Results 1-20 of 1,683 for speaker:Derek McDowell

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Sep 2002)

Derek McDowell: I support colleagues on the need for debates on a number of current issues. I was a member of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution which sat during the last and the previous Oireachtas. One of the issues debated was reform of this House. It was, in a sense, a false debate characterised by Government codology – people supporting reforms in the sure knowledge they were...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Derek McDowell: Before the Senator speaks, I want to protest at the way in which the Labour group is being so shoddily treated here today. As the Acting Chairman knows, we have an equality of numbers with the Independent group, which is not represented. I think only two of its Members have been in the House all day. The Independents are not here to take up the slot which was improperly allocated to them....

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Derek McDowell: The Minister of State said it himself.

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Derek McDowell: I am glad that the Acting Chairman is able to facilitate my contribution to this debate. I am an enthusiastic supporter of what has come to be known as the European project. I have always believed that the construction of a socially progressive, stable and peaceful Europe is nothing less than the single most important political project of our generation. We should state this frequently in...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Derek McDowell: We have a clear folk memory of a conflict which, slightly more than 50 years ago, rent asunder our continent. Other conflicts did likewise in the 50 years preceding that war. During the past half a century, however, we have been blessed to live in a continent that has been largely, although not entirely, at peace. We should strive to ensure that continues to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I agree with the remarks made by other Members regarding Northern Ireland. It is important that we should debate both Northern Ireland and the interim report of the Flood tribunal at the earliest opportunity. Another issue which demands urgent attention is the impending decision of the United Nations. Ireland is in the pivotal position – one it has not held for some time – of having a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I appreciate that discussions have taken place in respect of this matter and Senator Norris and I will have plenty of time to discuss it further.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: As already stated, the Labour Party has the same number of Senators as the Independent group.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: It is important that the Cathaoirleach should made a statement on this matter to the House because the Labour Party Senators, as members of a minority group, have rights, both as individuals and as members of that group. I wish to make it clear that the committee does not have the power to oppress a minority in circumstances which are clearly frivolous. It has been suggested that, because of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I am tempted to say that Senator Norris provides both with aplomb.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I have no intention of being disruptive, but I wish to state that we do not accept that ruling. In addition, we do not accept the Cathaoirleach's entitlement to make what is, in effect, an illegal ruling.

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

Derek McDowell: Thar ceann Phairtí an Lucht Oibre fáiltím roimh an uachtarán. Mar is eol dó, níor vótáil ionadaithe Phairtí an Lucht Oibre ar a shon nuair a toghadh é mar uachtarán ar Phairlimint na hEorpa an bhliain seo caite, toisc gur liobrálach é. Perhaps that, in a sense, is a reflection of the European vision in that we voted for the British socialist model. I was reminded when the...

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

Derek McDowell: Perhaps the Leader could reassure the constituent in Portlaoise that her Government does not intend to sell off Aer Rianta.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: Senator Hayes raised the issue of the incident in which a 17 year old young man was killed in the constituency I formerly represented in the other House. I am sure the Leader will join me in expressing condolences to his family and, although I do not want to pre-empt legal proceedings, expressing our shock that it appears that those responsible may well have been under age. It brings up the...

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: A Chathaoirligh, I seek your guidance on this matter. I know the Minister for Foreign Affairs is anxious to contribute to the debate at an early stage. I am happy to formally move the Bill on behalf of the Labour Party on the understanding that once the Minister has completed his contribution, we can then contribute.

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I thank the Minister for his contribution. We understand that he has other appointments this afternoon but we appreciate his and the Government's support for the Bill.

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: I will not detain the House because we want to process all Stages quickly. A point which came through in the Second Stage discussion was that there is some concern about the system being worked in good faith by the Government and that the resources should be made available to the relevant committees. The Government will have to pay heed to this. I mentioned during my earlier contribution that...

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: Now.

Seanad: European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Committee and Remaining Stages. (16 Oct 2002)

Derek McDowell: This issue was discussed on Committee Stage when the Bill passed through the Dáil. If there is sufficient time for an explanation as to why there is not sufficient time, then there is sufficient time to do the job. Fine Gael proposed an amendment suggesting that an explanation be given as to why there was not enough time. Clearly, that is not practical. I take some solace, however, in the...