our Committee Stage consideration of the Bill until 5.15 p.m., with the agreement of the House.