Results 1,661-1,680 of 11,861 for speaker:Brian Hayes

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: They want to run for the Seanad.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: Progressive Democrats missionaries must have been on the train.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: More like the general election.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: The proposed Order of Business is agreed. Does the Government intend to introduce legislation to support whistleblowers, such as those who come forward with information about malpractice in corporate Ireland and other areas of Irish life? I refer in particular to yesterday's revelations about the manner in which AIB has systematically ripped off many of its customers in foreign exchange...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: The Bill, proposed by Deputy Rabbitte, was not opposed on Second Stage. I ask the Government to introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. I am sure I speak for all Senators when I say I am grateful that progress has been made in the case of Mr. Tom Sweeney, who decided yesterday to end his hunger strike. It was a good result. I congratulate those who took part in negotiations behind...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: I said the Senator was looking for cheap publicity.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: The Cathaoirleach will be aware of my request under Standing Order 29.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: The Leader will be aware that the Government repeatedly tells parties throughout the island and in Britain that there can be no renegotiation of the Good Friday Agreement. How is it, credible, therefore, for the Government to tell us that there can be no change to the Agreement when last October, in discussions with the IRA, it attempted to change the Agreement, to which we all signed up and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: Amendments Nos. 1 and 4 are an attempt by the Labour Party and Senator Quinn to introduce a commencement order after the independent commission has reported. This is a good idea. When I heard the Bill was being taken in the House, after the commission had given the thumbs down to the electronic voting proposals as currently constituted, I was in a state of disbelief as to why the Government...

Seanad: Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 29. (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: I request leave to move the adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 29 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public interest which has arisen suddenly, namely, that the House seek an explanation from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform concerning the status of the commitment given to Mrs. Ann McCabe and her family in December 1999 that those IRA...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: As regards the second part of Senator Quinn's amendment to which the Minister of State referred, I still do not agree with the proposition that electronic voting can only be introduced once the commission gives it the thumbs up. That is a bizarre way to proceed. This matter can only be advanced when it receives cross-party support. I do not want to stray into another amendment but we are in...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: If the commission makes a positive determination on e-voting and a report is submitted to the Ceann Comhairle, the legislation does not provide for a positive resolution by the Houses of the Oireachtas to accept it. If the legislation provided that such a resolution should be passed by the Houses, it would help to resolve this issue. People do not want a scenario where the Government will...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: Something must be happening.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: Confidence in our electoral process is absolutely essential. One of the great hallmarks of our democracy since the foundation of the State in the early 1920s is that the electorate, irrespective of its views on party politics and politicians, has genuine confidence in the manner in which people are elected. One of the great advantages of the existing electoral system is its transparency. It...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: I thought the Minister said he would not be devious.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: Absolutely.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (11 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: I can confirm that the spirit is very much correct and in a subsequent amendment the detail can be changed to reflect the point Senator Quinn has made. I want to take on Senator Dardis's dismissal of the points made by my colleague. E-voting is not like increasing the price of a pint or the tax rate, but represents a fundamental change to the way we operate elections. The Government must have...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: I congratulate the Government parties on their brass neck in proposing No. 18, motion No. 20. Even when the sun shines, it is thanks to Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 May 2004)

Brian Hayes: I assure them our amendment is equally robust. I wish to refer to a housekeeping matter. More than three weeks ago, the Committee on Procedure and Privileges reported on Seanad reform proposals. The Leader has done her best to ensure the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government comes to the House to reply to a debate on the proposals. However, if it is proving difficult——