Results 2,681-2,700 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: Of course.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: In a few weeks we will debate the budget. I am sure it will come as a great comfort to everyone to know that on the basis of a benchmarking of the 12 eurozone Finance Ministers in yesterday's Financial Times, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, was adjudged the most effective. He has been able to generate additional resources for worthwhile social purposes, which include those mentioned...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: The Senator should.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: Is that Fine Gael policy?

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: Like Senators Brian Hayes and O'Toole, I was dismayed to see individuals in the media proving a soft touch for vested legal interests. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, PIAB, has been a catalyst in the reduction of insurance costs and deserves our support. The city was alight with fireworks last night as I approached via the Naas Road and...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: I have the words used here. The Basque peace process in itself merits debate in order that there is better information in this country.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: Anyone who believes that when the Taoiseach wants to go electioneering, he ought to go to the European Parliament in Strasbourg——

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Martin Mansergh: ——has lost touch with reality.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: Albeit after some delay, I am glad all farming organisations will sign on for social partnership, thanks in part to a package of spending measures over the next several years. I agree with Senator Coonan's point on the consolidation of farm holdings. The capital gains tax situation for farmers whose lands are compulsorily purchased for road developments should be examined. A recent study...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Pre-Nuptial Agreements: Motion (18 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: I compliment Fine Gael on facilitating the debate on this matter. I am somewhat dismayed that, as a result of the absence of various people, I am, pro tem, the family law reform spokesperson for this side of the House. However, that is no matter. We all agree that this is a complicated and complex matter that needs to be carefully examined and that we must look before we leap. At an...

Seanad: Pre-Nuptial Agreements: Motion (18 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: ——and to parts of which a spouse, after a relatively short marriage, might not gain access as a result of a settlement. Let us be brutally clear. In whose interests are pre-nuptial agreements? Basically, they relate to people who are better off and who have more assets and financial resources. They represent a way of cutting back on the legal and equality requirements in cases...

Seanad: Pre-Nuptial Agreements: Motion (18 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: ", noting that policy in the law on proper provision in divorce proceedings is circumscribed by the Constitution and that the law already gives some recognition to pre-nuptial agreements, welcomes the decision of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to commission a...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: The word "crisis" was not used.

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I also welcome the Green Paper. The Opposition amendment contains many aspirations——

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: ——but it does not condemn it as a discussion document.

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: I am probably the only Member of the House who was involved in the preparation of the last Green Paper on energy policy, which was produced in 1978 under the aegis of the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy. Outside Departments had an advisory role. At that stage it was thought that nuclear and coal were the routes to take but subsequent events proved otherwise. I agree with the...

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: ——if that is not economic.

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: One can drive them out of the country——

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Martin Mansergh: I do not think it would be great. It would do huge damage to this country if that were to happen. That would be my view.