Results 3,861-3,880 of 4,085 for speaker:Dan Boyle

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: It is not mine.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: The use of the phrase "our very survival as a State" is part of the problem we have at the moment in political discourse. We need to pause for reflection. Yesterday evening, the website of The Guardian ran a story stating that a decision had already been made that the International Monetary Fund was to make decisions for this country as of today. Much of the information on international...

Seanad: Overcrowding in Prisons: Statements (Resumed). (11 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: It is fortunate that we have had an opportunity to extend the debate, as the first discussion was followed by the Minister's statement and an indication of substantial change in Government policy. It has also been followed by a significant statement in the UK, where the justice Minister recently announced the closure of six prisons. While the reasons behind such decisions in many countries...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: It undoubtedly is true that the present situation facing the country is very serious. On one level, all Members should offer whatever support they can to the Minister for Finance in the two meetings that are taking place in Brussels today, namely, the euro group meeting and the ECOFIN Ministers' meeting. The country has been coming under enormous pressure that has been fuelled by...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: This must be acknowledged in the first instance. The quality of the reporting, including reporting things as happening that have not happened or predicting things that will happen but that have yet to happen, does little for the quality of the truth that is required to deal with the crisis in which we face ourselves. More importantly, on the issue of governance, if a use must made of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: The visit to this country by representatives of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund may, as Senator O'Toole indicated, provide a response which will help us to deal with the budgetary and banking crises. Given the likely nature of the proposals, they could, if accepted, have serious consequences for the country. We need to be aware that it...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: We can argue about whether the problem could have been avoided or its scale reduced. Like most others, I believe that, at best, the latter outcome was possible. I admit that there is a questioning of trust and that uncertainty has increased. This cannot be allowed to persist because it would call into question the ability of the Government and the basis for being in government. I raise...

Seanad: Death of Member: Expressions of Sympathy (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: On behalf of the Green Party, I extend my sympathy to the late Senator Kieran Phelan's wife, Mary, his children, his extended family and his Fianna Fáil colleagues. Several speakers referred to Kieran's affability and good humour. These are qualities by which many would define him but his commitment to this House should also be stressed. He was party spokesman on defence, an area in which...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Amendment) (No. 2) Scheme 2010: Motion (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: On the Order of Business this morning I agreed with those Senators who had spoken about trust and the growth of uncertainty. My comments were taken in a way I did not directly mean. The public perception of there being a lack of trust and certainty is fuelled by many factors, including international reports since the weekend. The ongoing and preliminary contacts between this country, the...

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I thank the Labour Party Senators for proposing this amendment. I believe it is a drafting improvement and I am quite happy to accept it.

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I can speak on section 2 if it helps.

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I am quite happy to expand on the decision on the proposed amendments. The Bill is quite specific on a category of weapons known as depleted uranium. The deletion of the word "depleted" would mean the Bill would be about uranium weapons in general, which is a far wider scope and includes nuclear weapons which would require a far deeper definition. The Bill is meant to be narrow in its...

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: Amendments Nos. 4 and 6 are being taken together. Does Senator Hannigan also wish to speak to amendment No. 6?

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I would never accuse Senator Norris of being naive. As regards the concept of the State being able to punish itself, we currently seem to be involved in a national self-flagellation exercise so it is obviously physically possible but whether it is possible in a more formal legal sense can be debated further. Amendments Nos. 4 and 6 are intrinsically linked because one follows on from the...

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I am grateful for that approach from Senator Hannigan. As I said in my earlier contribution I am quite happy to have the definition of penalties such as fines and imprisonment included in an eventual piece of legislation. We are trying to get the principle through. While recognising the positive contribution the Minister of State has made to this legislation, particularly on Second Stage,...

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I am grateful to Senator Hannigan for his amendment. The official name of the State is not "Republic of Ireland", although it is the official name of our soccer team. As his amendment represents a drafting improvement, I am happy to accept it.

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: The passage of a Private Members' Bill in either House is a rare and significant event. I thank those who helped us to arrive at this stage. The passage of this important Bill which relates to a weapon that is horrible in its content and effect is a statement of what this House and the country can do to bring about a better world. I thank the staff of the Bills Office for the assistance...

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Committee Stage (17 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: Ag 10.30 a.m. amárach.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: I agree with Senator Donohoe that the role to be played by the Governor of the Central Bank is vital. His appointment has been excellent. We could have been in a position where the Secretary General of the Department of Finance would have been appointed as Governor of the Central Bank, as occurred in the past. That the Governor has been appointed and has the necessary independence is one...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2010)

Dan Boyle: That is another reality we must all face. I am confident that individuals such as Professor Honohan can face the difficulties. We will be better as a country and secure agreement from the representatives of the bodies who will be visiting the country in the coming days. On the call for a debate on climate change and wind energy, the Cabinet has made a decision on the publication of a...