Results 21-40 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: It would.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: I wish to declare an interest at the outset in that, while I am not a qualified pharmacist, I own a community pharmacy. I welcome Senator Henry's proposal to offer honorary fellowships or degrees. I hope something could be organised for myself in the short term in case the situation in the weeks ahead does not work out as I expect it to.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: It could be handy, but I do not know whether the Bill would allow me to practise. Perhaps we could examine the matter.

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister and compliment her on bringing this legislation before the House. The pharmacy profession has been waiting 130 years for it and it is delighted the Minister has seen fit to commit to enact the legislation soon. Prior to being a Member of the House, I managed and worked in a pharmacy for seven years. In that time, I saw the vital role played by pharmacists and their...

Seanad: Pharmacy Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: We would be happier if Senator Norris used just half of his time.

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey. As this is my first opportunity to do so, I wish him well. I am conscious of what a number of previous speakers have said regarding the framing of the motion. Senator Fitzgerald summed up many of the points I would like to make. I will not support the motion for many of the reasons outlined by the previous two...

Seanad: Education System: Motion (Resumed) (7 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: We can go through some of the points made and debate them. I would like to speak about some of the points raised. Nobody would disagree with the Government in regard to its strategic decision vis-À-vis investing in special needs and disadvantage. Nobody would disagree with how our society has changed so dramatically in the past ten years with the multicultural society and the strains that...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: We will do our best.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Mar 2007)

John Minihan: I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for a debate on the Middle East and Lebanon, particularly in light of the recent visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. That would be a good idea and I hope the Leader can facilitate such a debate. Previous speakers have referred to the protection of our children in light of the story that is unfolding. It is important that we carefully examine...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: The Senator is moving in motion.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Is the Senator saying we should only appoint card-carrying members of Fine Gael?

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Fine Gael members only for State boards. One must be a member of Fine Gael.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Qualification No. 1 is that one be a member of Fine Gael.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: At least we did not write letters asking that individuals be appointed to visiting committees for prisons far from their homes.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: Except when he is wrong.

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I join with previous speakers in welcoming the Minister to the House. There is a lot of sensitivity flying around this evening. I will declare an interest. I am not a teacher. However, I am a parent——

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: ——and I was a student. I taught in my other profession. Legitimate concerns were raised in some of what I heard this evening. However, in all walks of life assessment which allows one to build on one's strengths and work on one's weaknesses must be welcomed. We can talk about semantics, we can change methodology and we can reduce from 76% to 72% and up 34% but we will not get away...

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: However, it does not get away from the basic findings of this report. I, as a non-teacher but as a parent and a teacher, have seen fantastic teachers and horrific teachers.

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: The bottom line is that we have a problem and the Minister, her Department and officials must put forward proposals to deal with it. In-house reports and under the table reports seen by selective vested interest groups achieve very little. It is only when they come out in the public domain that we get real action and I congratulate the Minister on that.

Seanad: Learning to Teach Report: Statements. (27 Feb 2007)

John Minihan: I am giving my opinion and Senators Ulick Burke and O'Toole do not have to agree with it. I certainly know Senator Ulick Burke will not agree with it but that is regardless. During the past ten or 15 years, the educational system has seen major challenges and changes. We all acknowledge that. We had social changes which affect every family in the country. We have multiculturalism,...