Results 441-460 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: All Governments lose by-elections.

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Politics is a science of hope.

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials with whom I had the pleasure of working in a collegial capacity. I welcome the tone of Senator Bradford's contribution and endorse, as I have done on a number of occasions in this House, the wish that decisions on decentralisation be taken, preferably within the next couple of months. The matter should not be allowed to drag on any longer. To...

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Economics and politics were very much out of kilter 20 years ago but have become much more closely aligned. I pay tribute to the economics profession and the economic institutions which have made a significant and important contribution to the prosperity we enjoy today. I welcome this debate on the OECD report on the economy, which is always valuable reading. I called for this debate on the...

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I am sorry there are not more groups here to participate in what has been a very constructive debate. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Lenihan, for participating and giving the House the opportunity to have this debate. Sitting suspended at 3.35 p.m. and resumed at 5p.m.

Seanad: Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and the unanimity of the House. I deeply regret the necessity of renewing this legislation. One would have hoped the causes which made it necessary would have disappeared. The Minister of State has made clear the successful use of the legislation by the Garda. It is one of its outstanding achievements in the past five years to have managed, since Omagh, to keep...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Everybody knows it.

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I warmly welcome the Minister. Article 1 of our Constitution, which deals with the subject of national self-determination, speaks, among other things, about developing a cultural life of our own. The understanding of what that involves may evolve with time, but my perception is that the arts in all their forms are flourishing at present and have a great resonance abroad. We were reminded by...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: That is correct. It was right that a sort of patronage should have developed into structures, including a Minister for the arts.

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, many of the amateur societies as well. I wish to make two final points. With Cork becoming European city of culture in 2005, the Government has to contribute as much as possible towards making it a success. Cork already has a lively cultural life, but some extra support may be needed and should be given. It is unfortunate that the collapse of the institutions in Northern Ireland has put...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Refurbishment. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: After Longford, Tipperary is number two on the RAPID list and, although it relates to a different subject, the case I will make is very similar. The Cathaoirleach may be familiar with St. Ailbe's vocational school in Tipperary town. It is a fine school in the sense that the students and teachers do good work. However, they have to contend with what are really deplorable conditions. I am...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Refurbishment. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: It is not nearly adequate.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Refurbishment. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: They are more than minor.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I wonder if the Minister for Transport can come to the House before the recess to discuss the financing of the national roads programme, including the charging of tolls. If possible, the Minister might outline the cost benefit analysis and details of the letters he has received from the Irish Road Haulage Association about how congestion is costing millions, if not billions, of euro. Perhaps...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, he is stuck in Drogheda.

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: With the agreement of the House, I wish to share time with Senator Ó Murchú.

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate him again on his work in the Convention on the Future of Europe, especially in relation to the matter we are discussing. On my reading of the text of the Convention, it is very satisfactory from Ireland's point of view and takes account of our interests. However, we have to await developments in the Intergovernmental Conference.

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: It is not like that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: It has been eight and a half months since the Northern institutions were suspended. Even on a best case scenario, they are unlikely to be restored before 12 months are out. I, therefore, support the call for consideration of this matter before the recess in order to help all parties, not just the Governments, to consider what needs to be done to ensure a participative and inclusive peace,...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill 2002: Second Stage. (26 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I welcome the Bill and also the comments of the Fine Gael spokesperson on finance, with nearly all of which I agree. This legislation is of particular interest to me, as one who worked in the Houses of the Oireachtas intermittently, mainly when in Opposition, over the past 20 years. Even if I was paid from the famous leader's allowance, I would...