Results 661-680 of 12,886 for speaker:Paul Coghlan

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I refer to the issue of watches raised by Senator Brian Hayes. Many served but few were chosen for favoured timepieces.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I am always brief. There have been many differences between the Departments of Finance and Transport. Recently, there was a famous case of a severance package that had been approved by the Department of Finance but not by the Department of Transport. The Taoiseach assured us Government policy has not changed. He was referring to some of the more important issues and I accept that assurance....

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: Absolutely. There were no timepieces for us.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: The strategic national infrastructure Bill is intended to fast-track the planning regime for major infrastructural projects and remove the approval roles of local authorities and An Bord Pleanála. Who will decide if a project is of such importance that it merits the status to be conferred by this legislation? When does the Leader expect the Bill to be taken and will it be initiated in this...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: Bring them on.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I support Senator Ross's call for a debate on IFSRA. It would be timely if progress were reviewed with regard to its supervisory role and work. All Members will agree that the Kerry Parents and Friends Association is a worthy charity and is deservedly held in high regard. I know the great work it has done over the years. It would be a sad state if it, or any other worthy charity, was ripped...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I wish to raise one other matter. The Cathaoirleach knows how brief I always am.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, sounds encouraging on the issue of one-off rural housing. I agree with Senator Finucane's call for the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister on this matter. I am sure it would be fruitful and interesting. One final matter——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I agree with your welcome, a Chathaoirligh, for our distinguished visitors. It is good to see Mr. Murphy looking so well following his recent slight indisposition. He spoke positively and well in Chepstow and we wish them well.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I appreciate that and your remarks too. I refer the Leader to the significant profits we read about this morning that the insurance companies have made in the past year and ask what plans the Government has in that regard. It is good news for consumers and policyholders provided there are proportionate reductions. What plans, if any, does the Government have to ensure those reductions are...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: We should withdraw it if it does not.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I agree with Senator Brian Hayes's call to the Leader regarding the Ombudsman's report, to which I referred recently. She has made reasonable recommendations regarding extensions of powers to her office. I also agree with Senator O'Toole's comments on the PIAB. I raised this issue yesterday in regard to seeking a fair and proportionate reduction vis-À-vis the profits the insurance companies...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: In honour of Patrick Kavanagh.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: Some years ago the Tánaiste appointed an interdepartmental committee to look at issues of public safety. The group recommended that a new public safety agency should be urgently established to ensure that the highest standards of public safety apply. Does the Leader know if the Government will give effect to the recommendations of the review group? On a lighter note, I have heard of people...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I am sure the Leader and the Members will have noted with interest the Law Reform Commission's report on the modernisation of conveyancing law, in which it proposes that all unauthorised planning developments of ten years or older receive an amnesty. Planning authorities are apparently precluded from enforcing proceedings against unauthorised developments once seven years have passed. I...

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements (Resumed). (28 Oct 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, and take this opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment. I also congratulate the new Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, who spoke well on this subject on the previous occasion he was in the House, for which, unfortunately, I was not present. I do not know if it is the case that he is a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Nov 2004)

Paul Coghlan: In light of ongoing press speculation regarding the Great Southern Hotels Group, particularly with regard to Parknasilla, and given the Taoiseach's stated views on the matter with which I concur, does the Leader believe the sole shareholder will allow the Dublin Airport Authority to sell off the group? If there is a sell off, will it be the group in total or will properties be sold off on an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I invite the Leader to comment on the sale of a major national asset, namely, the Irish Petroleum Corporation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2004)

Paul Coghlan: I will leave that up to the Leader. I am concerned about value for the taxpayer in that this sale included the oil refinery at Whitegate and the storage depot at Whiddy Island. It was sold to Conoco — perhaps there was another company involved before it, or which it took over. The company's name sounded like an opera. I think the name I was given was Tosco. I do not know if the Leader was...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2004)

Paul Coghlan: It was forward thinking.