Results 3,181-3,200 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Lisbon National Reform Programme: Statements. (26 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: The basic statistics for the Irish economy are incredibly strong. Ireland has the lowest unemployment level in Europe at 4.4% and the second lowest debt level at 29.4%. The briefing notes of the national reform programme indicate where Ireland stands in terms of income per capita. We are not the second wealthiest country in Europe. Our GNP per capita is 106% of the EU average. That is a good...

Seanad: Lisbon National Reform Programme: Statements. (26 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: As a small community we must keep pulling together. It is not merely a question of setting objectives and deciding together what must be done. We also need crisis management mechanisms to deal with issues that regularly crop up causing severe problems. There are no disputes over whether people should talk to Government; the access mechanisms are there. At the beginning of most partnership...

Seanad: Lisbon National Reform Programme: Statements. (26 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: The benefit is overwhelming. At 5% of GNP, our current level of investment is making a real impact countrywide. There is more to be done and while I cannot detail the different projects now, I look forward to the ten-year transport infrastructure programme. Our employment rate is approaching 2 million, compared to approximately 1,080,000 in the mid-1980s. I hope that by 2007 we will be able...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I echo the messages of sympathy to the Lawlor family. Liam Lawlor was active in politics for 20 years, although not as an office holder. He did many good things and performed valuable services notwithstanding what is under discussion in the tribunals. I will refrain from commenting directly on what was written in the Sunday Independent last week but proprietors and boards of management have a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Every democracy——

Seanad: Salmon Fisheries Report: Statements (Resumed). (25 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: This is a classic case of a debate which is not being fully acknowledged on all sides. Two substantial interests are involved, one of which wants to close down the other. Much of the debate has been unbalanced. On the views expressed in the constituency in which I live, the report refers to the small snap net fishery in the south east. I do not think anyone is suggesting that it has a serious...

Seanad: Animal Diseases: Statements. (20 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his speech. It is always important, particularly when many scares as well as justified fears abound, that the full facts be set out carefully to allow people judge the current and potential difficulties with a proper sense of proportion. I have great confidence in the Department of Agriculture and Food which has dealt successfully with similar...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I join with my colleagues in sending my best wishes to Joe Carroll and his family. It should be remembered that Mr. Carroll is the author of an important study of Irish neutrality during the Second World War. It is at times like these that we appreciate the value Irish neutrality still possesses. I am sure Senator Coonan will be glad to confirm that decentralisation in all parts of County...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: The plans are developing but, obviously, a certain amount of time is required. This House should not devalue structured debate. I do not favour prolonging the Order of Business and for this reason, I will now resume my seat.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: It is in Tipperary.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I would like the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, the HSE and the medical unions to make it clear that where a person is in imminent danger of death, a doctor or a health institution has not merely a right but an obligation to intervene. The good samaritan did not ask what rules he was breaking when he helped someone by the roadside. Nor did he check whether his insurance was...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I am also shocked, as are many others, by the scale of legal fees involved, which means that we have a justice system that is virtually unaffordable for most people in this country. To hire a junior and senior counsel for one day costs the best part of 12 air fares to London. People refer to the market rate but since when was the market allowed within an ass's roar of our learned friends in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: The situation must be put forward.

Seanad: European Union: Statements. (13 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Treacy, and his official. I also welcome the White Paper, which I have not yet had the chance to examine. One of the respects in which we have a superb public service is with regard to Europe. Tremendous commitment is found across Departments that is a blend of idealism and enlightened self interest. We are...

Seanad: National Sporting Facilities: Motion. (12 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Senator McCarthy need not apologise about being parochial. If sport is not about the parish, I am not sure what it is about. Tonight, it is obviously about the country. A few Sundays ago, I had the pleasure and honour of presenting the Mansergh cup to my own town club, Clanwilliam rugby club. The cup was presented by my grandfather in the 1920s when Clanwilliam beat Thurles. We are...

Seanad: National Sporting Facilities: Motion. (12 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: Speakers are correct to state that more must be done, particularly with regard to sports facilities in schools where a great deal remains to be done. In many cases community facilities are available to schools and vice versa, as often schools which have good facilities make them available to the community. I warmly thank the Minister for his vigorous and unscripted defence of the tax relief...

Seanad: National Sporting Facilities: Motion. (12 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: It would be well deserved.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: That is not a current affairs programme, it is an entertainment programme.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: In response to Senator Ryan, there are many such tables. The Economist recently placed us as the top country for standards of living and quality of life.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Oct 2005)

Martin Mansergh: I will move on. There are mornings when there is not much to be said for editorial writers. I am sick and tired of media organs that present themselves as champions of democracy against threats from republican subversion and so on——