Results 541-560 of 1,591 for speaker:Eugene Regan

Seanad: Council Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism: Motion (27 Nov 2008)

Eugene Regan: When I asked the question on Tuesday, I specifically highlighted that the House was passing motions without debate and that these were being passed in committee without debate before being referred back to the House, again to be taken without debate.

Seanad: Council Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism: Motion (27 Nov 2008)

Eugene Regan: The Leader gave a firm commitment.

Seanad: Council Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism: Motion (27 Nov 2008)

Eugene Regan: On Tuesday the Leader expressly stated the motion would be taken with debate on Thursday. It is not a question of a typographical error but a commitment the Leader gave.

Seanad: Council Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism: Motion (27 Nov 2008)

Eugene Regan: A dispute has arisen on the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: I refer to the schedule for the week and the motion re the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, back from committee, to be taken without debate. We had a discussion on this last Tuesday in respect of a framework decision on terrorism. I pointed out the unsatisfactory nature of introducing a matter concerning EU legislation without debate in this House, referring to a committee and it...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: The tax receipts for November show a €3 billion shortfall compared to that estimated in the budget. What it shows is that not only is the budget of 2008 out of date but also the budget for 2009. The response of the Minister and the Government has been to wait for the December Exchequer returns and to establish "an bord snip nua", the cost-cutting committee. The point has been made by...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: It is a cop out. There are at least 100 people involved in different Departments in preparing the Estimates for 2009 and the 2010 budget. It will take all of next year for these part-time experts to advise the Government on what decisions it should be taking. The fact is we need instant, decisive action and the response is entirely inadequate. What this highlights is that the 2009 budget...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: The reality is that this is an important national decision which will involve all political parties and many other interests and sectoral groups. To make these decisions without debate or consultation in these Houses is entirely inappropriate. There is one consideration I would put to the Leader and ask that he put it to the Taoiseach. One of the unique selling points of the Lisbon treaty...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: That does not answer my question.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: We had a situation last week relating to specific items concerning EU legislation which were taken with and without debate. Confusion arose as to what was agreed, as if what was suggested was determinative of the Order of Business on the subsequent Thursday. The Leader must be more clear on what exactly is being agreed. In my understanding, we are agreeing the Order of Business of today...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: On the Comhltas Ceoltóirí Eireann issue, I welcome the fact that Comhltas is being supported by the Government. The role it plays in preserving the culture of traditional Irish music is important, and I compliment Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú on his work in the area. As Senator O'Toole said, that issue should not get in the way of the critique of the cutbacks in the summer school grants. ...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: On a point of order, it is in accordance with Standing Orders that when a ruling is made by the Cathaoirleach, it must stand. For Members on the other side of the House to attempt to intimidate the Chair into reversing a ruling——

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: I had vision of Senator Wilson and I did not see him rise. The rulings of the Chair should be respected.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: That is precisely what they are doing.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: I am disappointed with the Minister's speech. There was a build-up to this debate, which had been called for by Senators for quite some time. I thought we would get clarity on some key issues of concern in the economy. How do we restore balance to the public finances? What is the Minister's position on pay in the public service and the national wage agreement? What is his plan in respect...

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: It has occurred under this regime. It was not the responsibility of the Minister, Deputy Lenihan, but of his predecessor, the current Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, who presided over the deterioration in the public finances despite the warnings on the unsustainable position of the public finances by the IMF, the OECD and the European Commission. All this advice went unheeded because there...

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: It laid the basis for the Celtic tiger.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: I was here.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: After Charlie Haughey's Government.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Eugene Regan: Oh, come on.