Results 741-760 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I thank the Minister. I appreciate the fact that he has made such a commitment on the record. I listened to Senator Kitt's point about agreements to give free water to the owners of lands where water is found. I am sure Senators are aware of the hassle caused by such agreements in certain places, such as the Silent Valley in County Down. It had been agreed since 1920 or earlier that the...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Section 49 refers to the discharge of sewage and waste from vessels. The sewage from vessels causes far fewer problems than their waste water. Vessels on the Shannon, or any of our inland waterways, should be required to use eco-friendly washing powders, washing-up liquids and soap. This would have a greater positive impact on the water than an improvement in sewage disposal. Sewage does not...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I appreciate the Minister's intervention; this information is very helpful. I am worried about one thing, however. If I were a member of al-Qaeda and I wanted to do real damage to a city I would block up the two ends of its sewerage system and light a match. That is all it would take. There is a build-up of methane and other gases in sewerage systems around the UK and, I am sure, in Ireland....

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: We can deal with blockages, but this will be a problem some day. Another problem that arises from not having a proper map of all sewerage networks around the country is the huge growth in the rat population. Much of this may be to do with the sewerage systems, although I cannot prove this in any way. People say that one is never more than ten feet from a rat at any time.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: In here we all qualify, so it makes no difference.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: That is even with my own colleagues gone. Mapping is crucial for the future. We must know what work can be done, where the leaks are and the amount of wastage. I recently spoke to a man who was having a row with the local authority of a Munster city. He maintained that he was being charged too much for water and that he could not possibly be using that amount in his business. The local...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I support the comments of Senator Kitt about the development of sewerage schemes in small towns, which is crucial. I admit that over the past 14 years the developments in this area have been extraordinary. I have watched schemes being built and developed, especially along the Shannon, and have seen how they have improved matters. This must be the future. I do not understand bio-systems...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Every domestic sewage system should be tertiary. There is no reason people cannot have two septic tanks beside each other. A single septic tank does not treat the water — it simply goes straight through. The water should go through one septic tank divided into two, another septic tank divided into two and a filter area before being released. This would help prevent any pollution from...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: This is a positive note on which to conclude. I am heartened that we are moving towards controlling the area of water quality, having a strategy to make it work and deliver the cleanest water in Europe to our communities. If we can do that, we will have done a good day's work. I remind the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of his confirmation and reiteration that...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I can go home happy tonight. I am easily satisfied.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I remind the House that a prisoner was killed in Mountjoy Prison yesterday. I do not usually raise the issue of prison deaths, but it behoves all of us to keep a close eye on the prison service in the context of the current discussion on its future. The prisoner in question was being kept in the B wing of Mountjoy, which has traditionally been for a different type of prisoner, namely those...

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am delighted to contribute to this debate. I appreciate the Government's decision to give time for a discussion on this issue. Previous speakers have referred in great detail to the proposals and views outlined in the Women's Aid report. I fully and thoroughly support what Women's Aid has to say. I will not go through the issues again, but I will deal with some of the matters arising from...

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: That is fine. The existence of a male-dominated society creates an unfortunate image. It was worrying last weekend to watch the news reports of two rape cases, both involving 14 year olds. It should be pointed out that one of the cases involved the rape of a man, but that is not the point. Are we teaching society anything? Are we learning anything from our previous experience? Where are we...

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Perhaps we should suspend for five minutes.

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: We have managed to create a very macho world, in which value is placed on being macho. I mentioned some examples that we see in everyday life. I find it appalling and embarrassing at this stage of sophistication in our society that there are still men who are prepared to spend large amounts of money on legal fees in order to prevent women from becoming members of a golf club. This reflects an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I will revisit that subject when we get some response as to the reason the particular prisoner who was murdered was in B wing. The Leader said she would contact the Minister on this crucial issue and I look forward to hearing his response. I agree with the point made that where people must live in crowded conditions it creates congestion and difficulties. When the matter of taking the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am really tired of it. We make changes to accommodate the Department, but suddenly the matter is no longer urgent. I am not happy to complete our debate of the Bill on Friday although I do not mind if we deal with Second Stage because we have already committed to dealing with it. I am opposed to rushing the Bill through on Friday because there is no longer any urgency. The urgency pressed...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Will the House deal with Second Stage only?

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The Minister is a tough man if he stands up to the Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: And to the workers in small airports whom he exploited along the way.