Results 1,501-1,520 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: I was not aware of that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: Since December, the Order of Business has been an even greater shambles than heretofore. There is urgent need for another meeting of the CPP.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: The reason I suggest this is because people have serious concerns and issues they expect us to take seriously. I ask that we do this.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: I am trying to support the Chair.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: I have. I ask the Leader to ensure CPP steps up to the mark on this issue. Will the Leader accede to the request made by Senator Donohoe for a debate on the issues he raised? I compliment the Senator on his constructive contribution to the debate in the House last night. There is a need for us to address the issues, including the ten-point plan of Congress. We must look at the structures...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: The people should decide and I fully support this. Let us get the real decision of the people on steps being taken which may have a serious social impact in the future. This is a decision which the electorate is entitled to make.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2009)

Jim Walsh: I will respect whatever decision is made in that regard. It is up to us all to advocate our strong points of view in so far as how we feel society should be shaped for future generations.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission: Motion (10 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach chun an rún seo a phlé. Cosúil le gach éine eile atá tar éis labhairt ar an rún, táimid ar aon aigne leis an rún os comhar an Teach. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is the subject of the motion before us. As another Senator said, this was part of the overall reform of the Garda Síochána in the Garda Síochána Bill...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (11 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: I thank Senator Ellis for sharing time. The Seanad, like any institution, can be improved and changed. However, we must recognise also that its contribution to legislation and public debate on matters of national importance has been second to none. A substantial amount of legislation has been introduced in the Seanad. Various Ministers have said to me on different occasions that they...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: I concur with Senator Alex White's call for a debate on the co-operation between University College Dublin and Trinity College. It is imperative we get benefit from the moneys being invested in research and development. A debate in this House would be timely in order to focus on what is an important, a constructive and, I hope, a beneficial development. Will the Leader arrange a debate at...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: ——we are undermining a national co-ordination to tackle this in a cohesive, co-operative way, which this State needs.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: If we fail to measure up to that in this House and in the media, unfortunately, we will be faced in the next 18 to 24 months with the International Monetary Fund making decisions which will be unpalatable for everyone in the public service and in society. We all have a responsibility to act responsibly and I call for a debate on the issue so those who might disagree with my point of view...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: I join those who called on the chief executive officer of Irish Nationwide to return his bonus. Serious questions must also be asked about his pension fund. I acknowledge he is a man who has done a lot over the years to build up the mutual society and that he deserves quite a bit of credit for it. Unfortunately, what has happened brings the whole system into disrepute. When Senator Boyle...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: The point I want to come to is that the programme dealt with the economic circumstances in Latvia which was rescued by the IMF. The IMF, as a condition of its support, sought and received a 35% decrease in public service salaries. When the IMF rescued Argentina, the number of people working in the public service was halved and the salaries of the other half were halved. If we do not join...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: ——that does not bring the whole economy down.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Dáil]: Second Stage (24 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: Is that what the Senator's wife says?

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Dáil]: Second Stage (24 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Michael P. Kitt, to the House. This is a reasonably important Bill. Democracy is a tender enough flower. Other speakers, including Senator Buttimer, may have adverted to the fact that democracy is under a good deal of attack. It is unfortunate that we are probably experiencing a tsunami of negativity, cynicism and populism, all of which in their own...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: I concur with Senators Bradford and O'Sullivan in calling for a debate on the dairy industry. It is going through a difficult period and it is a very important sector. Will the Leader arrange a debate on the regulatory authorities we have? Senators raised the issue of the fixed line cost which is outlandish. I stated at the time it happened that it was done to prevent competitors to Eircom...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: I have done so.

Seanad: Forthcoming Budget: Statements (26 Mar 2009)

Jim Walsh: Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach inniu chun an ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to whose comments I listened with interest. From listening to the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach, I can tell they have a fairly firm grasp of the extent of the challenges and problems we are facing, as well as a plan to...