Results 501-520 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I join with previous speakers in seeking a debate on child care. No single party has a monopoly on advancing this issue. From interacting with the community, all politicians recognise the need in this regard. Of late, all parties have been putting forward proposals. All parties deserve to have these views aired so we can reach a consensus to advance initiatives and directives in the interests...

Seanad: Morris Tribunal Reports: Motion. (15 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Any democracy needs a fully functioning police force.

Seanad: Morris Tribunal Reports: Motion. (15 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I would like to withdraw and reserve my position to speak later. I would like this matter raised as there is a sequence laid down in Standing Orders. The Minister or Minister of State has the privilege to come in whenever he or she wants. I am quite happy to allow him to speak.

Seanad: Morris Tribunal Reports: Motion. (15 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: The Senator's comment applied to me. It concerned me just walking in to speak. I came in to take the slot prescribed for my party.

Seanad: Morris Tribunal Reports: Motion. (15 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: To indicate there is no ill-feeling, I would like to begin by quoting a distinguished Member and former leader of the Fianna Fáil Party who said in County Clare many years ago, "As I was saying". Any democracy needs a fully functioning police force that commands the respect and confidence of its citizens. Our democracy needs such a force. Reform of the Garda is necessary and that is the...

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion. (16 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome and support this action to ensure we continue to have the necessary legislation in place to provide as best we can for the security of our State. When the renewal of these provisions is discussed in this House or in Dáil Éireann, contributions typically begin with reference to the circumstances in which this legislation was enacted, namely, the Omagh bombing. The House does not...

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion. (16 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I presume it is in order for me to address the Minister of State.

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion. (16 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: The House does not need me to set out the awfulness of that atrocity. It is without question so I would rather focus on the contentious issue of whether we need to renew these provisions. The valid question of balance between maintaining the security of the State and maintaining appropriate civil liberties persists. Since its establishment in 1976 the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: With his armband on.

Seanad: Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (22 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House and I thank Senator Fitzgerald for allowing me to speak before him as I have another meeting at noon. I am glad to have this opportunity to outline a few points on this important legislation. To set the context for this legislation and today's debate, I would like to quote Mr. Justice Ryan. On his appointment in September 2003 as chairperson of the...

Seanad: Inspector of Prisons Reports: Motion. (22 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I, too, welcome the Minister of State to the House. Like previous speakers I would also like to know the recommendations made by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention for 2003 and 2004. Members should note that this is but one of 17 such reports received by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform since the Inspector of Prisons, Mr. Justice Kinlen, was appointed. As...

Seanad: Inspector of Prisons Reports: Motion. (22 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: On the other hand, the director of criminal justice at Civitas in the UK has said that prison surveys reveal that the average prisoner commits approximately 140 crimes per year. Imprisonment prevents that crime, along with reassuring victims and the public in general that something is being done to tackle crime. The basic point is that criminal justice is a complex policy area. Imprisonment...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: It is about time.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: The constituency should have been abolished.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. The setting of electoral boundaries and seat numbers has in the past been a process that has led to some of the most extraordinary political machinations in many countries. The names Elbridge Gerry and Ireland's own James Tully have become forever associated with the more intriguing side of boundary setting. Some would claim that politics has now...

Seanad: Early Childhood Education: Statements. (28 Sep 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials to the House. The importance of education in early childhood is recognised by all. By means of my party's manifesto and An Agreed Programme for Government, the Government has sought to bring together the complex areas of childhood education, child poverty and child care, to ensure that all that can be done is being done. Our objectives are...

Seanad: Garda Investigations: Motion. (28 Sep 2005)

John Minihan: I also welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate Fine Gael for tabling this motion. I am delighted it is now a composite motion to which all Members can agree and support. No one who is aware of my views and those of the Progressive Democrats will be surprised that I will use this opportunity to restate my absolute belief that our democracy must be carefully protected from the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Sep 2005)

John Minihan: I never noticed.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (5 Oct 2005)

John Minihan: I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak. I join with previous speakers in acknowledging the great contribution to public life in Cork of the late Liam Burke. As Senator Ryan said, those of us from Cork knew him as "Burkie". I got to know him in 1999 when I was elected to Cork City Council. Liam was very much the father figure on the council and often offered a word of advice...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (5 Oct 2005)

John Minihan: I extend my condolences to Liam's family and endorse the kind sentiments expressed about him. In this case they are all true. He was parochial in his thinking, promoted Cork and crossed party divides. During those long nights discussing council budgets and so on, Liam always worked behind the scenes and he carried that dedication through his political career. As Senator Brian Hayes said, his...