Results 1,441-1,451 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane
- Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: The Cathaoirleach axed former Senator, James Bannon.
- Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: I am not going forward.
- Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (3 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: This Bill is just not good enough. The Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007 does not achieve all that it could and does not go far enough in making elected officials accountable for gifts and benefits they receive. The Bill does two main things. It increases the threshold for gifts to Ministers and creates a new system for moneys given to Deputies and Senators by friends. Under...
- Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: Yesterday I acknowledged the contribution of the Cathaoirleach to the Seanad. On this final day of the Seanad before the summer recess I acknowledge the contribution of the Leas-Chathaoirleach over the past five years. I also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the staff to the people in this House who are delaying their summer holidays until after 22 July. I wish them well in the...
- Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: I congratulate Deputy Noel Ahern on his appointment as Minister of State. This is an expensive, wasteful and cynical Bill. We have been asked to create three new posts, each of which will cost â¬4 million over the life of the Government. Let me give Members an idea of what could be done with â¬4 million. It would fund 700,000 home help hours or give 23,000 people medical cards. The...
- Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: Senator Hanafin should read what I said.
- Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: Senator Hanafin has addressed what I said earlier and I am entitled, on a point of order, to respond.
- Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: I am perfectly entitled to raise it.
- Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: Thank you.
- Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: The Minister has indicated that â¬2,000 will be the new figure. I believe Senator Cox is indicating there will be an element of confusion out there. Taking the recent election as an example, as a defeated candidate I have to present a statement to the Standards in Public Office Commission. If I received any funding in excess of â¬125 I had to produce a bank statement, with the magic...
- Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2007)
Michael Finucane: I wish the Minister well as regards this legislation. In the five years that I have been in the Seanad I have noticed that he has always treated this Chamber with respect. He has appeared in this House on many occasions. From my experience in the other House over 13 years and the five years I have spent in the Seanad, the standard and level of debate is far superior in this House. I have...