Results 721-740 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Jim Walsh: I will not repeat what I said but I fully support everything that has been said by Senators Terry and McCarthy. I wish to make an additional point, raised by Senator Terry, relating to the health issues arising from people being unable to trace their parentage. We should be stronger in ensuring that all birth certificates must contain the registration of the father's name as well as the...

Seanad: Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Jim Walsh: Much good work was done in the pensions area, particularly under the stewardship of Charlie McCreevy when he was Minister for Finance. He opened it up and we must continue to progress that. Apparently, almost half the working population is without an occupational pension. While the Government has had the foresight to invest in the National Pensions Reserve Fund, which will be built up over...

Seanad: Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Jim Walsh: Will the Acting Chairman extend the sitting to allow the Minister time to complete his comments?

Seanad: Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2006)

Jim Walsh: As someone who is not always present at these debates as frequently as the other speakers, the cross-party support for the Minister in his initiatives is a fine endorsement of the work that he is doing in the Department. He has shown a great feel and sensitivity for the whole area. It is an ideal republican philosophy towards people who are under-privileged and who need assistance. That very...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Mar 2006)

Jim Walsh: I support Senators Morrissey and Ormonde in their call for a debate on the matter of a one-stop-shop for immigration issues. Unless we ensure the proper integration of our immigrant population, now at 10% and forecast to reach 25% by 2020, we will end up like other countries with detached immigrant communities which would be bad for the country. Senator Morrissey's call was well timed as it...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2006 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (29 Mar 2006)

Jim Walsh: I must declare an interest as I have a small self-administered pension. The change made by the Minister is interesting and I welcome it. As was stated, this area has been subject to exploitation. I will not use the word "abuse" because Opposition spokespersons fail to remember that apart from the 25% tax-free lump sum provision, the rest of pension is a deferral of tax because tax is paid as...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: Whether the Minister should engage with the associations on the timing of the implementation of the Garda reserve force is to some extent a peripheral question. Many Members have spoken about the precedent that would be set if the Garda became actively involved in politics, and about the effect it would have on our democracy. For any democracy to function effectively the security forces must...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: I join with others in complimenting the Minister and his officials on introducing the Bill and guiding it through this House. The Bill's purpose is to ensure compliance with many obligations and decisions made at EU level. This reflects the growing influence of the EU on domestic legislation, a scenario with which I have no difficulty because it is a positive development. The issues raised by...

Seanad: Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: My views differ significantly to those expressed. When we discuss civil partnerships, it is important that there is no dilution of the status of heterosexual marriages. Unfortunately, there are many pressures in that area, which have consequently given rise to many marital breakdowns. This is not in the interests of society or the State. Any movement in the civil partnership direction will...

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: The Senator has four minutes remaining.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: Yes, if that is acceptable to the Senator.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: The debate has not been ordered to conclude at 5 p.m. It may do so.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: I wish to share time with Senator Feeney.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: I welcome the Bill and its provisions. It is a step in the right direction and I compliment the Minister of State and his officials in bringing it forward. I will concentrate on a few issues. Senator Ryan spoke about heavy goods vehicles and Senator Mansergh mentioned having speed limits at realistic levels so that there would be a culture of adherence to them. Unfortunately, heavy goods...

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: I wish to clarify a position with the Senator. Senator Feeney is prepared to speak on the next occasion so there is no need for the Senator to share his time. The Senator can use his full ten minutes.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: How long have I left to speak?

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: Approximately five minutes.

Seanad: Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 May 2006)

Jim Walsh: I was arguing that three elements should be introduced. The first is a concentration on slow drivers, as they are undoubtedly a significant factor. I have travelled numerous times on national primary routes where I have been travelling at 30 mph or 40 mph, and somebody in front, who probably has a full licence, is hugging the white line and not taking any account of a huge build-up of traffic...