Results 561-580 of 1,714 for speaker:John Dardis

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (29 Jun 2004)

John Dardis: Amendments Nos. 200 and 201 are related and may be taken together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (29 Jun 2004)

John Dardis: When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Jun 2004)

John Dardis: The Order of Business is No. 1, the rescinding of a motion which was referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food yesterday — the reason for rescinding the order made by the Seanad is a technical difficulty which arose in connection with the item — to be taken without debate——

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Jun 2004)

John Dardis: ——No. 2, the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Bill 2003 — Second Stage, 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 spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than five minutes before...

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

John Dardis: I join in the Cathaoirleach's welcome to our colleagues from the United States. It is very good to see them in the Seanad. I do not know how much time I have to deal with all the questions that have been asked, but I am running out of paper. Senators Brian Hayes, Ó Murchú, Ormonde, Maurice Hayes and Leyden raised the GAA report into alcohol and questions concerning sponsorship by firms...

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

John Dardis: We must acknowledge the benefits that partnership has brought to the economy——

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

John Dardis: ——and benchmarking is part of that.

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

John Dardis: It is appropriate that our excellent public servants, whose calibre has been demonstrated by the success of the Irish Presidency of the EU, should be adequately awarded in line with other sectors of society.

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

John Dardis: Their performance, which is the essence of benchmarking, must be acknowledged. The Economic and Social Research Institute report acknowledges the return to significant growth in the economy and our average industrial wage of €28,000, achievements one would not have thought possible several years ago.

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

John Dardis: I am glad of the interventions from across the floor.

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

John Dardis: I thank the Cathaoirleach but I wish to respond to Senator Brian Hayes's interventions. It is possible to achieve tax cuts and deliver essential public services——

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

John Dardis: If anybody requires a defence of the Government's performance in the last seven years——

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

John Dardis: ——it was given by the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, on radio this morning.

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

John Dardis: I apologise to the Cathaoirleach for getting carried away. It is because of my enthusiasm to debate with Senator Brian Hayes.

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

John Dardis: Senator O'Toole mentioned the wider issue of the sponsorship of schools. I am aware from my constituency of the benefits this has brought with regard to computers and other equipment. I take the Senator's point that the State has the primary obligation in this area but it is nevertheless good that benefits can accrue to schools through responsible sponsorship and I have no difficulties with...

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

John Dardis: I will endeavour to get a written explanation for the Senator later today. I take his point of yesterday that when legislation returns from an Oireachtas committee it should be debated in this House. I welcome that the local authorities will have a role to play in this area because it is at local level that the best work can be done. Senator Quinn mentioned this also and it is appropriate...

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

John Dardis: On Senator Coghlan's question as to whether the Government is reversing engines on this matter, I can confirm categorically that the engines have not been reversed.

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

John Dardis: I am glad Senator Ryan has returned to the House in rude good health after his sojourn in the country——

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

John Dardis: ——and that his critical faculties have not been diminished in any respect. Regarding Turkey's accession to the EU, I accept it is entirely a matter for the EU to decide its own membership. On the importance of tackling fraud, that is a matter for the Garda and is not for consideration in this House. Senator Quinn raised the matter of the electricity interconnector and the €400 million...

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

John Dardis: Our usage is very low by European standards. We all know, however, that science and EU decisions are not the same thing. The issue of growth hormones is a similar instance. This is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I nevertheless agree there is merit in Senator Higgins's argument. Regarding the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, as...