Results 3,301-3,320 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The question of taking motions without debate has regularly arisen in this House. For the benefit of Members, I will explain the long-standing protocol. There is agreement that a proposal to refer a matter to committee will always be taken without debate on the basis that Members of the House can sit in any joint committee where the issue may be discussed. According to convention, when the...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I recognise that occasions arise when the Leader comes under pressure from the Government to bring legislation through the House. We have never been found wanting in co-operating with him in that regard. However, the fine traditions of this grand institution are being threatened. The Order of Business is a precious jewel and I ask the Leader to reconsider his position. I am not asking for...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I regret that education is not on today's Order of Business. I will not make a long speech as to why we need to debate the issue, but I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the impact of the education cuts be discussed by this House.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill 2008: Second Stage (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Like other speakers, I compliment Senator Regan on bringing forward this legislation, which touches a nerve that definitely needs to be addressed. I accept his point that there is a huge demand for this kind of legislation. I would not question his objectives for one moment, but I have significant difficulties with parts of it. I would like to see the Bill going to Committee Stage where it...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: A number of meetings were held with the Leader yesterday regarding No. 1 on the Order of Business. He outlined the difficulties that had arisen for him in respect of last Friday, tomorrow and next Friday and we indicated our difficulties regarding the principle of the proposal. We have managed to reach an honourable compromise or a Chinese bargain, whereby everybody is happy with the...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Issues arise on both sides in regard to topics and the length of the Order of Business. It is important that we deal with issues pertaining to how we do our business. I ask the Leader to arrange a half-day debate soon after our return from the Christmas break. I agree with Senator Fitzgerald on the Lisbon treaty. It is a further example of the Oireachtas being left aside. These issues...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Senator Fitzgerald correctly pointed out that questions have arisen as a result of the statement by the European Food Safety Authority. However, even with the benefit of hindsight, I think the Government did the right thing. It was necessary to act in the way it did to put us beyond suspicion. While I think the market in Ireland will recover immediately, we will face difficulties abroad....

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: That is correct.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Dealing with this issue recently has been difficult for her. While my high regard for her has not been reduced, I oppose this appalling decision, which has caused hurt, chaos and worry among many elderly people who have given their lives and made a considerable contribution to the country. It is a sad end for them. I wish to raise a number of...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I am referring to the spokesperson on health, namely, Senator Feeney.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The statement by the Senator to which I refer was made on the night on which the Seanad debated the budget. Senator Feeney knows me long enough to be aware that I would never put words in her mouth. I will communicate further with her in respect of this matter and if I am incorrect with regard to what she said, I will withdraw my remarks. However, I do not believe that I am incorrect. The...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I am available.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, I gave a guarantee to withdraw a comment I made about Senator Feeney if I discovered it was incorrect. I want to correct her record. On Wednesday, 15 October, she stated in this House: "This is a great budget ...".

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Senator Feeney denied it, however.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: It is a sore point.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: That is the message, that they were up for the craic.