Results 741-760 of 9,393 for speaker:Alex White

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

Alex White: On a point of order, there is a convention in this House, as was pointed out to me, in respect of referring to people who are or are not in the House at any particular time. Senator O'Malley is wrong. When there are debates on the economy and on financial matters, I am here, and I have contributed to them.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

Alex White: I want that remark to be withdrawn. We have been calling for this debate——

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

Alex White: ——for four weeks and it has not happened.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

Alex White: It is most unfortunate that Senator O'Malley has sought to personalise this and in a completely inaccurate manner.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

Alex White: The Senator has a great chance of getting that.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Alex White: It was no problem to the Senator.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Alex White: I welcome the Bill. As other Members said, it will introduce a regulatory regime which will serve the interests of the public and charities, and in that regard it is to be welcomed. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, to the House in respect of his introduction of this important legislation. As acknowledged by other Members, we have a proud tradition of charitable donation in...

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Alex White: I welcome this debate in the Seanad and I compliment those who spoke and sought to wrestle with this difficult question. I state clearly at the outset that I would not, and do not, support the Bill introduced by Senator Mullen. I do not believe it is the way to deal with this complex problem. A Bill that is, essentially, founded on criminal sanctions or at least includes such sanctions as...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: I am glad we will have a debate on the economy next week regardless of what day it will take place or the other events with which it might coincide. It is important we are having that debate next week having called for it so often. I was struck by the following curious point in regard to the reports today about the banks. A new group of investors has offered the Minister for Finance a...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: I wonder if he would take out that speech, dust it down and read it again to see what it is he would propose by way of addressing the palpable sense of not alone uncertainty but real fear, which is increasing by the day and almost by the hour, across the community. Everybody is seeking a solution to the problem. We accept the Government cannot solve every problem. However, we are looking...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: ——a shocking proposal, one that ought never have been brought forward. We are now seeing it being at least partly reversed in the new proposals on efficiency in the public service. I ask that the Leader give serious consideration to inviting the Taoiseach to the House for the debate. I remind Members that the collapse in State revenue in this country was well under way before the...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: That is a fact, not an opinion. We must face up to these facts and have a proper debate on them. I respectfully suggest that this forum is a good place to have that debate, a somewhat more relaxed and thoughtful debate than is possible in the other House. I ask that the Leader arrange such a debate as soon as possible.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: We have a recession.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: The Senator should come down to earth.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Alex White: The Labour Party conference is also on. Can I tell the Members about it?

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Alex White: I entirely agree there should be a debate on the issue raised by Senator O'Toole about the banks. However, on its own capitalisation of the banks would not achieve what Senator O'Toole says we need to achieve. There must be conditions associated with capitalisation of the banks by the State if that is what is to occur. Senator O'Toole is right in stating that it cannot be done on its own....

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Alex White: ——in terms of paying their workers properly, treating them properly and paying their own tax and PRSI to the State, perhaps then we could talk about slimming down the public sector, because those in the public sector would not need to chase these people to ensure they discharge their basic responsibilities as employers.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Alex White: Is he asking or telling?

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Alex White: There is too much asking and not enough telling.

Seanad: FÁS: Statements (2 Dec 2008)

Alex White: I want to put on the record of the House that in my capacity as a barrister I have acted on behalf of FÁS on five or six different occasions in the courts in recent years.