Results 1,201-1,220 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Statements (Resumed). (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: As a result, 43 of the 60 seats were filled from vocational panels, a position we now propose to change, bringing us nearer to the original concept of 1922. Change is important for growth and the Seanad is not immune to the need for such change. However, it could be said that for any meaningful change to take place, Seanad reform should follow what many see as necessary change in the Dáil....

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Statements (Resumed). (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: It is interesting to see that Fianna Fáil's arguments against giving ordinary citizens a Seanad vote were of a politically pragmatic nature. Why would Fianna Fáil be concerned with the practical consequences of such actions? The Seanad is to be retained despite reservations by the Progressive Democrats about its effectiveness, but in a very overhauled form with a view to making it a...

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Statements (Resumed). (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: The remaining six seats would be elected on the same day to a higher education constituency. This independence from Dáil elections would underpin the unique nature of the Seanad as a deliberative body that takes a different perspective from the Dáil, while at the same time complementing it. There should be no attempt to reform the Seanad at the expense of bringing it into confrontation with...

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Statements (Resumed). (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: However, the arrogant Minister whipped them into line in order to push the Bill through both Houses. In any consideration of the Seanad, it is essential to consider gender balance. Any representative body should be composed of equal numbers of male and female members. Looking around the Chamber today, one can see that such equality does not exist but I am sure the Leader would be happy to see...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: Get the message.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: Game plan, again.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: We will have an up to date report from the Minister of State this evening.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: I welcome the Minister to the House. Like a proverbial bad penny, decentralisation is once again——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: ——turning up in the run-up to the local and European elections. I use the word "bad" in so far as decentralisation as presented by the Government is mismanaged and totally lacking in accountability. This is in no way to take from the concept of decentralisation which I and my party fully support, rather this is said out of frustration that such an important issue should be used in this...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: ——small court houses, small post offices and small Garda stations.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: It has closed down rural Ireland and now it is trying to resurrect something else and be coy in the run-up to the elections.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: The Progressive Democrats do not know where their party stands on Europe. It has no interest in the EU. The remnants of the party are anti-Europe. It has failed to——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: ——put forward candidates for Europe. The party stands in a wilderness——

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: ——supporting a lame duck of a Fianna Fáil candidate for Europe. It is ignoring the institutions of Europe and should be ashamed of itself.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: Have I much time?

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: Decentralisation, despite indications to the contrary, was a live issue in the run-up to the last general election. It was part of the Agreed Programme for Government to be delivered by the end of 2002. Now we are approaching the local and European elections and again it is hot news from the Progressive Democrats. Will it hold good as a promise for the next general election?

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: I welcomed the Minister to the House a year ago to discuss the issue of decentralisation, which, as I said then, had an immediate urgency that four years of Government inaction had failed to address.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: That urgency is still with us. Decentralisation is important for this country, both from urban and rural perspectives. I support it and want to see it implemented in an open and transparent manner. This motion calls for the Minister to submit a report to this House on the plan's progress and its future implications. We heard Senator Minihan's comments on Cork. I fear that reports in this case...

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: The vote by Fianna Fáil to block the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service from having hearings on the implementation of the decentralisation programme shows its utter contempt for democratic accountability.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Motion. (2 Jun 2004)

James Bannon: The lack of transparency by the Government and the Minister of State has led to a situation whereby they are arrogantly overriding the standard procedures of our democracy. It is incredible to think that since the plans for decentralisation were first mooted prior to the local elections in 1999 no motion in this regard has been debated in the Dáil. No Government memorandum has accompanied...