Results 721-740 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: ——and of Fianna Fáil. It would be very relevant to any debate on the economy if we debated the construction industry. The other aspect might be closer to Senator Ryan's heart than to many others in this House. That is not a patronising remark about members of the Labour Party. While most of us in this House are well enough off to own our own homes, the property boom is having an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on giving Senator Mansergh the latitude to make that contribution. That is the reason I want to second Senator Norris's amendment to extend the Order of Business so that we can hear such articulate expressions on matters of public interest.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: No it has not, or has it?

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: I apologise. I did not hear that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: I would like to second it too.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: Will we have a debate on the budget on budget day at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. as is normal? Perhaps we could get a commitment on that issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: I endorse Members' comments on the points system but will take it further. The logic of what Members are saying is that the points system should be abolished and replaced by something broader, namely, different types of criteria for judging people and different qualifications for entry to third level education, which I favour. I hope that those who knock the points system would also favour...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: I hope the House is aware that a large head of steam is building up on both sides of the Atlantic, and has been prominent in the media in the past few days, concerning the activities of multinationals in this country and the tax rate they enjoy. It appears, because of what is happening in the United States, and here as well, that there is danger in the undergrowth of some fundamental change...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: There will be calls on this side of the Atlantic for the 12.5% corporation tax to be raised. The House should be alerted to the fact that extremely important implications are involved for the economy in the event of any change in the rules applying to multinationals and we should hold a debate on the matter. People should be warned that this is one of the most important parts of the economy....

Seanad: Housing Policy: Statements. (23 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: I, too, thank Senator Cox for sharing her time. I agree with much of what has been said, particular by Senator Henry. The building, buying and selling of property comprise a big jungle of which people have a pretty ropy understanding. The system seems to suit the developers, sellers, landowners and everybody except the first-time buyer or the person who actually needs a house in which to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Nov 2005)

Shane Ross: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

Shane Ross: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

Shane Ross: I endorse the comments of Senators Brian Hayes, Tuffy, Minihan and other Members regarding the cartel operating in the car industry. I was a participant in the "Prime Time" programme which was broadcast last night and I was staggered by the evidence put in front of me. While the price fixing in that industry is bad enough, it has been suspected for a long time. However, the additional...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

Shane Ross: I am not sure that the authority should be given a fool's pardon in these cases where it always seems to be unable to produce the evidence for prosecutions. It might be a matter of underfunding but I doubt it. I believe there are problems within the Competition Authority which politicians, for some reason, are unwilling to recognise. However, we should recognise and scrutinise them. Finally——

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

Shane Ross: The debate we are seeking is to ensure that the motorist, who is vulnerable to these big companies, big government and unscrupulous people, should not be victimised without the protection of this House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

Shane Ross: Will the Leader please answer the question?

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

Shane Ross: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Jan 2006)

Shane Ross: I agree with Senator McHugh's call for a debate on Northern Ireland but it might be appropriate if we asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, rather than the Taoiseach or anyone else, to participate in it. The problem of Northern Ireland is developing into a problem of crime. Out of the recent welcome outbreak of peace has sprung an incredible amount of cross-Border...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Jan 2006)

Shane Ross: ——yes, diesel, springing up all over Ireland on both sides of the Border. If we ignore this we do so at our peril. I hope there is no consent or turning of a blind eye to such activities among officials of the Irish establishment. I wish to ask a question on an issue that will arise in the next few weeks and which I have previously raised in this House. We are in danger of looking...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Jan 2006)

Shane Ross: I am a member of a trade union because I could not work without being a member.