Results 1,421-1,440 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support a debate on such organisations and would welcome the opportunity to expand on my points. This issue is not a one-way street.

Seanad: Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008: Second Stage (25 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach anocht and I compliment him on his good work in overseas aid. He has displayed a tremendous grasp of and feel for his area of responsibility. We all support his humanitarian efforts. I welcome this opportunity to discuss a fine example of international humanitarian law. As the Minister of State mentioned, it sets us a new benchmark. It...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: There has already been mention of public sector reform. I welcome the announcement to be made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance today. Hopefully, it will chart a way forward towards improving cost effectiveness and efficiency throughout the public service. The announcement is predicated on the OECD report, but many people were disappointed with that report and the lack of...

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I second the motion and, together with my colleague, Senator Hanafin, am glad to do so. I commend Senator Mullen on his work on the Bill, as well as my intern, Dualta Redmond, on his tremendous work while researching it. It is worth reminding Members that in 1988, the High Court ruled the Offences against the Person Act 1861 protects the unborn from the moment of conception. However, the...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support the calls for a debate on public service reform and the banking situation. The Taoiseach and the Government have received poor press in recent months because of the very serious change in the economy, which is a global phenomenon. I welcome yesterday's publication of the public service reform report, which was launched by the Taoiseach. He has been exceptionally consistent on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: The only point I want to make is that he has focused on a culture of profligacy and it is not only in FÁS but right across the public service. That has done the State some service. I agree with Senator O'Toole that trivialising the issue down to a few hundred dollars for one service or another is bringing the public service into disrepute. We need to focus on the broader picture and...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support the call for a debate on pensions, particularly the funding of many of our pension schemes. It is a most important issue. I disagree with Senator Regan's simplistic approach that in some way the Government should meet the losses accrued in pension funds. One might as easily say this about people who have invested in the stock market. People who have put their life savings into...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support Senator Hannigan regarding the vouchers issue. A clear legislative timeline should be laid down for the period during which they can be encashed. The vouchers should also clearly state in large print the deadline for encashment because many people get caught out after Christmas when they find out they are out of date. I disagree with Opposition comments regarding the task force....

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: The task force has a role to play in saving on wasteful expenditure that does not achieve anything or provide front-line services.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: A task force that is well focused on wasteful expenditure could ensure that happens through management. Where management fails, it must be held accountable for its failure in this regard.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: On the agricultural situation, which everybody acknowledges is serious, I concur with those who have called for support from the EU. The EU has a role to play in terms of supporting what is an extremely difficult situation for Ireland. Suggestions have been made that all the pork products should not have been withdrawn from the shelves, but it is important health is paramount and is seen...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: Both legal and illegal guns should be strictly controlled.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: I remind Senator O'Toole as well as Senator Regan that the Garda Commissioner came before——

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: ——the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights recently and asked specifically for a limitation in this respect because of his concerns at the growth in legally held handguns. I compliment the Taoiseach on his comment and the Minister on the action he has taken. All of us in this House should support it, given the situation in regard to law and order....

Seanad: Regional Fisheries Boards: Motion (9 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an tSeanaid agus gabhaim leithscéal leis mar go raibh sé ag feitheamh ar feadh tamaill, uair go leith nó mar sin ag tús na díospóireachta. The reason for this is the Opposition's concern, despite all the challenges and difficulties facing us economically and agriculturally in the food industry, in regard to whether there will be an Order of Business...

Seanad: Regional Fisheries Boards: Motion (9 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: Three years ago.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill 2008: Second Stage (10 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach um thráthnóna chun an Bille tábhachtach seo a phlé. I listened with interest to the debate and, in particular, to the contribution of the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, on the legislation which is before the House. I note that the Kenny judgment has had a fairly profound impact on the administration of the justice system but the...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill 2008: Second Stage (10 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: No.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: What about The New Ross Standard?

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Jim Walsh: Through the Chair.