Results 3,101-3,120 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Jim Walsh: On this issue, it is essential it is done in a way that——

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Jim Walsh: I will finish by making the point that in doing this, there is no need to, and it must not happen that we need to, redefine marriage from its intrinsically heterosexual nature, which is for the propagation of society and the welfare of children, into one which is purely for an adult sexual relationship. That is essential and important.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: We need a debate on the economy but it needs to be well argued and constructive. There is no doubt issues arise but it amazes me when people talk about cutbacks in education given that education expenditure increased threefold to fourfold within the past decade.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: I was at a meeting in my local hospital last week in respect of which vested interests argued the case on specific issues. There were consultants, in both private and public practice, who are probably earning €500,000 per year. If circumstances are as they portray them, how come there were 60,000 people working in the health service in 1997, with an overall budget of €3.5 billion, while...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: Nobody in the hospital could answer——

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: ——why this is the case.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: We now have more complaints.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: Serious issues arise regarding value for money and productivity in the public service.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: I keep raising these issues and hope they will comprise an important focus of our debate on the economy. Will the Leader arrange a debate on speed limits at an early date? The roll-out of the speed cameras is moving ahead. If, when this is complete, we have not reviewed the illogical speed limits that apply in many parts of the country, there will be widespread disaffection among motorists...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: No local issues, please.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: It has been a very——

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: ——comprehensive Bill and the House has spent quite a few days considering it. All sides have engaged strongly in the debate during which many amendments were tabled. I wish to compliment the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power. The Minister of State took Committee Stage and was extremely accommodating in taking on board amendments that he felt...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: We had a good debate on this issue on Committee Stage. I fully subscribe to the spirit of the amendment but it is essential that there are deterrents for people who do not pay their bills. Many people choose to spend their money on other less necessary expenditure rather than commitments they have to the State. It is important deterrents are in place. The Minister gave a good and fair...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: Even in the 1960s.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: I subscribe to the sentiments being expressed. Many of us received a letter from Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in Britain. It states: Dear Senators, Re: Broadcasting Bill 2008. On behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Britain and the wider Irish community I would like to express our thanks for the work you are all doing in the Oireachtas in highlighting the lack of reception of RTE Radio...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: I propose the Bill be recommitted in respect of amendments Nos. 58 and 111 to 120, inclusive.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: I thank the Minister for taking on board the increase to seven years. All sides feel that was warranted and a step in the right direction. Another step in the right direction would be for the Minister to reconsider the concept of a heritage channel. Senator Phelan made the point that the move to digital broadcasting is exceptionally important. We need to ensure the structures exist in a...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: While I welcome the Minister's increase to not less than 3%, I am inclined to agree with the arguments that it should be greater. I am sure the Minister wants a vibrant independent radio producing sector providing good quality programmes. Between this Stage and when the Bill goes to the Dáil, will the Minister consider a ministerial regulation without recourse to further legislation to...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order, we have grouped the amendments. We have agreed that they be grouped and they remain so.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Jim Walsh: It is perfectly clear to me. If amendment No. 20 is passed by the House then amendment No. 21 is redundant.