Results 641-660 of 3,550 for speaker:Dominic Hannigan

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: Do they have to pay the market value or another value?

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: There is no change in that regard.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: The Minister is saying that the social dividend in the Bill is the elimination of ransom strips and the provision of better planning, which I respectfully suggest is something that could be achieved through existing planning laws and through changes in planning laws if necessary. However, there is nothing in the Bill to redress the imbalance in terms of the lack of youth facilities and the...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: A Chathaoirligh, Senator Bacik is not here to defend herself.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: If we are talking about courtesy we should wait until Senator Bacik is in the House and if she chooses to answer then she can do so.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I note that Senator Walsh agreed with what Senator Bacik said. I agree with what Senator Walsh said about the need for a debate on the contribution made by Irish people overseas. I have seen at first hand the great work that has been done by some inspiring priests in places such as Malawi. I would like to extend that debate to encompass the young Irish volunteers who spend years working to...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I draw Members' attention to two good news stories in recent days. The first is the reopening of the northbound Dublin commuter rail line following several months of disruption. The project was a logistical nightmare but was completed within budget and ahead of schedule. We must give Iarnród Éireann the credit it is due in this instance. It will mean a significant improvement in journey...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I agree with Senator Quinn. Some very interesting and good Ministers could be appointed to the Cabinet if we took the opportunity to appoint people from outside or inside this House and elevated them to such roles. It is something which is done in the United States and the United Kingdom. Gordon Brown has elevated many people from the world of business to the House of Lords and then taken...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009: Second Stage (18 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I propose to share time with Senator Doherty.

Seanad: Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009: Second Stage (18 Nov 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I welcome the Minister and confirm that the Labour Party will support the Bill. I reiterate the statements made by my colleague in the other House, Deputy Brian O'Shea, who commended the Minister for the speedy way in which the Bill was published in September. It is impossible to discuss it without placing it in the context of Ireland's neutrality. One point that came across in the first...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: The Minister for Finance is putting the final touches to the budget. One area in which we should stand firm is overseas aid. In the past year there has been a disproportionate cut of 22% in the overseas aid budget, which is having a real impact on people's lives. One thing of which we can be extremely proud is the amount of good work we do overseas in saving people's lives. The proposed...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: On a point of order, that is the same answer that was given to us over a month ago. We need to see action. People are paying excess fees as a result of unregulated management companies, and we need the Bill back in this House quickly.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: Senator Quinn queried whether the introduction of the Labour Party Bill tomorrow night on gift vouchers, might not, perhaps, be too trivial. We would like to see the debate widened to include consumer issues in general, which is very relevant coming up to the Christmas period when many people will spend a great deal of money. It is very important that we highlight the whole issue of...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: As someone who represents a county that borders Ulster, I also am highly interested in the suggested reduction in excise duties. I am unsure whether it will have the effect of reducing the level of cross-Border shopping. I would prefer to see the Minister calling in the various multinational retailers and inducing them to reduce the prices of goods. When Deputy Gilmore and I visited...

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and second the motion pertaining to this Bill which is being presented by my colleague Senator Ryan. I compliment him on his legislation which could enhance the rights of consumers at the stroke of a pen. It is disappointing that the Government has failed to act in this area. For the last 12 and a half years it has caved in to powerful vested...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: Yesterday's budget has been a disappointment to many people, both inside this House and outside it. Time has been arranged for a debate on the budget later today, so I will focus my attention on a few particular areas. The Labour Party considers that the budget is unfair and potentially socially divisive. It fails the fairness test in that it fails to protect those who are worst off, not...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I believed I did, but I might have got the wording wrong. I meant to move an amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: No. I am prepared to accept the Leader's assurances that we will have an opportunity to speak.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2009: Second and Subsequent Stages (10 Dec 2009)

Dominic Hannigan: I welcome the Minister of State. I also welcome this rather curious legislation which essentially clears out many thousands of private statutes and local and personal Acts that have fallen into obsolescence and irrelevance during the years. It is an extraordinarily diligent piece of work to have to go through in excess of 10,700 Acts. I compliment the Attorney General and his staff on the...