Results 2,061-2,080 of 4,810 for speaker:Liam Twomey

Seanad: Ministerial Pensions: Motion (5 May 2010)

Liam Twomey: I thank all Senators who contributed to the debate, including those who said they will vote against the motion. I suggest that those Government Senators who feel that former Ministers are entitled to draw certain pensions when they have retired as Ministers and returned to the backbenches should use their own Private Members' time, the next time it arises, to make a case to that effect. I...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages. (29 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I support the amendment and thank the Minister of State for accepting yesterday our amendment removing the ban on local authority members from being members of the board of IFI. That was a discriminatory practice that was unnecessary and added nothing to the legislation. I am delighted the Minister of State accepted our amendment and has introduced this amendment as a consequence.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages. (29 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I wish to be associated with the sentiments expressed. I thank the Minister of State for being so concise and forthright in his answers to the House. I wish the board of IFI the very best for the future. Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: The news that a eurozone country has seen its rating, regarding the repayment of loans, reduced to junk bond status is incredibly serious for eurozone economies. Following from what Senator Donohoe said yesterday, I call for an urgent debate on the euro. We must look at the future of the currency and the impact it will have on the economy, events outside our control and our ability to...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 1: In page 15, subsection (4)(b), line 24, after "Minister" to insert the following: "following consultation with the relevant all party Oireachtas Committee". This is a fairly straightforward amendment, which should be accepted by the Minister. It broadens the democratic process in that a joint Oireachtas committee would have a say in what goes on.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 2: In page 17, lines 29 to 44, to delete subsections (2) and (3). Section 9(1) sets out how this will operate while section (2) basically states the Minister can change his mind in this regard. It is a rather unusual way for legislation to be enacted.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 4: In page 24, subsection (2), line 9, to delete paragraph (b). The section states that a member of the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland shall cease to hold office, or is disqualified from office, if he or she makes an arrangement with creditors. That seems to be fairly harsh. Does that mean that if somebody is unable to pay his or her mortgage and his or her house is...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: The Minister of State's explanation shows that I have a poor understanding of the Bankruptcy Act as I still do not have the foggiest notion who is covered by the provision.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I hope we will not have to give a broader opinion on it. According to the Minister of State, the provision will not apply to individuals who may have to renegotiate their mortgages but are not deemed to be bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Act.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 5: In page 24, subsection (1), line 26, after "Minister" to insert ", with the approval of Dáil Éireann,". The amendment proposes to improve accountability to the Oireachtas in respect of the legislation by providing that the Minister secure the approval of the Dáil or relevant Oireachtas committee before removing a member from the board. This will allow people to...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: Notwithstanding the Minister of State's positive aspirations for my future, legislation should improve accountability to the Oireachtas, rather than increasing the powers of the Executive. Since the foundation of the State, the Executive has wielded all power. Even if the Fine Gael Party is in power following the next general election, we would like powers over legislation and its...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 7: In page 39, subsection (1), lines 3 and 4, to delete paragraph (a). Section 40 states, inter alia, that where a member of the IFI, a member of a committee of the IFI or the chief executive is nominated as a candidate for election to either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament, thereon he or she should cease to hold office. That is unusual because it...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: As I suppose everything in politics is about compromise, we will have to agree with the Minister of State. I will, therefore, withdraw my amendment. I am glad the Minister of State has taken on board the fact that there is no need to discriminate against those who are elected to a local authority. I can see why the insertion of such a provision can be irritating to those elected as county...

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: Two amendments are being discussed together. Amendment No. 7 proposes the deletion of paragraph (a), while amendment No. 8 proposes the deletion of paragraph (e). I will not push for the deletion of paragraph (a), but I will accept the deletion of paragraph (e).

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: As the Minister of State mentioned the FÁS board, it is interesting that Councillor Tony Dempsey from County Wexford was placed on that board. Having had a long experience of Councillor Dempsey, both locally and nationally, he will be a great addition to the board.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: Yes. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 8: In page 39, subsection (1), line 11, to delete paragraph (e). This amendment is being accepted by the Minister of State.

Seanad: Inland Fisheries Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (28 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I move amendment No. 10: In page 59, subsection (1), line 16, after "Finance" to insert "and the approval of Dáil Éireann". The Minister has included a new subsection (3) here, which may be to cater for the fact that he wants the approval of Dáil Éireann for the sale of any property by IFI. The new subsection states: "The Minister shall, as soon as practicable, notify the Joint...

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I wish to share time with Senator O'Toole.

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

Liam Twomey: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for allowing me to speak. I wish to make a few brief comments. Some 30 years ago medicine, the profession in which I am involved, was as male dominated, as macho and with as long hours as politics today. Some aspects of medicine have changed quite radically. Surgery is still very much male dominated with long hours and with the same macho culture but other...