Results 301-320 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Before Christmas emergency legislation was introduced in this House by the Minister for Health and Children to deal with the Attorney General's concerns about the constitutional status of various bodies. I am not sure whether assurances were given, but I and many of my colleagues had an understanding that this type of approach to legislation would not be repeated except in extremis. There...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Those opposite may groan but they will say something different to me outside in a few minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: This is relevant. The Senators opposite can have all the din and shouting they want, but I will finish my point. I have been told by my colleagues opposite on more than one occasion, for example, in the matter of the child care subvention scheme, not to waste my breath in the House as the issue would be solved by the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: That is exactly the reaction I expected. This is the position we have come to in these Houses. The Government abrogates the role and functions of these Houses and transfers them behind closed doors to smoke-filled rooms where people clap each other on the back because they, and not the Members of these Houses, have the power.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Including the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Senator Callely can vote for that in a few minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Senator Feeney is deliberately missing the point. We are talking about how power corrupts.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: It is in the Standing Orders.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: It is in the Standing Orders.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: It is in the Standing Orders.

Seanad: Control of Exports Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: I appreciate the Minister of State's comments and the advice he has received. The rationale for our proposal has been taken account of, which I welcome.

Seanad: Control of Exports Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: I agree with the sentiments expressed by my colleagues in respect of the importance of an annual report and the continuing scrutiny of the issues addressed in this legislation. I appreciate there has been some delay and I understand the Minister of State's comments on where the matter stands at the moment but the availability of an annual report and the opportunity for the House to discuss...

Seanad: Control of Exports Bill 2007 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: I also welcome the passage of this legislation and the commitment the Minister of State has shown to consultation with members of the Opposition in both Houses. This is important legislation and, as Senator Phelan said, the fact that Ireland is a small country and some people view our involvement in this trade as merely a drop in the ocean does not detract from the vital importance of the...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements (Resumed) (20 Feb 2008)

Alex White: I also welcome that we are having this discussion and I welcome the Minister's contribution. However, what was just said by Senator Walsh contrasts to some extent with what the Minister has been able to say in his contribution. While I could not disagree with anything the Minister said, it might be the consensus in this House or those of us who have spoken so far that while the Minister has...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Alex White: I thank the Leader for providing us with a note on what I understand to be legislation which will be introduced in the Houses next week. It is a note for the Government meeting this week. I repeat what was stated by many colleagues in December with regard to the health legislation. It is not satisfactory in any parliament for legislation to be published and go through all Stages in both...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Alex White: What about Fianna Fáil's friends?

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Who funds Senator Leyden?

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Alex White: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Matter Raised Under Standing Order 31 (21 Feb 2008)

Alex White: On a point of order, the Senator's two minutes are up.