Results 541-560 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Although the age-old debate of equality of opportunity versus equality of outcome rages on, equality remains the objective. The tax system is a central plank to achieving that objective. I welcome the Department of Finance's work in examining the equity of these tax reliefs and support the Minister in his efforts to achieve the fairest and most equitable tax system possible. Unlike some...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The Senator lost the debate in Trinity College and he cannot win tonight.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The Senator is illogical.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (9 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The principal's office.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I join my colleague, Senator Brian Hayes, in calling for all-party support for the Shot at Dawn Campaign. The campaign deserves our support, particularly when one studies the cases that have been put forward. People were shot for wandering from trenches, suffering either from shell shock or post-traumatic stress disorder. We are aware of these disorders now but they were unknown at the time....

Seanad: Ferns Report: Statements. (10 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this important debate. During a series of statements such as this, striking a balance is difficult. On the one hand, we have all the selfless and significant work done by the church in Ireland over the centuries. On the other, we have the most awful treatment of vulnerable children at the hands of some members of the clergy and a failure on the...

Seanad: Juvenile Offenders: Motion. (16 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and compliment him on his approach to this issue. The Labour Party motion refers to measures to prevent children offending and re-offending and to how to help young people at risk of offending. If one looks at the range of actions that make up the work of the National Children's Office, it is obvious that truly helping children requires a broad...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the Ferns Report, resumed, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., with the contributions of Senators not to exceed 15 minutes each.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of the proposed rally to be held in Athlone in regard to the Nally case. Senator Daly also welcomed the postponement of the rally. He referred to the different view held by Senator Higgins who spoke from Strasbourg on the matter. That is what happens in parties, as we know all too well.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Bradford and Senator Jim Walsh also——

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I did not refer to any particular party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Bradford and Senator Jim Walsh also welcomed the postponement of the proposed rally, as do we all. Some valid points were made in contributions about the approach we should take on this matter. Senator Brian Hayes also raised the issue of property rights and people's right to defend their own homes. In light of recent events we could make a serious contribution to the national debate....

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: While I am not a member of the Taoiseach's party——

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: ——I do not at any time question the Taoiseach's loyalty to the Irish language. Senator Ryan referred to him jumping from one issue to another. Senator Ryan has jumped fairly well himself from one party to another.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I am responding to the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Ryan raised the serious issue of the use of white phosphorous in the war in Iraq. This point was supported by a number of other speakers, including Senators Ó Murchú, Jim Walsh and Mansergh. Everybody knows the position I took on the Iraq war but I support the comments made on this issue. One of the main reasons for going to war was the potential use of chemical weapons and now we...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The views of the House today will be brought to her attention. Senator Ryan also raised the issue of the Minister for Defence. I am glad Senator Ryan grew out of the habit of playing with guns at six years of age. Regarding the press photographs today, the Minister for Defence interacts with the Defence Forces and this will happen if a sharp photographer takes a photograph at a particular...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: They were different angles.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator MacSharry raised the issue of the Rural Ireland 2025 report. His call for a debate on the west was supported by a number of other speakers, including Senators Ulick Burke, Kitt and Feeney. We have a basis to seek a debate in the House on the report. I will raise the matter with the Leader and seek to arrange one. Senator Daly raised the issue of law and order in Kilrush. That is an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: That would be my understanding of the matter. It would be highly inappropriate for the Minister to become involved in decisions on the deployment of gardaí. Senator Bradford made a point about funding that is available from the European Union. We should examine the area of intercultural relations, as has been highlighted by recent events. Senator McHugh raised the issue of the Irish...