Results 821-840 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

John Minihan: Senator O'Toole referred to Seán Ryan and the redress board and his comments about non-co-operation on the part of the Christian Brothers. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Science. Senator Ryan asked why motion No. 20 remained on the Order Paper. The Article 35 committee placed a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 14 November. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

John Minihan: I am addressing the issues in sequence. We can debate and differ in our views but it is not helpful to make accusations such as these.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

John Minihan: Senator Ryan raised valid points about the transfer of data and US banks which I will bring to the attention of the Minister for Finance. I fully support Senator Ryan's views on Cork Airport's debt. We may differ on the break-up of Aer Rianta and similar issues but we both know, as Cork representatives, that the issue of addressing the debt is hanging over the future development of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

John Minihan: I accept the point concerning part-time farmers in second jobs. Senator Scanlon addressed the matter well vis-À-vis red tape. The Minister made a commitment regarding the working group on pre-nuptial agreements. While I do not know the answer to the question on the group's establishment, I will endeavour to find out. I hope it is not delaying any of the Senator's personal plans.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

John Minihan: We will endeavour to find the answer in order that the Senator can make a decision at Christmas.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2006)

John Minihan: That is not true.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2006)

John Minihan: That is absolutely right.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2006: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I join other speakers in welcoming the Minister and his officials to the House. I welcome the Bill. In recent years, we had many changes in our Defence Forces with the modernisation of equipment, training and facilities. It is only right and proper that we also have the modernisation of the legal system. Military law is a distinct legal system to which members of the Defence Forces are...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: It will conclude at 8.30 p.m.

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (13 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I echo the comments of the preceding speakers on congratulating the Minister and his officials on bringing forward this Bill. It is worth noting that the military authorities themselves took the initiative to bring their own legal system into line with best international practices. They are to be congratulated in this regard. It is rare that we have defence legislation in the House and I...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: We have heard Senator Brian Hayes on slumps. It is obvious to me that Fine Gael has no policy on stamp duty or taxation.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I make no apologies for my party setting out its agenda and its beliefs——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: ——on how the system should be reformed. Nor do I make apologies for those people who are currently subjected to an unfair system of stamp duty in respect of which we recommend reform.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I wish to speak about another slump.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I refer to the danger of a major slump in the Cork area as a result of today's announcement regarding Cork Airport. I endorse Senator McCarthy's comments in this regard. It is unacceptable in the context of the commitment made by the former Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, that Cork Airport would be debt-free. That commitment was clearly made. In response to an Adjournment debate...

Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Senator Browne should have come.

Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I listened to the Minister, Deputy Harney, and her upbeat comments on the reform agenda being driven through the health service. It is refreshing that despite the onslaught of criticism and ongoing gamesmanship, we have a Minister who is so committed to driving that agenda in the interest of patients. The key issue is the interests of patients. On the one hand there are the Government,...

Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I look forward to Senator Ryan's contribution to which I will listen with great interest. The last time the Labour Party had control of the Department of Health, the then Minister, Deputy Howlin, ran out of it. At least the Progressive Democrats will stay there and do the job as best we can. There has been an uptake in the GP-only medical cards. I was disappointed that the initial uptake...

Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Yes. If a proper survey was completed on this, it is more than likely that 88% to 90% of dispensed drugs are paid for by the State. The numbers of patients paying for private medicines would then stand at approximately 10%. The State plays a large role in dispensing medicines and the supply and facility given to patients is to be commended. Thresholds for medical cards have been increased...

Seanad: Health Service Reform: Statements (21 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Unfortunately, many people in the political establishment and the Department of Health and Children do not view pharmacists as an integral part of the health care system but as retailers. The number of customers who seek medical advice in pharmacies, without any prescription or sale of product, and who receive professional advice from a highly qualified medical professional is seldom...