Results 3,841-3,860 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Immigration Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, the legislation includes the words — we will not be misled on this — "the immigration officer may, if the officer is satisfied that the non-national suffers from a prescribed disease" or whatever the new word is. The definitions to which Senator Henry referred show that in one case, it goes on to state that. It does not cover the area of significant intellectual...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: With regret, there is no way I can accept that this is an appropriate way to do business. We have a good record of being able to do business across the House, recognising when difficulties arise and we have to be supportive in getting legalisation through. Many colleagues on the other side of the House share my views. I understand the difficult position they are in and I do not seek to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The general perception is that this is a simple legislative measure to allow customs officers or immigration officials to demand papers from immigrants, asylum seekers and so on. If this were the case, it would be acceptable, but a great deal more than that is involved. The legislation will give power of medical examination and diagnosis and will provide for the holding of people in custody....

Seanad: European Presidency: Statements. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I agree with the viewpoint that Ryanair should be forced to operate under the same conditions as every other airline in Europe.

Seanad: European Presidency: Statements. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I rely on the Taoiseach to ensure this is the case. It is a long road that has no turning. It is amazing how people come crawling to Government after abusing politicians and Governments for the past number of years. However, there is an issue to be dealt with and I look forward to its being dealt with properly. There is a difference between subsidies and doing deals. I congratulate the...

Seanad: Crisis Pregnancy Strategy: Statements. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The most important aspect of the debate is to recognise the times in which it is rooted. The most significant change is attitudinal. As a society, we no longer rush to pass judgment on those who are pregnant outside marriage, but are prepared to support them. As public representatives and legislators the main message to get across is that although State support is crucial, it cannot compare...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: May we use the time to hear how the Leader got on with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform this morning?

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: We could deal with the Bill on Tuesday and at least have the weekend to cogitate on it, with no loss of time whatever to the Government. I do not believe that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is being pushed around by a couple of officials. If that were the case we would need to have a root and branch examination of how that Department works - not that it would surprise me...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Will the House deal with Second Stage only?

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: The Minister is a tough man if he stands up to the Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: And to the workers in small airports whom he exploited along the way.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I will revisit that subject when we get some response as to the reason the particular prisoner who was murdered was in B wing. The Leader said she would contact the Minister on this crucial issue and I look forward to hearing his response. I agree with the point made that where people must live in crowded conditions it creates congestion and difficulties. When the matter of taking the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am really tired of it. We make changes to accommodate the Department, but suddenly the matter is no longer urgent. I am not happy to complete our debate of the Bill on Friday although I do not mind if we deal with Second Stage because we have already committed to dealing with it. I am opposed to rushing the Bill through on Friday because there is no longer any urgency. The urgency pressed...

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I am delighted to contribute to this debate. I appreciate the Government's decision to give time for a discussion on this issue. Previous speakers have referred in great detail to the proposals and views outlined in the Women's Aid report. I fully and thoroughly support what Women's Aid has to say. I will not go through the issues again, but I will deal with some of the matters arising from...

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: That is fine. The existence of a male-dominated society creates an unfortunate image. It was worrying last weekend to watch the news reports of two rape cases, both involving 14 year olds. It should be pointed out that one of the cases involved the rape of a man, but that is not the point. Are we teaching society anything? Are we learning anything from our previous experience? Where are we...

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: Perhaps we should suspend for five minutes.

Seanad: Services for Victims of Domestic Violence: Statements. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: We have managed to create a very macho world, in which value is placed on being macho. I mentioned some examples that we see in everyday life. I find it appalling and embarrassing at this stage of sophistication in our society that there are still men who are prepared to spend large amounts of money on legal fees in order to prevent women from becoming members of a golf club. This reflects an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I remind the House that a prisoner was killed in Mountjoy Prison yesterday. I do not usually raise the issue of prison deaths, but it behoves all of us to keep a close eye on the prison service in the context of the current discussion on its future. The prisoner in question was being kept in the B wing of Mountjoy, which has traditionally been for a different type of prisoner, namely those...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister and congratulate him and his officials on this fine 100-page Bill, which I do not doubt was the cause of many sleepless nights and long weekends. There is a huge amount to discuss therein. I would like the Minister to reassure me about a basic question. When I studied the Bill, I noticed it provides for agreements to take over water works or waste water works, as well...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Joe O'Toole: I thank the Minister. I appreciate the fact that he has made such a commitment on the record. I listened to Senator Kitt's point about agreements to give free water to the owners of lands where water is found. I am sure Senators are aware of the hassle caused by such agreements in certain places, such as the Silent Valley in County Down. It had been agreed since 1920 or earlier that the...