Results 3,381-3,400 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: National Sports Facilities: Statements. (3 Nov 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is always good to see a man of ability welcomed to the top in Fianna Fáil. He should ensure he is not exiled to Brussels, like another good man who left a while ago. On a serious note, I am delighted this debate is taking place and that it is the broad issue we are discussing. I too regret that we have not gone ahead with the construction of a...

Seanad: National Sports Facilities: Statements. (3 Nov 2004)

Joe O'Toole: It shows the development from populist sports to minority sports — a hugely important structural organic development. The most popular sports around the country are Gaelic games. If someone tried to quantify the cost or value of the commitment in terms of social capital, time, community bonding, sense of place, saving from delinquency and encouragement of health, no amount of money could...

Seanad: Report of National Advisory Committee on Drugs: Statements (Resumed). (3 Nov 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am glad of the opportunity to say a few words on the drugs issue. The report is somewhat disappointing in that it is simply an outline of the work to be done. It is neither a plus nor a minus. The National Advisory Committee on Drugs has outlined an important programme of work and I wish it well in accomplishing that programme. It is good to know from this interim report what the committee...

Seanad: Report of National Advisory Committee on Drugs: Statements (Resumed). (3 Nov 2004)

Joe O'Toole: More than one third of all crime is drugs related, which is due to the supply end of the problem. As well as methadone treatment units and new ways of dealing with people who are trying to come off heroin, there is also a case for using heroin as a treatment. The last time I mentioned this, the Minister of State looked aghast at me but there are well researched and documented cases of heroin...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Nov 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The people of America have spoken and have apparently decided to re-elect President Bush for the next four years, which I personally regret. Nonetheless, that is the American people's decision and they will not be too worried about my views on the matter.

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Nov 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The greatest feature of President Bush's leadership has been the West's deteriorating relationship with the Islamic world. Now that he does not have to face re-election in four years time, we should ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to use our influence in Europe to encourage him to restore relations and extend a hand of friendship and understanding to the Islamic world. We must recognise...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: As well as the anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, it is worth noting a very important anniversary in Irish literature. Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Patrick Kavanagh, a man who was never really appreciated in his own lifetime. He was treated very badly when he arrived in this town. People witnessed the pathetic sight of him being dragged through...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The debate should not conclude at 1.30 p.m. Many Senators wish to speak and we have been asking to debate the issue for a long time. I ask if the Leader might come to the House and extend the time.

Seanad: Planning and Related Issues: Statements. (20 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister to the House and wish him well in a difficult and challenging portfolio. I am sure he will give it his best effort as he did in his previous responsibilities. It is important to note that the issues we are debating today touch on everyone, including city and country, town and community. It is a bit like neutrality in the Minister's last portfolio. No one has ever given...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The first item on the Order of Business, the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2004, is to be taken without debate. There was a significant debate on a similar motion in the Lower House yesterday. While the regulations were discussed at committee and I do not object to the motion, an opportunity should be afforded to Members who wish to speak on this and similar motions. If a motion...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: ——and we are absolutely opposed to the involvement of the US and the UK. While we hold no brief for the former President of Iraq and welcome his removal, the current situation is unacceptable, as was the manner in which he was taken out. We have great sympathy for the people of Iraq at this time. While we could never support, justify or vindicate in any way the ultra-judiciary actions...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The Senator's constituency has done well.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I support Senator Finucane on this matter and the fundamental problems behind it need to be examined. There is a shortage of intensive care nurses and the Government claims we cannot produce enough of them. However, the reason for the shortage of nurses is because they go abroad where they are paid twice the salary they would receive in Ireland. The number of training places for intensive...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Senator White has misled the House because she told me she consistently voted for me.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I have 15 minutes and, with the permission of the House, I would like to share the last five with Senator Norris.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister and the legislation to the House. I have no difficulty in supporting the Bill and I look forward to doing so. I cannot resist the temptation of having a little swipe at those who drafted it in the first place. They got part of it wrong and this is about the fifth occasion in the course of this year that we have had to deal with emergency legislation. I find draftspeople...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Indeed. However, it is right for the reasons outlined. It was a sensible interpretation from the Minister and a pragmatic one from the Attorney General. I can also understand the position of the Director of Public Prosecutions and how his office viewed the matter. I support the Bill. I would like to cover some broader issues. The Minister will be aware that recently there was a report from...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Much of that is to do with the weather, which we blame for everything. However, I notice when I am abroad over the summer that people, including young people, meet outside where there are always things to do. We will never match that but there are things we could do. I wish to put one proposal before the House in the next fortnight. Let us consider what we can do at night. We are always told...