Results 3,641-3,660 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Things are fine until we get to Dublin.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Nothing gives a clearer reflection on how our society has deteriorated as much as the decision which will effectively rob widows of a mere €12 million.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: At a time when the Government will make the case that there are bureaucratic reasons for bringing us in line with the rest of Europe, I ask that we do not become involved in those issues in this House. I am simply asking that whatever the arrangements and the double payments, that the €12 million should be given back and then whatever needs to be done can be done.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: If the Cathaoirleach was allowed to have a view he would share my view. It is not about the structure or about the double payment, but about taking €12 million from people who can least afford it and it should be given back.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I accept your ruling, a Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I thank the Cathaoirleach and I appreciate his support and protection from the Senator. I ask the House to refer to the extraordinary, iconic vision of two bits of a wheelchair and a blob of blood on a Palestinian street as a recognition of how we have entered a new dimension of extra-judicial executions with targets now including political and religious leaders. It seems there is no end to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: We should debate that issue at some other stage. This is not the correct way to start it, before we see the proposals. I do not believe that the masters of the hospitals said that the Minister misrepresented them. I did not hear them say that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: That is why need to see this in writing. Members on both sides of the House have agreed that we need a regulated system. I have criticised the Government more than most on this issue but we should look at the proposals first and then deal with them. I fully support Senator Brian Hayes's point and ask that the House would formally express to the Government our view that we should convey our...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: That shows how bright they are in Dingle. They know who to write to.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I do not have a problem with taking No. 1, the motion regarding the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, without debate. The House should note the extraordinarily diligent work that has been done by the joint committee in dealing with the Barron report. I am not a member of that committee but its request for an extension of time to enable it continue its...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: ——to ideas and to proposals to move things forward and takes a political view on how the semi-State company should be run. I am sure Senator Ross will have his opportunity tonight to talk about why——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: ——his buddies should be running semi-State companies rather than decent people.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: On a different matter, legislation we passed many years ago was activated by the Minister for Transport some months ago, namely the requirement that drivers had to carry their driving licences with them. At that time it was raised by myself and many others that some thought should be given as to the size of the driving licence. The general consensus was that it should be the size of a credit...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: We take a broad view.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: That is a Dublin 4, anti-rural attitude, and we have to listen to it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The Senator does not want trade unionists, so who runs those places?

Seanad: Appointments to Semi-State Bodies: Motion. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Do not embarrass them.

Seanad: Appointments to Semi-State Bodies: Motion. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, one is not allowed to criticise a person in this House. I do not think there is any rule regarding mentioning a person's name.

Seanad: Appointments to Semi-State Bodies: Motion. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am delighted to contribute to the debate on the motion. I do not support the motion, but not because the system should not be reformed. It can and should be reformed, but it is too narrow and it is having a go at decent people who do an extraordinarily good job for little thanks.

Seanad: Appointments to Semi-State Bodies: Motion. (10 Mar 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am not prepared to add to the abuse that is heaped on the directors of semi-State companies.