Results 3,781-3,800 of 12,886 for speaker:Paul Coghlan

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I welcome the report of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges regarding the prayer at the commencement of sittings. The decision was unanimous and was reached harmoniously, as those who were present will attest. It is not a matter we need to make a fuss about, but if people need a discussion, I am sure the Leader will kindly oblige. I hope such a debate would be held in a respectful...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: As the Cathaoirleach can appreciate, I am not seeking a debate, as I am happy with the situation. However, if some Senators need one, let us have it.

Seanad: Media Standards: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I am delighted the Minister has addressed the Seanad on the subject and I found what he had to say interesting. The Minister said that the legislation "ensures that the public service broadcasters meet the targets set for them by dint of the fact that they are in receipt of public funding". Do I understand that only the State broadcaster receives the funding or does some portion go to...

Seanad: Media Standards: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: Our good colleagues opposite are getting into a flap needlessly. It is only an Ard-Fheis that is coming up, not an election. I have the greatest respect for Senator Darragh O'Brien, as he well knows. He started this morning with some unnamed source and then it became a German MP.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: The truth is that we all know the fiscal compact is very important for this country. It depends on the wording and compatibility with the Constitution. In the first instance it is a matter on which the Attorney General will advise. Members should be patient. Her advice could be imminent.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I wish to add-----

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: We should be calm and patient. I am sure that is what the Leader would counsel. We heard Mr. McCarthy this morning on "Morning Ireland". We know about the difficulties we have. Anything that will be dealt with will be non-core. Nothing is going to happen this year. Nothing will happen until the optimum prices are available and markets recover. We should remain calm and cool.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I urge the Leader to give the Senators wise counsel when he responds.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: We should be calm and wait.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I apologise.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: Listening to learned colleagues, I feel like the simple believer among the theologians.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I hope so.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: It could be that too. Yesterday on the Order of Business, I did not know why there was such a fuss about this recommendation from the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, which had been reached unanimously and harmoniously. I also did not see why there was a need for a debate on it. However, being a parliamentary Chamber-----

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I thank the Senator. She took the words out of my mouth.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I will defer to the Chair on that.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I am a simple traditionalist who loves the idea of the prayer. At the CPP, Senator Bacik acknowledged the majority of Members love or feel attached to it.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: I do not see anything offensive whatsoever in the words of the prayer but I also support the idea of a silent reflection. It will include everyone because we are tolerant, patient, kind, understanding and respectful here. We all get along well with one another, apart from an odd flap on the Order of Business about something or other, as we had this morning. I defer to Senator Byrne on that.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: Yes, in fairness it is not always Senator Byrne. As he knows well, he makes relevant good points also.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Paul Coghlan: Just as the Ceann Comhairle reads the prayer in the other House, I have always thought the Cathaoirleach, or the Leas-Chathaoirleach in his absence, should read it here. That would be more in accord with parliamentary practice in the US Congress, the Houses of Commons and the House of Lords in which the bishops sit. I found myself in agreement with many of the sincerely held points made so...