Results 2,781-2,800 of 18,761 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Review of Procurement Process for National Broadband Plan: Discussion (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: Did Mr. Smyth take any steps to test the truth of what he was told in regard to the meetings for which there were neither minutes nor third-party attendees?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Review of Procurement Process for National Broadband Plan: Discussion (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: For example, Mr. Smyth could have required Deputy Naughten and Mr. McCourt to separately provide him with an account of the meeting and not afford them the opportunity to confer.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Review of Procurement Process for National Broadband Plan: Discussion (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: I thank Mr. Smyth.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: Looking forward to the debate on the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018 that is scheduled to begin later, I would like to indicate that this is a civilised House where there is usually a fair and reasonable discussion of all issues.It is a House in which personal remarks are not normally entertained or made. I know that there will be amendments in this debate, probably...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: I express hope on behalf of the Independent group in general that the debate will proceed on that basis. There is no need for ad hominemarguments to be made one way or the other and there is no need for anger or rancour to enter into this. Although deeply held moral convictions both ways are probably an issue, that does not mean they have to be shoved down other Senators' throats. I appeal...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: If that is to happen and if anybody has amendments to table, what will be the position given that the Bill, as passed by Dáil Éireann, has not been printed yet?

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: It is shocking.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: On a point of order, this is not really fair to some people. One person in particular comes to mind, although I do not share his views. Is it fair to simply tell that person, who I presume has some amendments to put down though I emphasise that I will probably not support them, that he now only has a few hours to submit them?

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: My point is not about whether the Senator is aware or whether he is watching on a monitor, it is that he must do some work if he is to submit his amendments in time.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: A Commencement debate on a non-commencement is a bit of a joke.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: I echo some of what Senator Norris said about Brexit. Yesterday I spoke about the desirability of this House sometimes expressing its views on these matters; we had a special committee on Brexit. It has not been sufficiently emphasised in Ireland what a tragedy Brexit is for Ireland within the European Union. Because the Government has naturally, as a matter of politeness, been driven to...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018: Report and Final Stages (5 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: I support the Bill. I understand fully that the Government has the advice of the Attorney General. Unlike a certain other country close to us, it is not possible for the Parliament to demand to see that advice for very good reasons which I respect fully. Senator Black has taken the step of publishing legal opinions to the contrary and I have had the opportunity to read them. I agree with...

Seanad: Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018: Report and Final Stages (5 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: It is not opposed to the existence of Israel or the legitimacy of the Israeli state. It is merely saying that international law must mean something and that this Chamber of the Irish Parliament is determined to make it clear that international law cannot be flouted with impunity. We are not obliged to accept de facto annexation of land in a manner that infringes international law.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: I would like to raise a number of matters that have come into the public domain internationally in the past week. In particular, the G20 summit in Buenos Aires featured Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman-----

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: -----being feted by the other members of the leading economies internationally. We in this House are very much muted in expressing any views on international affairs. When we do express views, such as on the occupied territories legislation, which I hope will be debated and concluded in the House tomorrow, we come under a major push-back from the Department of Foreign Affairs for standing...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: -----human rights of people. I believe we should have a debate on Saudi Arabia-----

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: -----and the opportunity to express our disgust at the slaughter of Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and our revulsion at the fact that the person responsible for that atrocity is still striding the world like a colossus and being greeted by international statespeople. We should also make time to debate what is happening to the Republic of Ukraine. It is wrong that the...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2018)

Michael McDowell: She is not here either.