Results 161-180 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: Let us stick to the matter at hand.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I support the amendment proposed by Senator Brian Hayes and seconded by Senator O'Toole. There is great concern about a leaked report from the Garda authorities on the penalty points system. What is happening now will lead to an epidemic of leaked reports in future.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I find it rather strange that the Information Commissioner, whose remit includes the freedom of information legislation, was not even consulted when the report came out. The information was revealed as a result of freedom of information requests made by our party leader, Deputy Kenny, to the Department of Finance.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: It is relevant.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: The sooner the better.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: For Cheltenham.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I accept the spirit of what the Minister said, which I felt was in accordance with the reason I tabled amendment No. 3. The context of amendment No. 3 is that with Sky Sports removed from the equation when it comes to broadcasting sporting events, it will be between TV3 and RTE to do so. RTE always has a good war chest – up to €150 million a year when the recent €43 increase in licence...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I move amendment No. 4: In page 7, subsection (1), line 21, after "arrangement" to insert "and may at his discretion forward the agreement to the Competition Authority". This amendment suggests that the Minister may, at his discretion, forward a report he receives to the Competition Authority. At a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources, I...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: The section contains the phrase, "The Minister may, where he or she considers it is in the public interest". How does the Minister intend to satisfy the public interest in the context of a report he receives directly? To what degree would he use that report to satisfy the public interest? Surely, in instances in which he intends to satisfy the public interest, there would be validity, in...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: The Bill states: The Minister may, where he or she considers it is in the public interest, direct an event organiser who has entered into an agreement or arrangement with a broadcaster in respect of the broadcasting rights to a designated event to give to the Minister, at the Department of Communications the Marine and Natural Resources, within such period specified in the direction, a copy...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: Is it at the Minister's discretion to pass an agreement to the Competition Authority?

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I do not suggest the Minister has a role in relation to competition. If there was an element of doubt about what had happened, would the Minister have discretion to pass the agreement to the Competition Authority?

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: While I have said before that Report Stage should not be taken immediately after Committee Stage, I understand the urgency of the passing of this Bill. I will be co-operative on this occasion because I do not intend to move any amendments on Report Stage. Bill received for final consideration. Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I wish the Bill a speedy passage in the Dáil. It is important to get it in place within a short period. On Second Stage I criticised the delays that led to the Bill being necessary. Decisions that could have avoided the pending arbitration and High Court action could have been taken in 1999 or 2000. However, this does not reflect on the Minister because he acted in haste. One remaining...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I am sure Senator Leyden will illuminate the matter for us.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: This is a fascist culture.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: Does the Senator support the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in reprimanding the commissioner?

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I formally second the proposal of Senator Higgins. Senator Henry mentioned St. Luke's Hospital. I listened to an interesting interview this morning on the difficulties the hospital is having in staying within its budget and the pressure on resources. The report on radiotherapy facilities was promised before the general election. It is widely envisaged that centres in Dublin, Galway and Cork...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: An arrogant man.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I support the excellent decision of the Leader. I also welcome the fact that the five Senators who teased out this issue will attend the meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service this morning because having dealt with the Bill on Committee Stage in this House they are even more familiar than their Oireachtas colleagues with this area.