Results 541-560 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Yes, up Kildare and up Punchestown.

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I wish to share time with Senator Tuffy.

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate on this motion. Much of what has been said hurts people on a particular side of the House. However, that happens when one speaks of statistics and facts. It is no secret that our health service is at the point of collapse not because of a lack of funding but because of sheer bad management. The management shown by Government in this...

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Under the Hanly report, accident and emergency services are to be curtailed. I admire the political will of people to defend services at their local hospitals. The Hanly report was defended by a Government Senator this evening. It is clear that accident and emergency units are under serious threat. I would like the Minister to tell us when those closures will commence.

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: No.

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: The Minister, Deputy Martin, will close Roscommon.

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Senator Leyden should defend his hospital.

Seanad: Hospital Services: Motion. (30 Jun 2004)

Michael McCarthy: It is under pressure.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: An article was published in today's The Irish Times on the profits made by insurance companies. Some 20 companies in the market made combined pre-tax profits of almost €750 million last year. I recognise the amount of debate we have had in the House in the context of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board and the many areas associated with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 6: In page 23, to delete lines 1 to 8. This amendment was debated at length on Committee Stage in this House. It concerns notice by electronic mail. The Bill places a legal obligation on people to check their e-mail. That is totally unrealistic. I know that it is one of the methods, and the Minister present on the last occasion pointed out that there are several...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Considering the Minister's commitment to a verifiable paper audit trail, I have no choice but to withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 7: In page 28, line 34, after "(2)" to insert "and provided that the Minister is satisfied that democratic accountability for the function concerned will be ensured". We debated this in some detail on a previous occasion. There is a real issue of accountability and transparency. It is important that this amendment be inserted. The section could result in the privatisation...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for accepting the amendments. There is an onus on us to ensure we enact good legislation. It is positive when amendments which improve the content of legislation are accepted, be those amendments textual, technical or otherwise. Our primary objective is the pursuit of good legislation.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 14: In page 40, line 16, to delete "executive" and substitute "reserved". I raised this point on the last occasion we discussed this legislation. A critical issue arises in terms of how local authorities do their work as regards the functions of elected members and officials. Many people, of whom I am one, believe the executive has too much power. Giving powers to...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (1 Jul 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I acknowledge the Minister of State's reply. I would like to speak about the consultation that may or may not take place between a county manager and the members of a local authority. If the decision is an executive one, it will be taken by the county manager irrespective of the views of members. This is particularly true of contentious issues, such as refuse collection services, which will...