Results 141-160 of 1,714 for speaker:John Dardis

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

John Dardis: Several Senators began by stating they were members of a health board and then went on to defend the system. I am not saying that there have not been good people or that the politicians do not do their very best for the people in their area. They do, but the local interests are dominant. Unless it is treated on a national basis or on a regional basis, I cannot see where the advances will...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)

John Dardis: Perhaps the Senator should consult Deputy Michael Ring.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)

John Dardis: The Senator is backing this one each way.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)

John Dardis: He is thinking of going into the business.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: I am sure the House will agree that Senator Ryan is sight to behold when he draws himself up to his full five feet of indignation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: I apologise, is that five foot six inches or six feet?

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: It is totally wrong to suggest that the Bill, which will be considered today and which should be debated on Second Stage and not on the Order of Business, is a subversion. I reject that assertion. The Bill was published last week and was discussed a great deal in the press at the weekend. I am sure most people have a particular attitude to the Bill, but I do not believe there is anything a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: In regard to the Morris tribunal, another matter to which Senator Brian Hayes referred, it is perhaps somewhat excessive to say the that ruling is absurd. Nevertheless, I take the point that the House has an obligation to protect the privilege of its Members in regard to papers and to communications made to them in confidence. As the Cathaoirleach will be aware from his chairmanship of the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: She is a distinguished former Minister.

Seanad: Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: The Praesidium does not meet in the open.

Seanad: Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements. (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: I, too, welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche. It is useful that we have had Proinsias De Rossa and the Minister of State here and that Deputy John Bruton will address us next week. Perhaps they will take a message from this in regard to the role of national parliaments. Previously I would have said the Finns were well ahead of us in regard to how...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: I will have to ask the Senator to withdraw that remark.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: Senator Ross's intervention would not be of that standard. It would be more the Trinity College standard.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: Had the Government side imposed a guillotine the debate would have ended earlier.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: When we discussed health matters during Private Members' Business last week I said we had heard much impressive thunder from the Opposition but had seen very little light. I said the same thing when discussing a previous Private Members' motion relating to agriculture. Once again, we are hearing a great deal of thunder.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: It is strange that we should be so exercised by this Bill when we were so little excited when we discussed matters which I regard as infinitely more important. That is not to say this issue is unimportant but we have been subjected to many red herrings and much distortion. I was on the Opposition side when the House considered Second and Committee Stages of the Freedom of Information Act 1997...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: Nobody complained before about consultation in the context of Bills passed by other Administrations.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: About what are we to consult? It is quite clear that in consultations the main bones of contention would be the ten year rule and the provisions relating to Secretaries General, matters on which we have heard very selective contributions. I share some of the concerns expressed by Senator Brian Hayes regarding the powers of Secretaries General to issue certificates preventing certain releases...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: The absence of freedom of information during most of my journalistic life never prevented me from finding out what I wanted to find out.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)

John Dardis: There is a great deal of sloppiness in modern tabloid journalism in particular.