Results 1-20 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach. (12 Sep 2002)

Michael Finucane: What about the university Senators?

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach. (12 Sep 2002)

Michael Finucane: I congratulate you, a Chathaoirligh, as a fellow west Limerick man and I wish you well in your new position. You have been a Member of the House since 1977 and have been involved in politics for over 25 years. Having laboured for so long in the vineyards, today represents the pinnacle of achievement which you deserve and I am pleased for you. This is a special occasion for your wife, Eileen,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Sep 2002)

Michael Finucane: Since the election people's concerns about the health area have dominated the media. I would like a specific aspect of that discussed and the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to answer questions. Many regions, such as the mid-west region, the south-east region and others, do not have radiotherapy facilities. It is a disgrace that people have to travel long distances for...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (13 Sep 2002)

Michael Finucane: I second the motion.

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (13 Sep 2002)

Michael Finucane: Unhappy for Fine Gael, the Senator means.

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim (Atógáil). Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Sep 2002)

Michael Finucane: I propose to share time with Senator Feighan. I wish the Minister of State well in spearheading the Government's efforts to be successful on this occasion. It is showing more strength compared to the debacle of the last time when there were different voices within the Administration, even at senior ministerial level, and some were advocating a "No" vote. At least this time Ministers are...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: Under the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Bill, 1999, the Minister has power to schedule certain sporting and cultural events. The Minister announced a preliminary list going back to 17 July 2002. We are on the eve of an important match, yet it looks as if people will only have access to it through "Sky Sports". I understand the list is being presented to Cabinet today. Will...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: This is the practice in the local authorities.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: I wish to share time with Senators Feighan and Cummins.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: Seanad Éireann was established 65 years ago in 1937 and many would say it has stood the test of time. Usually when Seanad elections are held, certain commentators ask whether the House should be abolished. A number of journalists, for example, believe it is undemocratic, but the opposite is the case. The primary criticism regularly levelled at the House is that its Members are not directly...

Seanad: Address by President of the European Parliament. (10 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: Tell him the truth.

Seanad: Address by President of the European Parliament. (10 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: I join Members in tributes to Mr. Cox. I have heard him on radio recently and been impressed by his contributions because he has usually been joined by people from the "No" side but refrained from using some of the emotive language used at the beginning of the campaign to describe "No" voters as xenophobic, racist or dingbats. It is that type of rhetoric which alienates people and drives them...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: On a previous occasion I raised the matter of televising sports events. I am aware that, in the last few days, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources listed various events which will be designated in future, but I am disappointed that people will have to watch a crucial match this evening on Sky Sports and will have to pay for that privilege. The Minister started...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: There was a previous request for the Minister for Finance to come to the House. It would be worth having him here to clarify certain things that are happening. In recent times economists have been mystified that our income tax take has reduced by so much. They have now discovered that to finance the special savings investment scheme, he has been top-slicing €500 million from income tax...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: It is up for grabs.

Seanad: Parliamentary Committees: Motions. (17 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: When I was assistant Government Whip I, along with an America intern, conducted an analysis of different committees, particularly attendance at committees. It was a revelation in regard to Members who did and did not attend. As Senator Leyden said, there are too many committees. In many cases, Members attend committee meetings in the hope of getting a certain amount of publicity but the...

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (17 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: I wish to share my time with Senator James Bannon.

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (17 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: I welcome the Minister to the House and wish him well in his capacity as Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources. This is an area which interests me greatly because I was my party's Front Bench spokesman in the other House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: On the basis of the referendum on the Nice treaty held last Saturday, will the Leader agree to bringing forward an all-party motion for consideration by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and other appropriate individuals that, in the future, general elections and local elections be held on a Saturday?

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2002)

Michael Finucane: It obviously suits the electorate to vote on a Saturday. If we compared the recent general election and Saturday's referendum in terms of who did or did not vote, it would emerge that elections held on weekdays disenfranchise a segment of the electorate.