Results 461-480 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: It is a pity the Minister did not tackle these incentives head-on instead of falling back on the idea of a review. That is a fudge. In general, however, it would be churlish to dismiss or oppose this budget. On the whole it has done good things that the economy can afford.

Seanad: Aer Lingus: Statements. (2 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I propose to share my time with Senator O'Toole.

Seanad: Aer Lingus: Statements. (2 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I sometimes wonder whether Aer Lingus is in crisis. For a company that is earning more than €100 million per year and with prospective earnings of similar amounts next year, it is difficult to paint it as being in a critical situation. Financially, it is not in a critical situation. The crisis is of a different type, which could provoke a financial crisis quickly. I am not talking about the...

Seanad: Aer Lingus: Statements. (2 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: Can the Minister indicate the type of person he imagines will take Mr. Walsh's job? What qualities will a replacement possess that Mr. Walsh did not, and vice versa? If Mr. Walsh and his crew are fed up with the difficulties in the State sector because the Government is in the way, what kind of man or woman will take on this job? The frustrations felt by Mr. Walsh will be even greater when...

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I join in the expressions of regret, congratulations and applause for Frank Lane on his retirement. He has been here as long as the Cathaoirleach and me and it is a tribute to his endurance that he has served so many Members and been so popular for so long. He has one of those extraordinary talents now lacking in many in modern Ireland in that he always has time for people. He has always been...

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: His passing out through the gates this evening should make us aware of the great value of all the ushers. They are all tremendously helpful and do much for us that we often take for granted. I do not think the Leader mentioned the party for Frank this evening at 5.30 p.m.

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I assume all Members are welcome and now they are aware of it, some will be there. Frank Lane was a great usher and we will miss him greatly.

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: Only to Senator McDowell.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: All or nothing.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I was struck by what Senator ÓMurchú said and it should be echoed on this side of this House. The recent leak to the newspapers which raised the possibility of it being somehow embedded in the agreement that we would have representatives from Northern Ireland in this House has been interpreted as somehow slipping terrorists into the House. If that were so, all of us would condemn it and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: Let us not underestimate that. I include Seamus Mallon, John Robb, Gordon Wilson and all others. They played a significant and serious role. There is however a terrible danger in a reluctance to allow us to debate Northern Ireland on the grounds that we are somehow irresponsible, or will say something improper. We are elected representatives, here to discuss immediate issues in a mature...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I add my voice to those of a number of Members from the other side of the Chamber, in particular Senators Bohan and Ormonde, who expressed disgust at the raising of the toll charge on the M50 from €1.50 to €1.80. It is important that we realise that the Westlink bridge was put in place many years ago to alleviate the traffic problem, but it is now contributing to it in a major way. It is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I would not mind nationalising it. I have taken on the left many times. It is not very difficult with the Labour Party nowadays.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: We should note that when this bridge was originally built there were approximately 11,000 cars going through per day. There are now 90,000 per day. It is an absolute absurdity that it is allowed to obstruct the traffic of Dublin. The M50 will now be a double cause of delay because there will be three lanes on it in five years time and there will be a permanent traffic jam when the upgrading...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I second Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business which undoubtedly will also be supported by Senator Jim Walsh. Senators Ryan and Minihan have raised the issue of judges on which I am seeking a debate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I am asking the Leader if we can have a debate on political appointees to the Bench.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: It is important that judicial decisions be questioned by this House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: I am well aware of that but it is our job to debate those appointments and it is not forbidden to debate them in this House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: Then I shall table a motion on this and I do not expect the Chair to make a ruling forbidding the discussion of political appointments and outrageous decisions by judges.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Shane Ross: Will the Leader give time for a discussion of political appointments to the Judiciary?