Results 1,481-1,500 of 1,591 for speaker:Eugene Regan

Seanad: North-South Co-operation on Sex Offenders: Statements (30 Nov 2010)

Eugene Regan: I thank the Minister of State. It is an important subject. We all wholeheartedly support North-South co-operation in the management of sex offenders and their movements, all efforts to ensure that convicted sex offenders on either side of the Border cannot seek refuge or anonymity on the other side and, particularly for our area of responsibility, that the Republic is not seen as a safe...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: I support the amendments. I assume an opinion includes a suspicion. The term "opinion" is not defined, although I know it is taken as it is generally understood, that is, a considered position. It is perhaps unnecessary given the protection of the accused is set out in section 4 which refers to any information furnished which is known to be false or misleading. It also states, "A person...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: The Minister has explained what an opinion means or can mean, indicating that it can include suspicion. We are establishing a criminal offence in respect of a whistleblower. Any case that would be considered by a court would be looking specifically at what an opinion means, reasons for forming an opinion etc. It would be very helpful if in the definition section, the definition which the...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: I disagree with the Minister on the definition as I do not believe that in the manner this is framed, an opinion can include suspicion. If we read this as including suspicion, section 4 would read: A person who, apart from this section, would be so liable shall not be liable in damages in respect of the communication, whether in writing or otherwise, by the person to an appropriate person of...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: The Minister purports to define the word "opinion" as including suspicion while at the same time arguing-----

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: I remind the Minister that I have the floor. He purports to define the word "opinion". All I am suggesting is that the word should be defined in the legislation. By using only the word "opinion" and not making it clear that it includes suspicion, one places the onus on the whistleblower to be sure of his or her ground before voicing a concern. Let us consider the history of sexual abuse in...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: The onus should not be on the individual with the suspicion because he or she is usually the weaker person who does not have the means to check out the facts but has a genuine concern and suspicion that something wrong is being done. It is for others in authority to check the matter out and it is important that those suspicions be taken up and acted upon. However, such an action is closed...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: Political corruption.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: It is just a nuance of the argument of Senator Norris.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: It is a sign of intelligence to be able to change one's mind.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: No one suggested that.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: On a point of order, we agree to take the next Stage next week. There is no big issue.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed). (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: I agree with these amendments, which are on the same lines as the previous amendments we have discussed. The manner in which the section is framed is too onerous on the whistleblower and the amendments are well grounded.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed). (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: Are we talking about these amendments and Senator Bacik's previous amendments?

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed). (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: Not now. It was agreed there would be a break to allow for amendments.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed). (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: Can we take it now?

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: I move: That Seanad Éireann supports the findings and recommendations of the Ombudsman's Special Report on the Lost at Sea Scheme; and calls on the Government to implement these recommendations. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Seán Connick, whom I met at the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when we discussed the...

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food examined this scheme. Have I 12 minutes in total?

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: Thank you. The committee examined the report. If it had found the Ombudsman had erred in the facts in her interpretation of the legislation or otherwise, that would have been grounds for setting aside her report and the recommendations. However, the committee examined each allegation and the defences put up by the former Minister who claimed the Ombudsman and her officials had misconstrued...

Seanad: Lost at Sea Scheme: Motion (1 Dec 2010)

Eugene Regan: It is in the Ombudsman's report.