Results 2,981-3,000 of 18,727 for speaker:Michael McDowell
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: This is a strange situation. As I understand it, the commission is by statute independent in the discharge of its functions. The Minister is now saying that the Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality is its Accounting Officer, even though its director is accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts. This is somewhat anomalous. However, as it is 7.30 p.m. we can...
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I would be impressed by Senator Lawless's or rather Senator Lawlor's generous offer to-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: -----sit here until midnight or whenever if he had sat through any of the other debates.
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I would be doubly impressed if he had contributed one word on this Bill and I would be trebly impressed if I had any evidence that he has read one line of this Bill.This Bill has nothing to do with false claims.
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: That was dealt with in 2004 by means of the Civil Liability and Courts Act, which introduced lengthy provisions for countering false personal injuries claims. Furthermore, Senator Ó Céidigh took an initiative in this House to strengthen the law on perjury. If Senator Lawlor is so keen on doing something, let him make available some Government time to deal quickly with Senator...
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I am referring to Second Stage and Committee Stage. The Government should commit to it, rather than saying that the Department-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: -----of Justice and Equality wants to think about it-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: ----- and will come back to Senator Ó Céidigh on it. Let us be clear about what we are discussing. This legislation has nothing to do with false claims. On the Order of Business, I see no reason for the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill to be the subject of an extended debate today. We should stick to our ordinary procedures. Therefore, I propose that the debate on No. 3...
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: We might get through the Order of Business first before we start with the apologies.
- Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: My amendment was for an earlier time but in a humour of generosity-----
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I thank the Acting Chairman. That was helpful. I believe, however, that we have actually reached section 27 and are not still on section 26. Certainly, I thought that we had agreed to-----
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: There are a few points I want to make to the Minister on the detail of the Government amendments to section 27. As I understand it, the intent of amendment No. 66 is to amend the introductory part of section 27(1) to provide that there has to be written consent for the disclosure of confidential information. Amendment No. 66 proposes - it is phrased peculiarly - to insert "without the...
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: -----such as either of those acting as management consultants could be brought in to engage in a winnowing exercise on applications for appointment to the Judiciary.
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: It worries me that private companies and partnerships could be handed the function of carrying out a primary winnowing out of people applying to be judges. It does not happen with the JAAB and I do not think it is a particular problem. When I was a member of the JAAB - I know it also from the time I was Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform - it was quite common for over 80 and...
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I know that my rhetoric is powerful, but I have never driven a Member of the House onto his knees before.
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: It reminds me of a colleague of mine at the Bar who was always-----
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: No, he was not. He was always reminded of the occasion one of the jury died during his speech.
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I am making the point-----
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I am told-----
- Seanad: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)
Michael McDowell: I am attempting to address the substance of section 67 which has been designed-----