Results 921-940 of 1,714 for speaker:John Dardis

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Everybody should understand that this applies to all Bills and not just this one.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The amendment is exactly the same as the one adopted by the Dáil, except that is being inserted in a different place. It is now in Part 1 rather than Part 2. It probably belongs more appropriately in Part 1. There has been a difference of opinion among disability groups on the matter. There was a general desire among a number of them to have a three-year timescale. However, I have spoken to...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: I apologise to the Minister of State and to the House for my absence from the debate on Committee Stage this morning. I attended a meeting of the Joint Committee on European Affairs and the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government. It is disappointing that we should have to specify any figure, regardless of whether this is 3% or 2%. It is unfortunate that we must do this to...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: While I am not sure about Senator Terry's amendment, it is clear that she has raised an important issue. I was contacted by representatives of the Kildare network of People with Disabilities in Ireland. They said the possibility that the Bill might undermine some of the strengths of the Equal Status Acts is of pressing concern to them. They have called on Senators to keep that possibility in...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: In my experience, it is a standard feature of legislation that it explicitly states there is no financial dimension to it.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: It would state in one of the sections that no cost is incurred by the Exchequer. The unusual feature of this Bill is that there are several Ministers involved and not just one. In other words, if we were discussing the Garda Síochána Bill, we would not need to put this stipulation into it because it is within the budget of the Garda Síochána and the Department. If we do not put it in here...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The rights are enshrined in the Equal Status Act and other legislation. People want equal rights. As I said on Second Stage, I have not heard anyone say they want superior rights. Equal rights are enshrined in the legislation that surrounds this area, some of which was introduced by a Labour Minister during my time in the House.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Yes. There must be a stricture. The unusual dimension of this Bill is that it enables Ministers over a range of Departments whereas Bills generally deal with one particular aspect within a Department using that Department's budget.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: I want to pick up on the point that has just been made. I was encouraged yesterday to hear the Taoiseach say that the Common Agricultural Policy would be defended. It would be utterly wrong if the policy were to be sacrificed on the altar of trying to find a financial settlement to overcome some of the difficulties that are besetting the Union at the moment. A painful and difficult deal was...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: It would be wrong for the CAP, having been so difficult to negotiate, to be up for grabs again. We must be quite emphatic about this and support the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture and Food in everything they do. I also note that the French Government has taken a similar position on the matter and I hope that position will prevail. Senator Finucane raised the issue of roads and I...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: It will only take a few vehicles stopping on a high quality, fast motorway because they have run out of fuel for a serious accident to occur. Then we will clamour in this House for a solution to be found to the problem. The solution should be found now before something like that happens. I recommend to the Leader that we have a debate on the role of the National Roads Authority and on roads...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: He might come to the same end.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: While I frequently disagree with him, Senator Ryan hit the nail on the head in discussing the sugar regime within the European Union. He is absolutely right that it is obvious the EU has responsibilities to the ACP countries and poorer regions of the world but it would be completely erroneous to believe those obligations would be fulfilled and the lot of growers in poorer parts of the world...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The first five months of this year saw the lowest increase in house prices since records began.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Of all parties, I am sure.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The Senator was speaking about himself.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which has completed its discussions on it. The motion concerns efficiencies in the exchange of information concerning terrorist offences between the member states, Europol and Eurojust. It is proposed to take this motion without debate; No. 2, Electoral (Amendment) Bill...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: We have plenty of meetings to attend. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will give permission to those who have other announcements to make.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Senators Brian Hayes, O'Toole, Ó Murchú and Mansergh raised the agreement in Derry on the Orange Order parade and I echo the sentiments expressed. It was a significant event and the chamber of commerce should be congratulated along with the Orange Order and the residents of the Bogside. It demonstrates what co-operation can do but, even in the most difficult times, Derry reached...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: With regard to the ducks, which was raised by Senators O'Toole and Mansergh, and the appalling puns that have circulated as a result, it is a serious issue.