Results 2,461-2,480 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: It did.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I am sure the Acting Chairman will provide me with the stern unbending protection she supplied to other speakers.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I thank all those who contributed to the debate beginning with the Leader, Senator O'Rourke. I thoroughly approve of the restoration of the Athlone to Mullingar railway line which would help restore the interconnectedness of the rail system. The plan is not only for the future, it is being implemented as we speak. Senator John Paul Phelan tried to present the Fine Gael amendment to the...
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I move: That Seanad Ãireann welcomes the publication by the Minister for Finance of the National Development Plan 2007-13; and endorses this plan as a costed seven-year blueprint to transform Ireland and create a better quality of life for all. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. His late father would have been proud because he produced the first national development plan with his...
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I have stated that we would not agree, which should be sufficient answer.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: Balanced regional development is one of the plan's priorities, including the decentralisation programme, in respect of which â¬830 million will be allocated. The programme is proceeding, but not as quickly as envisaged. With concern, I noted statements by the Dublin-based finance spokespersons of both main Opposition parties to the effect that they will conduct a fundamental review of the...
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: ââconcerning the parties' commitment to decentralisation, some projects of which are advanced. There is an emphasis on the diversification of the rural economy, where there are already good schemes in operation, such as RAPID, CLÃR and REPS. It makes the point that Ireland is still a comparatively rural country, with 40% of the population living in the countryside. I commented...
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: It is wrong to make absolute commitments to projects where there has been no proper analysis.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I can give chapter and verse of what the Fine Gael spokesperson, Deputy Olivia Mitchell, said. It is a cautionary tale.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I am simply seeking more clarity and consistency from the main Opposition party.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: As far as aid for industry is concerned, I welcome the weighting of support in favour of the less economically forward regions, not just the BMW region but the south east as well. The chapter on all-island co-operation is an innovative feature of the plan. It builds on earlier initiatives, some of which the Leader was involved with when she was Minister for Public Enterprise, such as the...
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: The â¬3.5 billion to build up world class research is of great importance. We have made huge strides in the past ten years where instead of having derivative, applied and second hand research, we are carrying out cutting edge research ourselves. I welcome the further investment in education and the emphasis on science and physical education. Obviously it is right to target resources to...
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: It was a good thing the airport was already there.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: Senator Brian Hayes is deluding himself.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I speak to the people.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I would not idealise the brilliance of the private sector as Senator Brian Hayes does.
- Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: He did not quite say that.
- Seanad: Citizens Information Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to the House. The Bill is enlightened and progressive social legislation which will be welcomed by those who deal with people with disabilities. Comhairle and the citizens information service are important public services. The thrust of the Bill is to ensure that the service will be expanded and better resourced. Of course when...
- Seanad: Order of Business (7 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: We all expressed concern earlier this week about how we might mitigate the impact of global warming. We must also pay some attention to mitigating the impact of such global warming as will happen in any case. Last summer's so-called drought led to significant and still ongoing water supply problems in high-lying areas. We would be outraged if there were power cuts every day, often lasting...
- Seanad: Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2006: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)
Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister and this Bill. My principle reason for contributing to this debate is to express my respect for the role played by the Defence Forces and the pride that I and practically every other citizen take in them. To the best of my knowledge, historically, and certainly since the mid-1920s, they have never disgraced the name of this country. Discipline and its maintenance are...