Results 2,521-2,540 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion (17 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I thought that was very good. It showed leadership and courage. Often there is a temptation for all of us in politics to go with the flow, and see what direction public opinion is going. Indeed, we see an example of that in this House this morning. As politicians, however, we need to have the courage of our convictions, and sometimes rather than following, we need to lead. In fact most...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (17 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I propose to extend the time for the two speakers to contribute and to allow the Minister to respond.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I thank Senator Carroll for sharing time. For 15 of the past 18 years the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, has been in ministerial office. During that period we have seen unprecedented economic growth in our country. We have achieved heights that people never dreamt could be achieved. As the report has shown, mistakes were made in banking, in our regulatory authorities and in our macro-economic...

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: Senator Boyle to continue without interruption.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: If Senator Buttimer continues to interrupt, I will ask him to leave the House.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: If the Senator does not sit down, I will ask him to leave the House.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I am going to ask the Cathaoirleach to have the Senator named. Senator Boyle is to continue without interruption. Other Senators will have the same opportunity as Senator Boyle and I will not allow interjections.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I remind Senators that this is a serious debate. By its nature, political points will be made, but Senators should respect each other. The public is not impressed by this type of barracking in the Chamber. It happens in the Dáil but tends not to happen here. I ask Members on both sides of the House to respect the right of others to make their points. I ask for their co-operation. I...

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: The Senator without interruption.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I ask the Leader to respect the ruling of the Chair. I should not have to ask you. Senator Phelan without interruption.

Seanad: Confidence in the Taoiseach: Motion (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I concur with others in seeking a debate on the Saville report. The joy of the people yesterday was something to behold. There was a stark contrast between the state corruption of the Widgery report and the integrity of the state yesterday, both in the content of the Saville report and also in the comments of the British Prime Minister. They were welcome and have helped to bring healing...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: In the Leader's reply to me on 12 May, he mentioned he was endeavouring to bring the leaders of the various groups together to respond on the issue of the tribunals. He suggested he would be meeting the leaders a short time afterwards to determine whether it would be possible to agree an all-party motion on the serious challenges facing the State in terms of tribunal costs. The Leader...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I ask that the motion or a debate be tabled for next week.

Seanad: Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: While I do not object to this proposal, I would like to raise a red flag for the future consideration of the Minister. It is proposed to lift the corporate veil if an offence takes place "with the consent or connivance of" a manager or secretary within the corporate structure. The corporation would be the main offender, but individuals could also be liable. We should be very careful in...

Seanad: Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I thank the Minister and his officials. We have had a good debate on this Bill. The Minister has been a real champion in this area. Many of the initiatives he has taken will have significant economic benefits in the future. I compliment him and his officials, who have been very helpful.

Seanad: Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I endorse what the Senators have said. I received confirmation that this would be the case and that the Bill would be applicable from that date. I am aware that Green Energy Ireland based in New Ross, one of the very few bioenergy producing companies, is doing quite well and that it is necessary for it to be able to continue and remain competitive. Regarding excise duty, anything that can...

Seanad: Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (3 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: Following on what Senator O'Reilly said, all we were doing on the various Stages of this Bill was echoing the sentiments of the Minister that the percentage levels should be set commensurate with encouraging investment in this bio-energy area. We must shift towards more domestically produced and manufactured products rather than imported products. We are concerned in particular about...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (3 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I generally find Senator Fitzgerald to be measured and fair in her comments. There is an obligation on this House to afford a fair and due process to any Member who needs to account for an issue. I accord fully with the comments of Senator Mullen in that regard. I understand that Senators from all parties are on the relevant select committee, which is chaired by the Cathaoirleach. Every...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (3 Jun 2010)

Jim Walsh: I have been a Member of this House for 13 years. I have supported and endorsed many issues with which I agreed. I have supported other issues out of loyalty to the Whip rather than any conviction. It is difficult, however, to ask any Member to abrogate his conscience with regard to matters which he - or she for that matter- feels are issues of conscience that are not for compromise in...