Results 3,561-3,580 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Committee Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: I am not in full agreement with the previous two speakers. I take their point, however, about the supposed feelings of corporate bodies. Where a statement is made, either through sloppy journalism or some other reason, that defames a corporate body and causes it to incur significant financial loss, that body must be in a position to take action. In extreme circumstances, job losses might...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Committee Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: One issue struck me which eluded me when I spoke earlier. It is much easier for the corporate veil to be lifted than it was under previous legislation. Directors and managers of companies may find themselves, as a result of their company being defamed, in the eye of the storm. It might be suggested that individual managers who feel defamed by unfair and unfounded criticism take a case...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Committee Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: This proposes a significant change to what pertains at the moment. The Minister might clarify the situation but my understanding is that if a case is appealed to the Supreme Court, the latter can refer the decision to the lower court. There have been famous examples of increases in awards but I am concerned about the Supreme Court being able to override a case which has been prosecuted...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: I endorse the call by Senator Quinn for a debate on the report on primary teaching. The INTO was very quick out of the traps. Anybody who has a cushy experience of involvement with primary education would say there are many fine teachers in the profession but there are also many who should not be involved in the teaching profession. All the report does is underline that. It is not good...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Committee Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: Section 5(4) states: "There shall be no publication for the purposes of the tort of defamation if the defamatory statement concerned is published to the person to whom it relates and to a person other than the person to whom it relates in circumstances where ... it was not intended", etc. What is the position where a defamatory statement is made and where this subsequently, either directly...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Committee Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: What if the person who hears the remark is involved in the media?

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Committee Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: This section involves a significant change in that plaintiffs and defendants will be obliged to swear affidavits. I stated on Second Stage that there is a certain peculiarity in that regard because people who are involved in serious crime are not obliged to present themselves to present any evidence and can remain silent. The Minister recently made an announcement, which I welcome, that the...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: I seek a debate on the tribunals and have sought one before now. It is a scandal that these Houses have allowed matters to get to this stage, although the tribunals have undoubtedly done some good work. As a child growing up, I remember watching films about runaway trains. What we have is a runaway gravy train. It is time we called a halt to it. Unless we can get the new fees set by the...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: I seek a debate on the general issue of planning. It concerns not only filling stations but also licensed premises and fine hotels. Many such landmarks in this city will be demolished for residential accommodation.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: We need to have proper, effective planning for the future. Otherwise all we will have are apartment blocks without the social facilities people require. We should have a debate on that matter.

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Committee Stage (14 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: Amendments Nos. 16 and 20 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Citizens Information Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Seanad: Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Jim Walsh: Amendments Nos. 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19 to 25, inclusive, 28 to 31, inclusive, 38, 39, 42 to 45, inclusive, 48, 51, 52 and 53 are cognate. Amendments Nos. 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 17, 18, 40, 41, 50 and 54 are related. Amendment No. 51 is an alternative to No. 50. Therefore, amendments Nos. 4 to 14, inclusive, 16 to 25, inclusive, 28 to 31, inclusive, 38 to 45, inclusive, 48 and 50 to 54,...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: We can ask people to leave them in churches.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: He should have been on it.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: The crime situation is undoubtedly serious and is of concern to many people. However, it is important that we neither overstate nor understate the case. It is interesting to hear people's comments on the Order of Business because I have taken part in many debates on crime in the House during which many Members placed significant emphasis on the human rights of those accused of committing...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: As a consequence, many criminals are walking the streets because the evidential requirements cannot be met. A previous speaker referred to a radio interview that was broadcast this morning. A comment was made during the interview regarding greater use of the Special Criminal Court, in which the rules of evidence are not quite as stringent. The time has come to consider reflecting in other...

Seanad: Garda Reform: Statements (13 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: I welcome the Minister and I compliment him on the various initiatives he has taken in this area. Since his appointment as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, it was obvious he intended to address any deficiencies within the force and to strengthen and increase the manpower and resources available to it. He has made significant progress in that regard. That progress and the...

Seanad: Garda Reform: Statements (13 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: I would say the Minister is too.

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Dec 2006)

Jim Walsh: On the first sitting day of 2007.