Results 3,601-3,620 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

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

Martin Mansergh: This Government has shown a tremendous commitment to sport. The role of the Government is to support voluntary and community efforts because there are areas which do not need public support. I do not want to be partisan but there are politicians who only open their mouths on this subject to criticise Government funding for one or other branch of sport or a proposed facility, appealing mainly...

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

Martin Mansergh: Decentralisation started in Tipperary last week. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform came to open the Private Security Authority.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: This side of the House would welcome a debate on economic and budgetary matters at any time. We have the lowest tax rates in the EU and the OECD and the lowest tax rates on people of low income. We have been commended by the EU Commission many times in that regard. If there is a need for debate, it is perhaps between putative coalition partners on the other side of the House——

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: ——as to whether there is sufficient revenue being raised or whether there is a need to raise more——

Seanad: Garda Recruitment: Motion. (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister to the House and formally congratulate him on his reappointment which I was very pleased to see. The country needs a strong and effective Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and it has one in Deputy McDowell. He has a lot of work under way and continuity is very important. I am not sure whether it is in order to discuss the Opposition amendment to the motion...

Seanad: Garda Recruitment: Motion. (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: ——I do not think I would use the word "bemoan".

Seanad: Garda Recruitment: Motion. (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: We are discussing increasing Garda numbers and perhaps we need to increase numbers on the Opposition side for certain purposes. I once did a calculation that if we were to have the same number of police per capita as in Northern Ireland, we would have a Garda force of approximately 21,000. In 1997, the Garda force was half that number. The history is very clear. One of the key commitments by...

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

Martin Mansergh: I warmly welcome the Minister and congratulate him on his appointment. He was an outstanding Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs. Given his particular background in the Civil Service, public administration and local and national politics, he is an extraordinarily well-equipped Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I look forward to the impact...

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

Martin Mansergh: On the other hand, An Taisce has an ideological approach whereby everybody in this reasonably sizeable country must live in close proximity so as to make public transport viable. One must go with the grain and we should remind ourselves occasionally that we live in a democracy. It is necessary to marry the wishes of the people with the professional advice we receive. It is a constant process...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: An Irish passport was of great value in securing the release of Brian Keenan. Contrary to what has been stated, Ireland is a neutral country. It did not support the war in Iraq and I share the view that the war was ill-advised and the justification put forward was inadequate. However, we are in a new situation. A UN Security Council resolution in June called on all member states to facilitate...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: That reality needs to be borne in mind. Either we support the United Nations or we do not.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: Let us support the UN.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: That is not true.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: I did not say that. I said people should be sensitive to what they say.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: The Senator's party did good work with us ten years ago.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: Members should be careful with what they say in the House and should be conscious they will be listened to North and South of the Border. We are trying hard to create a situation whereby the DUP will be willing to enter Government with Sinn Féin. This will only happen under certain stringent conditions, including that paramilitarism ceases in all its forms. It is unhelpful to suggest that...

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: I warmly welcome the Minister of State. I am delighted to see him appointed as it is not before time. I am also delighted at the Minister for Agriculture and Food's appointment. As I commented on the Order of Business last week, it is new to have a woman Minister for Agriculture and Food but women have played a major part in farming life both as owners and spouses for a long number of years...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: Like most Members, I would welcome a debate on the future of Aer Lingus. All of us value its importance to the welfare of the country. It is not correct to say that when a body like Aer Lingus is in State ownership, it is therefore in limbo. The chairman of the World Competitiveness Council said on radio this morning that it is not important to our welfare whether our airline is in State or...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: That is not the model for handling semi-State bodies. I do not believe three months is an unreasonable period within which to consider such an important strategic decision in terms of the country's future. If we make a mistake, it could have very serious consequences for our future welfare. We live in a social partnership culture but that does not mean we have to blindly follow what any one...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Second Stage (Resumed). (6 Oct 2004)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Bill, the Minister and his officials to the House. I extend to my neighbour from across the border in Limerick my warmest congratulations on his appointment as Minister for Defence. He has been compared to many people but I would like to make my own comparison. He has a reputation of being a Stakhanovite in that he has worked extremely hard over the years and his appointment is...