Results 1,901-1,920 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: It is touching to witness the number of Senators who have called for a debate on Greece. I dare say there are lessons for us in terms of what is happening in Greece but I would have thought we have sufficient difficulties within our own economy for us to concentrate on those initially. I accept that how the Greek situation plays out may well have implications for us through its negative...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: As I understand it, we will gain a premium on the €1.3 billion in terms of the interest between the rate at which we can borrow it and the rate at which it will be loaned to Greece. I seek a debate on competitiveness within the Irish economy. The issue that has arisen in recent weeks has illustrated how the Government, especially the Minister for Finance has approached the difficult...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: Job security is a feature of the public sector that does not exist in the private sector. We need to align the public sector and private sector systems in the interest of the competitiveness of the country and all who work in the economy.

Seanad: Fines Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: Perhaps the Minister will clarify this. The point raised by Senator Bacik may relate to people of very limited means. My literal interpretation of the amendment is that the situation is covered in that the fine can be less than the otherwise appropriate fine. I assume, therefore, the judge would have some discretion in that area. In general, the principle is probably right. However, I...

Seanad: Fines Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: I have one brief comment. How will the judge determine the financial position of the person before him or her? Many people who were very wealthy some years ago may now be quite poor and perhaps even in negative equity between their assets and liabilities. How will the judge be aware of that in order to make a determination when it may not be public knowledge? I have a small concern as to...

Seanad: Fines Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (11 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: I also welcome the passage of the Bill. The Minister has made significant improvements in the imposition of fines. Their indexation is good and probably long overdue. There have been considerable increases in the consumer price index both during times of significant economic growth and at times when such growth did not occur. As a result of their not being index-linked during such...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: I support the call for a debate on pre-budgetary issues. We should do this in advance of the summer recess. As we are still borrowing somewhere north of €22 billion to meet expenditure in the current year, there are serious issues involved. There is a growing trend in the black economy that people are happy to work for €5 or €6 an hour and still draw social welfare payments. That...

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Statements (12 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Connick, on his appointment. He and I served together on New Ross Town Council more than a decade ago. His business acumen, ability and affability will stand him in good stead in his new position. We are fortunate to have an individual of his calibre in the Department at a time when serious challenges...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: I welcome the support of Senator Quinn yesterday and Senator O'Toole today and the comments made in the Lower House about the tribunal, an issue on which I seek a debate. Members have an obligation to download judgments from the Supreme Court website, in particular, Mr. Justice Hardiman's judgment which states the proceedings of the appellants - the Murphy family - are directed exclusively...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: It appears costs have been claimed for six days of the week, 52 weeks of the year. The tribunal must clarify if that is correct or incorrect. If it is correct, it must give an explanation. If it fails to receive that explanation, there will be an onus on this House to institute whatever appropriate investigative procedures are necessary to establish what is happening in the calculation of...

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: The Senator does not have to use all of it.

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: That is a minimalist approach.

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: Absolutely.

Seanad: Role of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland: Statements (18 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach chun an t-ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé. As usual, I find myself agreeing with most of the common sense points made by my colleague, Senator O'Reilly. Invariably, he puts his arguments cogently, especially with regard to ensuring value for money from various public services, which is essential. I take this opportunity to compliment the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: On the remarks about CIE, we also found when we were looking at the Barron inquiry into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and held hearings on other such atrocities that the lack of powers of compellability, especially to get sworn evidence, is a serious shortcoming. I agree with everything Senator Buttimer said in this regard. I ask the Leader for a debate. We have debates on all sorts of...

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Jim Walsh: I join with others who complimented Senator Quinn in relation to the introduction of this Bill. It is a short but nonetheless important Bill, and coming from a county such as Wexford where a large proportion of employment was based in the construction industry, and where there is a considerable number of contractors, large and small, this is obviously a very important topic for us. I know...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I add my voice to those who have spoken about the attack on the flotilla. Like Senator Quinn, I believe there are two sides to the story. Most reasonable people would have accepted in 1948 that there was a necessity for the Jewish people to establish the state of Israel, given the events of the Second World War, probably one of the darkest chapters in the history of the world. The six day...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: Members will be aware that four or five weeks ago I circulated a copy of Mr. Justice Hardiman's judgment in the case of Murphy v. the Mahon tribunal. I believe I said at the time that I would draft and bring forward a motion which I have now done. I have decided, however, not to table the motion in the House but to bring it to the attention of Members. I have spoken about it to certain...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: -----to allow us advance the issue and bring it to a conclusion.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: Under Standing Orders, will the Senator allow me-----