Results 121-140 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in calling for a debate on the Middle East with particular reference to Israel. Valid points have been made, particularly by Senator Higgins, who aptly described circumstances in south Lebanon. We have a contribution to make. It would be appropriate, therefore, for the House to discuss the matter. Our long tradition of service in the Middle East means that notice is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: It might be wishful thinking but if the Senator seeks to be briefed—

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in raising the issue of leaked documents, particularly the document leaked by gardaí in recent days. This is a serious issue given that gardaí are trusted as the custodians of the security of the State and its institutions. If such leaks are taking place, I ask the Leader to inquire from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is his intention to...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: The TSG does work to Cabinet.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I have refrained from commenting on the debate so far. I listened to the comments on the report before us, although I am not aware of what the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, said, aside from what was mentioned here. However, the commissioner has overstepped his remit. The Act—

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: —clearly states, under the appropriate section, that the remit of the commissioner is to publish commentaries on the Act's practical application. It goes on to state he can bring forward, in relation to reviews and decisions following reviews—

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: If other Members have been allowed to express their views, I beg the Chair's indulgence to do likewise for one minute.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: We have to be careful in what we are doing. This report, at this time, plays into the hands of certain people for use in this debate. We should look beyond this. Members of the Oireachtas are elected to legislate and Governments are elected to govern. The job of those employed in positions such as that of the Information Commissioner is to act within the confines of legislation, not to...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: He is not.

Seanad: Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements. (12 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming Deputy Bruton and thank him for his very frank and direct speech. Once again he showed that he was not afraid to raise the thorny questions that so many people discussing Europe like to avoid. We must face these issues. The Convention is timely, given the European enlargement before us, and we must look at the management structures of the EU to ensure it...

Seanad: Motor Insurance: Motion. (12 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. He has had a rough couple of days here – we should make him an honorary Senator for the amount of time he has spent in the House. With this motion he is back on home ground, dealing with a most important topic. I welcome the motion and I am glad there is agreement on the amendment. Given the challenge that faces us in reintroducing a degree...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Air Services. (13 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, who is almost becoming a permanent fixture. I raise the issue of the proposed development of Cork Airport which has been an ongoing saga for several years. The airport is one of the success stories of the south-west region. There is no doubt as to its importance to it. In recent years it has increased its passenger turnover which is...

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (20 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: Tony obviously did not work on Senator Ryan.

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (20 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I join previous speakers in congratulating Tony O'Reilly on the tremendous achievement of 32 years service. I am sure there are many in the House would wish that they could say the same. Perhaps they will have to wear a uniform to ensure that.

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate on an issue of grave international importance. In Iraq, the cradle of civilisation, tens of thousands of men and women are engaged in the most uncivilised endeavour known to man – armed conflict. Much has been said about the rights and wrongs of this conflict and views vary. We should be thankful that we live in a democracy in which we can...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: —while it supports a private, illegal army which trades in terror both in this country and abroad. Some wild left-wingers accuse President Bush and Tony Blair of being warmongers hell-bent on subjugating a small defenceless nation. I strongly disagree, as would anyone who has seen war. I am reminded of my time in Lebanon where I witnessed profoundly distressing scenes as a result of armed...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I am happy to support the Government's motion on this grave issue. The time has come for us to grow up as a nation. We can no longer hide behind an à la carte foreign policy. The motion firmly states the Government's position on the war in Iraq, the use of Shannon Airport and the country's commitment to its international responsibilities. It is a carefully measured response and I have no...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: Excuse me, I did not say one word.

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I did not say anything at any time.

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: We are helping the Senator fill his time.