Results 861-880 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Sea Pollution (Hazardous Substances) (Compensation) Bill 2000: Second Stage. (10 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: We discussed the sea pollution issue a few years ago and reference was made to the Erika, Prestige and other ship wrecks. The legislation is overdue and, while I acknowledge its spirit and intent, people are most concerned about the potential threat posed by Sellafield in the context of sea pollution. The threat has been elaborated on in the press on many occasions but it is worrying that...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: A short time ago we had an interesting debate on transport, particularly the problem of driving tests. Many Members referred to the huge backlog for tests and I am glad the Minister has rapidly responded. While there might be some teething problems getting the system in place, I wish him well in reducing the waiting list for driving tests. However, rather than take this À la carte approach,...

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: We created a sense of awareness which the Minister was not able to do.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: There was not a murder every day.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: What was that as a proportion of GNP?

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: The Minister should look at his programme for Government.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: What is the Minister doing about the criminal gangs in Dublin?

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: They are starting to throw hand grenades in the windows in Limerick.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: By his nature, he is confrontational.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: The Acting Chairman is protecting the Minister.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: The Acting Chairman has often made tough comments himself.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: I compliment my colleague, Senator Cummins, for tabling this motion because it has been an interesting debate. I listened to the Minister's knockabout performance. Senator Brady probably reflected Dublin opinion when he noted that anti-social behaviour impacts most on urban areas. I will speak about rural Ireland, specifically the area I know best, west Limerick and the town of Newcastle...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: Senator O'Toole sounds like a long-playing record.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: Yesterday's news was dominated by the report of the task force on obesity but I am sure none of us had to wait for the report to know it was a problem. It is a problem which has been known about for many years. Changes have occurred in Irish society, including an increase in consumption of fast food and changes in schools. One no longer sees children bringing sandwiches to school but when the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: Can the Leader follow that?

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: He wishes to be factual.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: I concur with the remarks of Senator Brian Hayes. While I welcome the allocation of €6.5 million announced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I understand this sum will be spent in the Dublin area with the intention of controlling gangs and ending gangland killings, which has been a frequent occurrence recently. This type of lawlessness is not confined to Dublin. I raise...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: As Senator Dardis does not live in Limerick, he is not aware of the situation there. I will provide copies of the Limerick Leader for his perusal. I would like him to be briefed. I welcome the proposal for statements on aviation policy. For the past months, the media has discussed nothing but aviation policy. The Taoiseach recently received an award for person of the year but ditherer of the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 May 2005)

Michael Finucane: It is a pity he is not here because the tendering process ——