Results 4,141-4,160 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

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

Jim Walsh: I too welcome the debate on these issues. It is important that the Houses of the Oireachtas lead the way in the debate, addressing issues that are obviously of significant social consequence for major minorities nowadays. It is much better that we lead by having a debate and evolving a well-thought-out consensus in such areas, rather than, as has happened in the past, allowing matters to...

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

Jim Walsh: Yes, but is there not cloning? The father, in many instances, is not supporting the child. I know the social welfare system is making attempts to change that. A couple that brings a child into the world has responsibilities as well as rights. In many instances, the State is not pursuing matters of this kind as strongly as it should. I want to refer, briefly, to the Law Reform Commission's...

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

Jim Walsh: I am not talking about registration in this regard. While it is in breach of the constitutional position, it is an issue that needs to be addressed in some shape or form. There are responsibilities involved here.

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (5 May 2004)

Jim Walsh: I am happy to propose that we continue our Committee Stage consideration of the Bill until 5.15 p.m., with the agreement of the House.

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (5 May 2004)

Jim Walsh: Yes.

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

Jim Walsh: I move Amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Seanad Éireann (1) notes that (a) it is an objective of the Government that Ireland fulfils its obligations under international law, including its obligations under the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (b) Irish law takes account, in a number of ways, of...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (5 May 2004)

Jim Walsh: I will not rehearse the arguments put forward on Second Stage. What is being sought here is further delay by means of referring this matter to an all-party committee. I have been a Member of the Seanad for seven years and I have not seen a simpler amendment to change the Constitution being put before the House. The Bill merely asks that the people allow the Oireachtas to legislate in respect...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Bíonn sé anseo go minic le hábhair tábhachtach a phlé. I have listened with interest to Members' comments, especially from the Opposition. I disagree strenuously with the last assertion of Senator Ryan that the Opposition has behaved responsibly on the issue. Many comments made during the course of the debate have been...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: The cost of asylum seeking——

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I am.

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: On Second Stage, I am entitled to deal with issues I consider pertinent and relevant to this debate. The State spends €340 million. Of the 600 civil servants dealing with immigration, some 420 are dealing with asylum seekers. Anybody who contends that the State is not acting responsibly in this respect is not being factual. The main bone of contention from all Opposition spokespersons I...

Seanad: Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I appreciate fully that there are different ways of dealing with it but the Government's job is to govern. Equally, if the Government was seen to be vacillating on an issue which the Opposition felt should be addressed, it would be the first to argue that the Government should deal with it instead of prevaricating. The arguments on this issue are simple and the electorate will have no...

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: Senator Brady made an interesting point on following the example of the United States where schools use the curriculum to give people an appreciation of, to use the Minister's words, the privilege of driving, but also the responsibilities, risks and dangers it entails. Extending the areas covered by civics and placing greater emphasis on the subject in the school curriculum could equip...

Seanad: Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I note the point being made by Senator Terry and there may be some validity in it. One would wish that people served their sentences. On the other hand, early release must be taken into consideration. Resources should not be used up for such a short period of time. Community service might be relevant in this case. In general, community service sentencing can often be a very prudent and...

Seanad: Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order, the House agreed to discuss the amendments together and when Senator Tuffy spoke to them, she refused to agree to them being grouped together because she did not believe they were related. However, the Chair did not rule on her objection.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: It was on the radio this morning.

Seanad: Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (29 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: I join in welcoming the Minister of State and I welcome these amendments that will bring clarity to the intent of the Bill. I fully subscribe to everything Senator O'Meara has said, as I think she has put the case very well. The tribunals are inquiring into issues that are matters of public concern and which needed to be inquired into and one looks forward to their ultimate determination. The...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (8 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: A Leas-Chathaoirligh, as there are only four amendments left, is it possible to fasttrack them to finish Committee Stage within the allocated time? Those amendments can then be re-entered on Report Stage.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (8 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: It is proposed to take Report Stage on Tuesday, 27 April 2004. Report Stage ordered for Tuesday, 27 April 2004.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (8 Apr 2004)

Jim Walsh: It is proposed to sit again at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 April 2004.