Results 41-60 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I endorse the tributes that have been paid to the staff and the usher, John McCabe. At this time of extending seasonal greetings, we should be conscious of the work that will be done over the Christmas period by our emergency services, including members of the Garda and the Defence Forces. We should acknowledge the people who are serving on UN missions overseas and separated from their...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House. I am glad he is here for this debate. Initially I had not intended to speak on this issue. I felt there were enough people from the west and from Connacht to eloquently outline the issues on the Private Members' motion, but having listened to Senator Ryan I decided I would have to speak and take issue with the points he made. I do not question the right of...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: If it wishes to raise it, so be it. I welcome the opportunity to have such a debate. We, as public representatives, have a duty to represent the views of the people who gave us the privilege of sitting in this House. If there is a strong sense of feeling about particular issues, it would be remiss of us not to highlight those issues in this House, if for no other reason than to bring them to...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: I have a fond interest in all sport, be it rugby, Gaelic football, hurling or whatever, and I value its importance to society and to the social development of our young people. The tradition in Ireland, be it in rugby or GAA, of club, parish, town, county, province and country is a tradition that young people aspire and work up to. It is a chain that is clearly established in one's...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: I will not interfere with the work of Kerry GAA either.

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: The next Munster final will be played in Fota, I understand, but we would be happy to have it back in Páirc Uí Chaoimh if Senator O'Toole wants it there also. I hope this debate will highlight the strong views held by people in Connacht about the issue. I support the motion, if only in order that the IRFU might see that this matter affects the social fabric of life in Connacht.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: Is Senator Hayes referring to me?

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: That is fine, but the Senator should be more specific.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: The Senator is a working class hero.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in congratulating the IRFU on its decision. I also congratulate Members on the Government side of the House for the clarity and sense of depth they brought to the debate on the issue last week which, I hope, brought about that decision. With regard to mutterings from Montenotte, I rather think they came from Mayfield – my address is Montenotte, about which let us be...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: Will the Leader consider having a debate on planning, a matter we raised on a number of occasions in the last session? Many Senators and I share the belief that we should have such a debate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I join in the calls for a debate on the full fiscal projections for the year ahead. It is timely. Given the closures last year and some of the outrageous predictions made, it would be no harm to bring a sense of balance to this debate and spread it out evenly over a 12 month period. As public representatives, we have a contribution to make in that area. A debate on crime would be welcome. If...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (5 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I thank the Minister for giving me the privilege to be in a position to welcome her to the House.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (5 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: A recent European study on innovation showed that 78% of sales in the information technology sector were based on products that were less than two years old. Companies such as Siemens state that over 50% of their sales are based on products that are less than five years old. This rate of change is a result of five main external pressures, including technology, economic development,...

Seanad: Iraq Crisis: Statements (Resumed). (6 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and the opportunity to debate the situation unfolding in Iraq. It is timely we should do so because we have responsibilities we must face up to. We must creep out from some of the hypocritical rhetoric being promulgated in the name of the Irish people. I am not a warmonger, do not advocate war at all costs and support pursuing every possible avenue...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in calling for a debate on planning, which I have requested on a number of occasions. Such a debate should concentrate on the inconsistencies between local authority planning officials, inspectors from An Bord Pleanála and the board itself. Planning decisions are turning the planning system into a lottery. Instead of playing six numbers, people are making six...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I do not support the amendment. We must be realistic in making a clear distinction between governance and management. The Government governs and those employed as directors general manage. They have a responsibility to work towards Government policy. If they have difficulties with Government policy, they have ample opportunity to influence that policy at the meeting that would take place. We...

Seanad: Finance and Related Matters: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I am sorry to interrupt Senator O'Toole in full flow but I am sure he will have another opportunity to make his views known. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, to the House for this debate. People often find it difficult to be positive and upbeat about their circumstances. This is as true in relation to fiscal, financial and economic policies as it is in relation to any other...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (19 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister and congratulating him, yet again, on bringing forward legislation. The amount of legislation the Minister has before both Houses is a reflection of his commitment to his new position. When one hears we are amending and repealing laws going back some time, and this legislation has been around since 1978, it is of some concern that we have...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: On a number of occasions in this House I have raised the issue of Cork School of Music. Given that the preferred bidder was selected as long ago as January 2001 and we are still no nearer a final decision despite assurances in this House, I ask the Leader at this late stage to appeal to the Taoiseach to move the matter forward and free the logjam in the Department of Finance with regard to...