Results 361-380 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (6 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister and congratulate him on his appointment. I wish him well in the challenges facing him in the changing environment of the Defence Forces and pay tribute to his predecessor, Deputy Michael Smith, who presided over major changes therein. While we may not always have seen eye to eye and locked horns on numerous occasions, I acknowledge the...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: I have studied this amendment carefully and listened to what Senator Maurice Hayes has said. Given his experience, it would be unwise not to take on board his viewpoint. However, from a Defence Forces' perspective, the institution is somewhat different in that a body of personnel is subject to civil as well as military law and is governed under the Defence Act. The military police investigate...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes referred to the exposé which will take place six months after the appointment of the ombudsman.

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: I can assure him from my knowledge of the military that if such an exposé were to take place, the programme would not be over before the military authorities would have the director of military police on the line and a military investigation would be started immediately. That is my experience. I accept what Senator Maurice Hayes said about closed societies. No one was more frustrated in the...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes should allow me to speak. I am genuinely trying to contribute to the debate by bringing on board my 21 years of experience in the Army which I believe is relevant to the discussion. Things take place in military training that would be in breach of all manner of legislation if they were to take place in civilian training. I would not like to have an ombudsman sitting at...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: That is correct. I accept that.

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: A technical modification might be necessary to this amendment where Senator Brian Hayes refers to the adjutant general. The position of adjutant general no longer exists in the Defence Forces. Deputy Chief of Staff — Support would be the correct term for the position to which he refers. I am a little surprised by this amendment because a number of sections address the point raised by...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: It can be a he, a she or an it.

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: A recruit is a member of the Defence Forces, as distinct from the Canadian system, or even the Garda system whereby a garda in the Garda college is a student, as distinct from being a member of the Garda Síochána. There is a clear distinction. It is only in phase 3 that he or she becomes a member of the Garda Síochána. Before a recruit puts on the uniform he or she is attested as a member...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: The only place "applicants to the Defence Forces" will encounter the Defence Forces is through the interview process. If the case is so severe and the traumatic interview has taken so much out of him or her, then he or she can go to the Ombudsman, as distinct from the ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The legislation also covers the civil servant. Perhaps Senator Brian Hayes would like to...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: They can go to the Ombudsman.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: I am delighted to speak on this motion and I welcome the Tánaiste's appointment to the health portfolio. While the health service is one of the major issues of debate, we should remember that our health service, when compared internationally, is a very good one. I admit there are problems but since 1997 the coalition Government has endeavoured to address these in many ways. Various reports...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I spoke at length on this issue on Committee Stage. I would not altogether concur with Senator O'Meara. This amendment as tabled by two members of the Opposition goes back to the over-civilianisation of the Defence Forces. There is a unique system within the Defence Forces involving the law of the land, military law and the military redress system. These aspects must be brought into play...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: Are we putting pressure on the ombudsman by the non-receipt of a complaint that he or she will have to respond to calls from politicians, the media or misinformed calls? If a complaint has to be made there is a system in place for that purpose and the ombudsman can respond to it. I am satisfied that in the Defence Forces, where the law of the land, military law and a military redress system...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I too thank the Minister for steering this legislation through the House. We have had an interesting debate which has allowed us speak on the broader issues of the Defence Forces. I welcome that because there has been a lack of effort and commitment in some areas to their promotion. This opportunity to highlight the great work they do, both at home and abroad, is therefore welcome. I...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Second Stage. (9 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley. As previous speakers have noted, this welcome legislation is long overdue. It is vital that the legitimate concerns of members of the public are protected to ensure they are confident that professionals providing services are properly qualified and competent. The professions require protection where...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I support the calls for a debate on the Middle East. We must keep this matter to the fore in terms of our foreign policy. I look forward to discussing the issues and I hope the Leader will make time available for a debate in the near future. I also support Senator Finucane's call for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House. It is time we listened to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: The Senators opposite have had their opportunity——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes is aware——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I do not have to take any lectures from the Senator.