Results 3,101-3,120 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: It is not a lie. At least the number of gardaí was not reduced, as happened under the rainbow coalition in the mid 1990s.

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: The question of courthouses was mentioned. Some very fine work has been carried out on them in such places as Clonmel and Ennis. The Minister will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Tullamore was also included.

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Exactly. Another point made is that people can see there is a great deal of extra spending but that the money is being wasted or not producing any results. Health is always picked on as an example. I do not know whether Senators listened to what I thought was a very interesting contribution by the vice-president of the IMO the day after the Estimates. I admit that she was highly critical of...

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: ——constructive suggestions for consideration by the Government on foot of all the advice available to it. In a general sense, the Dáil can accept or reject the budget. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has a point on strengthening the labour inspectorate but I imagine this will be addressed in social partnership negotiations. I am glad the Fine Gael spokesperson did not overemphasise...

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: There were no cutbacks.

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I warmly welcome the Estimates——

Seanad: Estimates for Public Services 2006: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: ——which are a sign of the resounding health of the economy and the excellent way in which it has been managed for many years, particularly in the capable hands of the present Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Today's debate on the Book of Estimates may, among other things, provide an opportunity to discuss the public service. We are fortunate to have an impartial public service with integrity. As a one-time former public servant, I believe public servants should not be pressurised and harassed to cross what they perceive as a political line——

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: ——even if there might be doubt or argument about the issue, such as when the venue is neutral and the people invited represent political parties. An important issue of principle is involved. I admire the stand on principle taken. I hope the Ministers involved will be expeditious in finding an alternative post for the person concerned.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I strongly endorse what Senators O'Toole and Tuffy said about league tables. Newspapers publish ropy tables and say it is the duty of the Government to publish accurate tables in their place. In Tipperary yesterday, the Minister for Education and Science strongly refuted the idea that the Government should provide any sanction to that proposal. We should debate this as much for the benefit of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I join in supporting Senators Ó Murchú and Jim Walsh in their concern about further revelations connected with the conduct of the war on terrorism and Iraq. While all of us support, as does the UN since its resolution of June 2004, the establishment of democracy in Iraq and the withdrawal of the multinational force, the continued revelations of abuses of power, breaches of international law...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: In the words of Shakespeare, "let copulation thrive".

Seanad: Railway Safety Bill 2001: Committee Stage. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: In the current state of affairs, where we have a State railway, an improvement notice for safety considerations has enormous weight. I do not see how a railway concern could refuse to implement measures because of commercial considerations. If we had a privatised railway, God forbid, the danger might be very real. I do not object to the idea that certain freight companies might run freight...

Seanad: Railway Safety Bill 2001: Committee Stage. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I agree with the sentiments of my colleagues. I read somewhere — and perhaps the Minister of State will confirm this — that the trade unions in question are happy with this provision, which in a sense is very much in the interest of their members.

Seanad: Railway Safety Bill 2001: Committee Stage. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Has this matter been discussed with and agreed by the trade unions?

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I support the call for a debate on affordable housing. I note from Senator Ryan's references to capital gains tax that there is still disagreement on what level of capital gains tax should be levied on the pot at the end of the rainbow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Yes. Performing artists have concerns that the copyright laws should be observed. Will parties who use songs without obtaining permission pay appropriate financial reparations?

Seanad: Railway Safety Bill 2001: Committee Stage. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: For this amended clause to become effective, the relevant people, particularly in the haulage industry, will have to be properly notified of their duty in this regard, and this clause could be integrated into various road safety literature and instructions.

Seanad: Railway Safety Bill 2001: Committee Stage. (16 Nov 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the amendment and I fully share the Minister of State's appreciation of its importance. It is one illustration that the Government is serious about the Transport 21 programme which will require a large amount of investment. As a straw in the wind I saw an advertisement in a newspaper yesterday to do with a public consultation on the extension of the Luas line at Cherrywood. Within a...