Results 1,501-1,520 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (22 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Those of us on the Independent benches wish to be associated with the condolences offered by the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition. While none of us on these benches served with former SenatorO'Higgins it is easy for us, as the Leader of the Opposition said, to salute him and honour the commitment he and his family have given. It is ironic that he should die in the week...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: While looking at the monitor during the course of the expressions of sympathy for Michael O'Higgins, it struck me that people like him who served so long and so loyally in this House, including as Leader, should be entitled to retain the title of Senator, as I previously said on the occasion of the retirement of former Senator Des Hanafin. We would all be honoured by being associated with...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: This is the issue that bothers me. I do not say this as any personal criticism of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I have defended him and I do not believe him to be racist, nor do I believe many of the things that have been said about him. However, there is a time for flexibility and this is one such time. When I spoke on the Immigration Bill, I said there would be times...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: I completely reject the criticism of the Garda. This is the kind of argument constantly used by politicians. Both sides of the House passed the legislation in question. The legislation was introduced by one side and was implemented by the other side following the change of Government in 1996. Attitudes changed on both sides immediately.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: As I understand it, Senator Brian Hayes said that gardaí are being directed by certain members of the force to increase the number of penalty points given. When the legislation was introduced, the only objections to the speed limits came from these benches. Senator Ross and I proposed that there should also be a capacity to have a minimum speed limit and that this power should be given to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Another issue of relevance this week is the circulation of frightening statistics on class sizes and teacher numbers by the Irish National Teachers Organisation. I support the point that Senator Browne made yesterday that the Minister for Education and Science should provide an indication of her thinking on class sizes, special educational needs, rural schools, etc. The Leader will be...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the opportunity to second the motion. I compliment my colleague, Senator Ross — after 20 years of trying — on finding an issue on which we are in absolute agreement. I am appalled by the Government amendment. I do not see the sense in it. It is utterly unpolitical and has the hallmark of people who have been too long in office. They are in a comfort zone. It does not reflect the...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: There are toll roads also.

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: I am amazed that a man from a Border county would not support me in recovering some of occupied Dublin.

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: The Senator should try it.

Seanad: Lifelong Education. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: I thank the Cathaoirleach and the House for giving me an opportunity to put this matter on the record. The Minister of State has always shown an interest in education. In his previous role, he showed a particular interest in the development of the IT sector. I want to talk tonight about further education which in many instances is the forgotten sector in Irish education. The reason it is...

Seanad: Lifelong Education. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Is that a "Yes"?

Seanad: Lifelong Education. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Go raibh míle maith agat, ach fan nóiméad amháin. The Minister of State gave a great spin. However, he rejected the first item, or gave it recognition as a separate issue, and indicated that something might happen in regard to the other matters. He also appeared to indicate that people are involved in discussions. However, we do not know the identities of these people. He also state that...

Seanad: Lifelong Education. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Is this generosity or have we heard it before? Is there anything new in it?

Seanad: Lifelong Education. (23 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: We will do our best with it.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (24 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: On behalf of the independent Senators, ba mhaith liom cúpla focal a rá chomh maith chun cur leis an méid atá ráite ag an gCeannaire agus Senator Brian Hayes. Is dócha gur cheart tosnú lena rá gur dhuine den scoth ab ea Pól Ó Foighil, duine go raibh i gcónaí sásta an fód a sheasamh le haon grúpa nó aon rud a raibh creidiúint aige féin ann. B'shin mar a bhí sé i gcónaí....

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: I also congratulate the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on having the self-confidence and flexibility to listen to advice. He attracted much criticism in respect of this matter but he obviously realised that there was a need for him to intervene. There have not been many examples of Ministers intervening on issues in such a public way or of their being prepared to change their...

Seanad: Establishment of Joint Committee on the Constitution: Motion. (24 Mar 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Before we agree the motion, this is an all-party constitutional group which does not include Independents who now constitute one tenth of the Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I will no longer accept anything relating to the so-called all-party constitutional committee. It is questionable to say it reflects our views. I do not want to hold up the business of the House, but if it is a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Joe O'Toole: There has been a demonstration today outside the gates of the House regarding an issue concerning workers at Gama, of which we are well aware. It is appalling that only those on the left side of politics appear to have taken an interest in this matter. Is it that we cannot add, count or read? Workers, builders and the Irish economy have lost an opportunity because these unscrupulous people,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Apr 2005)

Joe O'Toole: Yes.