Results 321-340 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Dec 2005)

John Minihan: I join with previous speakers in calling for a debate on Northern Ireland and, in particular, those on the run. I share the concerns of previous speakers in this regard. Whatever system we put in place in the Republic, it should be mutually transferable between both jurisdictions. I am fearful of having a different system here and in Northern Ireland. I am also conscious there could be legal...

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. In preparing for this debate, I undertook an exercise which has served me well on previous occasions. I rigorously examined all my previous contributions in the House on the topic of Iraq and in light of current events. That re-examination led me to an uncomfortable weekend as long-cherished assumptions about the war in Iraq were placed under the...

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: If we close Shannon now to US military flights, the only people it will assist are those seeking to bring down the present Iraqi Government and those involved in international terrorism.

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Turning to the specifics of the motion, I would like to speak for a moment on the allegation that Shannon is being used as a part of a clandestine Central Intelligence Agency operation to transfer so-called "unlawful combatants" to countries where the torture of prisoners is routinely practised. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and his officials have repeatedly raised...

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: While unlawful combatants are not entitled to any protection under the third Geneva Convention they must be granted their rights under the fourth Geneva Convention; they must be "treated with humanity and, in case of trial, ... not be deprived of the rights of fair and regular trial." I urge the Government to prevail on the US Administration to end the practice of extraordinary rendition...

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Before I leave this subject I would like to express my support for Senator John McCain of Arizona——

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: ——himself a victim of torture, and his fellow legislators, who are currently engaged in a bitter struggle with the White House to prohibit cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of persons in the detention of the US Government. I wish to quote from Senator McCain, who is far more eloquent on the subject of terrorism and torture than I could ever be: The enemy we fight has no respect for...

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: That is why the Iraqi Prime Minister recently requested that the UN Security Council extend the mandate of the multinational force as set forth in resolution 1546 until 31 December 2006. UN resolution 1637 recognises that the occurrences in Iraq continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security. Until that country is at peace with itself, it is beholden on this House, this...

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Please do.

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Should I tie the Senator down?

Seanad: Matter raised under Standing Order 30. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The Senator's comments are noted.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of the proposed rally to be held in Athlone in regard to the Nally case. Senator Daly also welcomed the postponement of the rally. He referred to the different view held by Senator Higgins who spoke from Strasbourg on the matter. That is what happens in parties, as we know all too well.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Bradford and Senator Jim Walsh also——

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I did not refer to any particular party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Bradford and Senator Jim Walsh also welcomed the postponement of the proposed rally, as do we all. Some valid points were made in contributions about the approach we should take on this matter. Senator Brian Hayes also raised the issue of property rights and people's right to defend their own homes. In light of recent events we could make a serious contribution to the national debate....

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: While I am not a member of the Taoiseach's party——

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: ——I do not at any time question the Taoiseach's loyalty to the Irish language. Senator Ryan referred to him jumping from one issue to another. Senator Ryan has jumped fairly well himself from one party to another.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: I am responding to the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: Senator Ryan raised the serious issue of the use of white phosphorous in the war in Iraq. This point was supported by a number of other speakers, including Senators Ó Murchú, Jim Walsh and Mansergh. Everybody knows the position I took on the Iraq war but I support the comments made on this issue. One of the main reasons for going to war was the potential use of chemical weapons and now we...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

John Minihan: The views of the House today will be brought to her attention. Senator Ryan also raised the issue of the Minister for Defence. I am glad Senator Ryan grew out of the habit of playing with guns at six years of age. Regarding the press photographs today, the Minister for Defence interacts with the Defence Forces and this will happen if a sharp photographer takes a photograph at a particular...