Results 3,041-3,060 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: The only point I want to make is that he has focused on a culture of profligacy and it is not only in FÁS but right across the public service. That has done the State some service. I agree with Senator O'Toole that trivialising the issue down to a few hundred dollars for one service or another is bringing the public service into disrepute. We need to focus on the broader picture and...

Seanad: Stem-Cell Research (Protection of Human Embryos) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I second the motion and, together with my colleague, Senator Hanafin, am glad to do so. I commend Senator Mullen on his work on the Bill, as well as my intern, Dualta Redmond, on his tremendous work while researching it. It is worth reminding Members that in 1988, the High Court ruled the Offences against the Person Act 1861 protects the unborn from the moment of conception. However, the...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: There has already been mention of public sector reform. I welcome the announcement to be made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance today. Hopefully, it will chart a way forward towards improving cost effectiveness and efficiency throughout the public service. The announcement is predicated on the OECD report, but many people were disappointed with that report and the lack of...

Seanad: Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008: Second Stage (25 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach anocht and I compliment him on his good work in overseas aid. He has displayed a tremendous grasp of and feel for his area of responsibility. We all support his humanitarian efforts. I welcome this opportunity to discuss a fine example of international humanitarian law. As the Minister of State mentioned, it sets us a new benchmark. It...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support Senator O'Toole's call for a debate on the economy and the serious issues which have arisen. We need to instil some semblance of confidence in the people that what we are going through is a cyclical — admittedly severe — global recession. It is unique to have a recession affect nearly every country in the world. However, we need to guard against what happened in Japan in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: We need to instil confidence among consumers. The Government action on the banks has been very good. Most commentators accept capitalisation will be an issue. The timing of this is important. While Britain is getting much credit for its capitalisation programme, there is a feeling it may have done so too soon. While not an expert in the area, there are differing views on bank...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support a debate on such organisations and would welcome the opportunity to expand on my points. This issue is not a one-way street.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: Maybe the Senator could change that.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: What about the boys in the Kincora home? The Senator is being very lop-sided in his commentary.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: No, you do not.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I refer to the comments made by a number of Senators on the Equality Authority and the Human Right's Commission, and I agree with Senator Norris that we could have a useful debate on this matter. I hold a contrary view to his but, nonetheless, it would be equally valid. We have built up and industry, not just in Ireland but internationally, around the question of human rights and equality....

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: I support Senator Mary White's well argued case for a debate on the increase in unemployment rates.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: Senator Mary White also referred to competitiveness, the fiscal position and costs relating to the public service. Senator Callely referred to a return to some form of regional structure within the HSE. That matter is probably worthy of a debate. As someone who expressed reservations in writing to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health and Children in respect of the HSE's corporate...

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: It was very fertile ground when the Senator's party was in power.

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: Senator Buttimer has given me my cue because I react against political correctness, even though much of what I intend to say in dealing with this topic will sound like that. There is much hypocrisy attached to many of the sacred cows that have been developed by certain sections in society who see it as their job to shape everybody's opinion. I am often surprised at the people who would be...

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: The position must be monitored, regardless of who is in power. After all, democracy can be a fairly tender flower. I will not say too much about "The Late Late Show" other than to remark upon the fact that when he appeared, Senator Harris succeeded in winning the debate. Last week on RTE radio and television programmes, the Minister for Education and Science tried to make a number of good...

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Jim Walsh: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Morris Tribunal: Statements (30 Oct 2008)

Jim Walsh: Senator Regan is dismissing that part of Mr. Justice Morris's report. He is being selective.

Seanad: Morris Tribunal: Statements (30 Oct 2008)

Jim Walsh: Senator Regan might clarify if he is dismissing Mr. Justice Morris's assessment in that regard.

Seanad: Morris Tribunal: Statements (30 Oct 2008)

Jim Walsh: Was it inappropriate for Mr. Justice Morris to say what he did?