Results 641-660 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: Dublin is fine. O'Connell Street is fine, but not the rural areas.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: Senator Higgins is using bully-boy tactics.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: It is a bit rich for him to drop in and make these comments.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: Senator Higgins was inaccurate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: The Senator should name the four incomes.

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister and the introduction of this comprehensive legislation. We have had a flavour of Gaeilge sa Teach. Senator O'Toole started during the Order of Business highlighting Irish. Then the Minister took us all on the hop by delivering an eloquent speech as Gaeilge which I regret to say I had to read in English. The war on terrorism is one which cannot succeed if we deal with it...

Seanad: Public Order Offences: Statements. (2 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister and thank him for participating in this debate so speedily. His speech and, more important, the brief from the Garda Commissioner clearly put to bed the claims that there was a lack of planning or thought in regard to this parade. We all rightfully agree that the right to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental principle of the democracy in which we live. The essence of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate on the medical card system. Perhaps Fine Gael might use its Private Members' time to table a motion to that effect. Senator Browne referred to a Senator from this House, whom I take to be me. As usual, he is misinformed, has not carried out any research, and is out of touch regarding the electorate and the system. That much was proven at the last election.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I make no apologies——

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: ——for the fact that the Government has provided for 200,000 medical cards and found that the public has not taken them up. The two Government parties took an initiative today to communicate with the electorate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: Just because Fine Gael is incapable of communicating with the electorate does not mean that we should stop doing so. Fine Gael might profitably use its Private Members' time by coming to the House properly informed to debate the issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: The Senator should read the programme for Government.

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (8 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Treacy, and his officials to the House. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this grave topic. When the Council of Europe reported on alleged secret detentions, it was careful to set out the context of its work at the start. Senator Marty was particularly struck by the fact that...

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (8 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: ——to pack up because soldiers in combat situations might use their medicines? This issue is grave and Members should be concerned. They should seek assurance and do what is valuable and practical. This House should reflect the concerns of citizens in a manner that serves them well.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I join the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, in calling for a debate on accident and emergency departments and health reform. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children has always been willing to come to the House. Some people have suggested that she should not lecture consultants, nurses, etc. People should equally be aware that reform of the health service is exactly...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: Many American students come here to complete masters degrees, PhDs, etc., and then find they cannot remain and get employment here. I join Senator Ryan in calling for a debate on the break-up of Aer Rianta and in particular the insecurity in Cork Airport. Yesterday Ryanair announced it was to pull out of Cork Airport again.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: While he may well be, it does not give great succour to the people of Cork. We need a decision on the matter and commitments need to be honoured in that regard.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: Regardless of the excuse now being offered for not honouring commitments, it is vital that a mechanism is found to allow the break-up to be fully implemented.

Seanad: Lourdes Hospital Inquiry: Statements. (9 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I too welcome the Minister of State and his officials to the House. I praise this morning's contributions, which have made this debate very informative. I single out Senator Feeney for her contribution and the knowledge she has brought to bear. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on a truly grave and horrifying topic. Not since reading the Ferns Report and making a statement in the House...

Seanad: Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (22 Mar 2006)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials. I understand this is a technical Bill. Rather than an instrument of national or Government policy, the Bill inserts a constitutionally required limitation into the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, a limitation on legislative power as delegated to Government. Nevertheless, the subject of the Bill, namely, diplomatic immunity, is a...