Results 1,261-1,280 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (27 Sep 2006)

Michael Finucane: I acknowledge the work of the Independent Senators in bringing this worthy motion before the House. The previous speaker referred to the amendment. The amendment does not say anything tangible about the future or about whatever success has been achieved. The Government has failed in the provision of broadband to ensure Ireland keeps up with the immense technological growth that has seen...

Seanad: Company Closures (27 Sep 2006)

Michael Finucane: I wish to share my time with Senator Brennan. It is disappointing that a liquidator has been appointed to Castlemahon Foods Limited. We have to remain optimistic that the liquidator might be able to save some of the jobs or that an alternative owner can be found. Castlemahon Co-op was established in 1920 and entered poultry production in 1960. This internationally recognised brand has been...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Sep 2006)

Michael Finucane: Senator Leyden referred to the increase in energy costs. Many of us fear the projected increases in electricity and gas prices from 1 January 2007. Senator Leyden also referred to the drop in oil prices. The Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will possibly extend an invitation to the regulator to meet with us to discuss this matter. If one looks at an ESB...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Sep 2006)

Michael Finucane: It would be much more credible than Government policy.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: I support everything Senator Leyden has said. This is a classic example of the consequences of privatisation with the recent arrival of Babcock & Brown from Australia. They know that Smart Telecom is in trouble and are attempting to destroy it with a highly irresponsible action. The regulator is trying to increase competition in the market. Eircom should not forget that the taxpayer...

Seanad: National Development Finance Agency Annual Report 2005: Statements (3 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: I welcome the opportunity to discuss the 2005 annual report of the National Development Finance Agency. The agency is now almost four years old. It has stated that one of its principal functions is to advise State authorities on the optimum financing of priority public investment projects by applying commercial standards in evaluating financial risks and costs. Its overriding objective is...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: Poor old Ivan lost his job over a few cans of paint.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: Senator O'Toole spoke about the telecommunications issues being faced by Eircom and Smart Telecom, which is an issue I raised yesterday. As Senator O'Toole said, people should not be surprised by the attitude and approach being taken by Babcock & Brown in this regard. I am surprised by another aspect of the matter, however. Regulators have been established across a wide basis. As I...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: Did Senator Mansergh hear that? What does Senator Mansergh make of that statistic?

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: It was set up by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin. I am surprised at Senator Leyden.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: We are getting a history lesson from Senator Leyden.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: The Leader often had a bigger bone herself.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: Did the Senator reveal her source to the Garda?

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: It is an expensive bone.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: I cannot understand the relevance of that. The Senator has missed the point completely.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: She mentions names if it suits her.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: The Senator said last week——

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: Senator O'Rourke did not reveal any name last week.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: Say nothing about that.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme (4 Oct 2006)

Michael Finucane: I will not go into the background of this as I have raised the issue of decentralisation so many times since the then Minister, Mr. Charlie McCreevy, announced Newcastle West was a designated area and was due to get 50 staff from the Revenue Commissioners. I understand the staff have been recruited for quite some time. There was a little disappointment in Newcastle West because we thought...