Results 881-900 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed). (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I strongly support amendment No. 12, which is very important. This is an important issue that goes to the core of the debate, and the amendment strengthens the legislation. On Committee Stage we had seen historic cross-party agreement on the importance of an ombudsman in dealing with the Garda Síochána and policing generally. This opportunity was missed by many people, including some...

Garda Deployment. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Will the Minister go to the U2 concert?

Prisons Building Programme. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Are there any swans or snails there?

Crime Prevention. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Question 7: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding strategies to deal with the recent gangland murders in the State. [16882/05]

Crime Prevention. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Does the Minister of State accept there is a major crisis with regard to gangland murders, particularly in Dublin? Nine people have been killed this year so far in gangland murders. Does the Minister of State agree that this figure is too high and unacceptable? Does he accept that life is cheap for some of the people involved in gangland murders? Many people thought things would change after...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I strongly support amendments Nos. 19, 20 and 22. They are positive and constructive, particularly amendments Nos. 19 and 20. Amendment No. 19 refers to "protecting and promoting human rights". This is a topical and important issue. Internationally, standards appear to be dropping. It is also happening in this country. We must be on our guard with regard to respect for a human rights culture....

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I never said that.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I accept the Minister's proposal. Deputy Jim O'Keeffe has indicated that "vindicating" is a good word to use and I welcome the Minister's response on this. However, regarding the Minister's comments about some of those concerned about human rights issues, those of us who constantly push that agenda totally accept that citizens have duties and responsibilities as well as rights. I reject the...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I support amendment No. 42 which is a constructive addition to the debate on this Bill. In regard to subsection (2) and the appointment of the deputy and assistant Garda commissioners, it is important to appoint the right people to senior positions. The phrase "merit-based" is significant because there is an urgent need to give priority to the quality people already in the Garda Síochána...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I will not wander too far. I wish to emphasise the message. Quality police officers working locally win the trust and support of communities, particularly in regard to serious issues. Subsection (3) of amendment No. 42 is part of the debate on bringing quality people into top management in the Garda Síochána. In the recruitment process people must also accept that there are challenges for...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Both of these arguments are a reality.

Written Answers — Schools Funding: Schools Funding (23 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Question 243: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will give the maximum support and financial assistance to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in 2005 and 2006. [21832/05]

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Report Stage (Resumed). (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I take the opposite view to Deputy O'Dowd on amendments Nos. 2 and 6 which are very important. We need discussion and debate and we need to open our eyes to the scam that is being perpetrated. It is an absolute disgrace in terms of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. As stated previously, the legislation is flawed and undemocratic. It should be thrown out. These amendments represent an attempt to...

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Report Stage (Resumed). (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: It is a big parties' club.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Report Stage (Resumed). (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: There are no bullyboy tactics. I have made some very valid points.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Report Stage (Resumed). (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: We are entitled to challenge their decision. That is democracy and there is nothing wrong with it. The Minister wants us all to tip the cap.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Report Stage (Resumed). (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Or it is about winning.

G8 Summit and Overseas Development Aid: Motion. (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: I commend the Green Party for tabling this motion on aid to the Third World. I support it as it is important that this small, independent country plays its part on the international stage in assisting countries that urgently need our assistance. I urge the Government and our country to be a voice for the voiceless and poor. Sitting on the fence is not an option. The Government must...

Written Answers — Nursing Homes: Nursing Homes (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Question 194: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the families of patients at Leas Cross nursing home were informed of alternative nursing homes; the reason these homes appeared in the media first; and the further reason for the lack of sensitivity from the HSE on this urgent matter. [22093/05]

Written Answers — Naturalisation Applications: Naturalisation Applications (28 Jun 2005)

Finian McGrath: Question 587: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the maximum support and assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in their application for Irish citizenship. [22097/05]