Results 3,561-3,580 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The House should be reminded that, on three or four occasions in the past 20 years, it debated capital punishment and its elimination. Senator Ross brought forward a Private Members' Bill on one occasion. We discussed the matter during Private Members' business and the final legislation was introduced by the Government. There was considerable agreement on both sides during that debate and one...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I was speaking about myself.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Perhaps he will allocate more money to special education.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Except the young Progressive Democrats.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: This is classic in terms of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government. There is plenty of coverage but we do not deal with the issue. The e-government report could have been dealt with by the House and it would be covered in every newspaper in the land.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Will that be before the local elections?

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: It all sounded very cynical.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I have no difficulty with the Order of Business. The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill is a classic example of an instance where all Stages should be taken in one day. The legislation is more like a schedule to a Bill than an actual Bill. On the issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, I wish to indicate my great admiration for the retiring President of the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Teachers teach the curriculum. When the names are included in the curriculum the teachers will teach them.

Seanad: Family Law: Motion. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: This debate is a landmark in the discussion on this issue. The positive input by the Minister to this motion, proposed and seconded by my colleagues, marks an important move forward. I ask the Minister and his Department officials to examine this in a challenging and open way, along the lines proposed by Senator Hayes. This is not a party issue. There is no political or party gain to be made...

Seanad: Family Law: Motion. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: They are cohabiting.

Seanad: Ombudsman's Report: Statements. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am glad to have the opportunity to discuss the first report of the new Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, who does justice to her office in the report. I welcomed her appointment and, on reading the report, I believe that welcome was justified. I welcome also the clarity and openness of the report but perhaps the most positive reflection on the work of the Ombudsman is, strangely, the fact that...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: He is one of the leprechauns.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I second the proposal. I was disappointed with the Chair's ruling last week that it was unnecessary to adjourn the House to discuss this issue, but I accepted the ruling. It is unfortunate that we did not have a debate. For that reason it is crucial we support Senator Brian Hayes's proposal that this debate be taken. It is a very serious matter. It is daft that we should enter a debate on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I want to know how that came to be the case. The Minister said the problems mentioned by the commission were brought to its attention by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: If that is the case, why were the problems not brought to the attention of the Houses, particularly the Seanad? There is something completely and utterly wrong about that. We need to discuss the matter. Most of us feel it should be considered. I do not know if we were misled by choice or inadvertently. Members on all sides could suggest better ways to use the €50 million that has been spent...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: It has lost one, kicked out another and another one is going to the House of Lords. I do not know where Fianna Fáil is going.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I do not know where the republican party is going now. Is it going to send a few more over to Westminster?

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I would like to know whether Dr. Conor Cruise O'Brien's problems with the Revenue Commissioners will cause a difficulty for the Labour Party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2004)

Joe O'Toole: And Independents, no doubt.