Results 1,081-1,100 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jan 2006)

Michael Finucane: Yesterday the Taoiseach announced in the Dáil the introduction of random breath testing. He said that after discussions with the Attorney General, it is now okay to proceed in that direction. Yesterday the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, was reported in the newspapers as stating there could be constitutional difficulties. It would appear this matter has now been resolved, yet there is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jan 2006)

Michael Finucane: It is not fair to the Senator who tabled the matter for discussion.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: I support Senator Brian Hayes's request for a debate on the topical issue of tolling. Much of the focus on it has shifted and it is gradually becoming a national issue in regard to roads that will be open in the future. It is time to have a debate on the matter. Having had the pleasure of listening to the debate in the other House, it appears there is much obfuscation and a lack of clarity in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: There is much concern about the financial aspect of tolls which exists at present and the financial implications for the future. It would be interesting to bring more clarity to the debate. The debate in the other House did not enlighten me totally on what is likely to happen in the next few years.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: Did Senator Cummins get an invitation?

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: Shame on him.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: In January 2005, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources said that much research was being done in the area of energy. He stated that it would be the most profound work undertaken for years. As part of his research, he employed a consultancy group, Deloitte & Touche, which completed its findings prior to December. While there have been many leaks regarding the report's...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: The cartoon in a Danish newspaper which satirised the prophet and upset the Muslim community has galvanised the world. The sad aspect is that Denmark is possibly one of the most peace-loving countries in the world. It has a population of 300,000 Muslims and embraces many people who came from Bosnia and Afghanistan after the turbulence in those countries, and from Turkey. It is ironic that the...

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: The principle of social partnership goes back to 1987 and I hope the current round of partnership talks is a success. I note with interest that the farming pillar made the nitrates directive an issue and stated that unless there was movement on it, the farming community would not participate. This is a critical issue. Teagasc and the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local...

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: We act as the Senator's party does when in opposition.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: We also heard promises of free road tax at the time.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: The Senator initiated it.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: The Senator can join the Labour panel. He will take down insurance for next time.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: The Leader dealt very comprehensively with the background of Ruairí Brugha, to which I have very little to add, except to endorse, on behalf of Fine Gael, the Leader's comments and tribute to him. I respected the bipartisan approach of Ruairí Brugha and Jack Lynch to the Sunningdale agreement from 1973 to 1977, despite Ruairí Brugha's strong background in physical force nationalism and his...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: After every weekend we wake up to graphic photographs in the national newspapers of mangled cars and human tragedies. So far this year over 50 lives have been lost on our roads. The National Roads Authority has today published a report which is a shocking indictment of what has happened over the past few years. It points out that everybody became ultra-cautious on the roads after the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: According to the Progressive Democrats it is the eighth wonder of the world. It is Progressive Democrats policy.

Seanad: School Transport. (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: On 23 May 2005, a fatal bus crash occurred at Kentstown, near Navan, in which five school children tragically died when the bus toppled over. There was an understandable public outcry and the Government was obliged to react. In July 2005, €36.5 million was provided, and 130 buses were to be added to the school bus fleet. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, stated at the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: In November 2001, the cost of the Dublin Port tunnel was estimated at €448 million and it is now projected that it will cost €1.3 billion. It is very worrying that information from video cameras printed in a tabloid newspaper today shows that hundreds of gallons of water is going into that tunnel. It has been stated that the thickness of the tunnel wall is only one tenth of what it should...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: A year ago yesterday the Supreme Court clarified the issue of nursing home charges, when it concluded that medical card holders were being charged illegally in public nursing homes. In May 2005, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children announced in the House that legislation would be introduced to effect payments to approximately 20,000 elderly people who were still alive. When will...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Michael Finucane: The Senator should not forget the former Minister, Deputy Martin, if he wants to be consistent.