Results 841-860 of 996 for speaker:John Gerard Hanafin

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I call for a debate on the situation in Greece, especially in light of the fact we have a contrast between the cities of Dublin and Athens. One has the highest deficit in its budget in the EU zone. The other does not have a deficit as high, yet there is widespread anger, the IMF has been called in and there are riots on the streets. The way we have managed our economy, like the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: If the Opposition got its way, we would have government by media.

Seanad: Ministerial Pensions: Motion (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I wish to share time with Senator Butler.

Seanad: Ministerial Pensions: Motion (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I second the amendment to the motion moved by Senator MacSharry. When some lose sight of the past and do not realise why certain arrangements are in place, it is time to recall the pay and conditions of Oireachtas Members in the 1980s. I spoke with a candidate for both the Dáil and the Seanad who ran in several elections in the early 1980s, who was elected in the first Seanad election in...

Seanad: Ministerial Pensions: Motion (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I will repeat what I just said.

Seanad: Ministerial Pensions: Motion (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: One does not hear those who served for a very short term in the 1994 to 1997 Government, who are now retired and who qualified after two years for a pension speak about handing back their pensions. The Opposition is chasing the rainbow of public opinion. Were it not for the pension arrangements of Bank of Ireland's chief executive officer, Mr. Boucher, or the Irish European Commissioner's,...

Seanad: Ministerial Pensions: Motion (5 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: As someone who qualified as a financial adviser and was qualified to sell pensions, I am aware that a pension amounts to deferred pay. That is the legal position. Even if we were to introduce legislation in the next term to prevent people from claiming their pension, I am certain it could be challenged. We can only hope those who have already given up their pension, if they are still...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I share the sentiments expressed by those Senators who spoke in support of Archbishop Martin of Dublin, in particular of his suggestion that certain elements are still reacting inappropriately, to say the least, to the crisis that has struck the church over its handling of child sexual abuse. The situation has not changed. Canon Law is at one with the State law. There is no dichotomy; they...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I share in the calls for a debate on the resolution of our finances. I am clear, as is the Minister, that there will be cuts in spending followed by budgetary measures to raise money. That is clear and has been spelt out to the EU which insisted we get our finances in order. It has given us until 2014 to do so and we are very successfully on track to do that. It is worth noting, and we...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I share the call for a debate on transport, and I strongly support the need for an enhanced rail network system. The work to date has been very positive. There is a need to extend the spur to Shannon Airport, as it largely serves the American continent. We also need to look at sending a spur from Sligo to Derry. As we head for 2020 and an island population of 8 million people, it will...

Seanad: Public Service Agreement 2010-2014: Statements (13 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I would like to share my time with Senator Butler.

Seanad: Public Service Agreement 2010-2014: Statements (13 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: Like all other speakers, I pay tribute to our fine public service on the quality of the service we receive and its achievements. It has been of benefit in growing the economy.

Seanad: Public Service Agreement 2010-2014: Statements (13 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I would like to share my time with Senator Butler.

Seanad: Public Service Agreement 2010-2014: Statements (13 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: Like all other speakers, I pay tribute to our fine public service on the quality of the service we receive and its achievements. It has been of benefit in growing the economy. There is a fine contrast between what is happening in other countries in Europe and what is happening in Ireland where one sees a balanced, reasoned and responsible position being taken by many of the unions. It was...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: In light of the fact that the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 will soon be before the House, will the Leader allow for a debate on the need for a referendum on this issue? It is almost certain that, should the Bill be passed, it will be challenged in the courts. I want to take the opportunity now to show the Judiciary, who watch what we undertake here, that there was no stomach for a referendum...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: It is the most democratic means of deciding this issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: Sometimes it is like "The Muppet Show" in this House. Will the Leader examine the situation of pubs in rural areas? I am particularly cognisant of the fact that we have passed legislation introducing the smoking ban and reducing the blood-alcohol limit for drivers, which we are to reduce further. Pubs encounter difficulties at 11 p.m. and 12 p.m. in clearing their houses because of a...

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I wish to share time with Senators Brady and Mooney. I thank Senator Quinn because a suitable construction contracts Bill will be introduced within the term specified and not before time. During the boom times certain subcontractors had to wait or did not receive payments, sometimes for reasons that were not proper. Notwithstanding this, now that we are experiencing more difficult times,...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I apologise that I was not present when the Cathaoirleach called me earlier. I had gone to collect notes for the euro debate. I ask the Leader for a debate on ways and methods that we in this House could promote holidays at home, in particular by giving example. There are a number of reasons for holidaying at home, the main one being to support home industry. There will be some wonderful...

Seanad: Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (20 May 2010)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister. We are fortunate that there is a contrast between the situation in Athens and Dublin. The Government in Dublin took action quickly. We saw the difficulties confronting us, took action immediately and promptly and were open and transparent in the way we did our business. That is reflected in how the economy is now in a position and seen as such by our European...