Results 401-420 of 784 for speaker:Jimmy Harte

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: People are talking about Arthur's Day today but it has been McGuinness week in Donegal from a sporting point of view.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I agree with Senators Coghlan and Bradford on the need for a debate on alcohol abuse. I said on local radio this morning that drinks companies are claiming that without their sponsorship many sports events would not survive but there are many companies outside the drinks trade that would step into the position if they got the chance to sponsor. There is a definite link between sponsorship of...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (26 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I welcome the Minister to the House. The Office of the Ombudsman is probably one of the most respected offices in the country. In response to Senator Byrne, I do not think there have been any complaints about the office itself, which is a testament to the work of the Ombudsman. Obviously, some people are disappointed in their dealings with the office but there is never bad publicity about...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: Before I call for a debate, I must commiserate with the Cathaoirleach's countymen, the Mayomen, who fought gallantly on Sunday but who, unfortunately-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: The better team won. I congratulate Mr. Jim McGuinness, the Donegal football team and county board on such a magnificent occasion, which will be remembered by Donegal people and others throughout the country for generations.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I am sure Senator Ó Domhnaill and I agree on one matter today, namely, the performance of the Donegal team. I commiserate with the Mayo team.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: What happened in Mayo on Sunday? I wish everybody in Donegal a good celebration. This evening, I am heading to Donegal to welcome the cup to Letterkenny. On the call for the Minister for Finance to address the House on the banking industry, I know that many have questioned what will occur when banks pass over banking responsibilities to post offices. People will not be able to take money...

Seanad: Charities Act 2009: Motion (19 Sep 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I welcome the Minister of State and those in the Visitors Gallery. I also commend my colleagues, Senators Higgins and Whelan, for proposing this motion, which has been soundly supported by all Members of the House. In an ideal world, charities would not exist but in almost every town and village throughout the world, there is a small charity set up for the purpose of helping people who are...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I welcome the happy couple to the Visitors Gallary. I hope they have a good honeymoon in the country and a good life ahead. The issue I wish to raise is related to what Senator Kelly stated about small rural post offices and banks. In Donegal, like other rural counties, there are one or two banks in a town and the prospect of them closing down means people may have to travel distances to...

Seanad: Microenterprise Loan Fund Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (17 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I thank the Minister for coming to the House. This is an important Bill. As alluded to by Senator Barrett, it would not have been necessary if the banks had done their business and stuck to what they were set up to do, namely, banking. Retail banking and investment banking became mixed up and these must be separate. I refer to the Northern Rock issue in the UK. When the head of Northern...

Seanad: Microenterprise Loan Fund Bill 2012: Second Stage (12 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I thank the Minister of State for outlining the Bill and I thank him and his officials for putting it together. It is important legislation and has the potential to create many jobs. I come from a small business background and know how difficult it is to start and maintain a business. The fact the Bill focuses on the employment of fewer than ten people is important. We in this country...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012: Second Stage (12 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I again thank the Minister. This is an important Bill that will give legal effect to the polling system. I have a couple of questions. I do not know how the polling criteria for the 66 members were decided upon; they might simply have come from the polling companies themselves. However, I fear that certain counties - perhaps counties such as Leitrim and Donegal - might have no...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012: Second Stage (12 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: Yes, but if it is done on a regional basis, County Leitrim or County Donegal may still be left out. I hope County Donegal will be included. I want to put that on the record.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012: Second Stage (12 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I am sure he is. However, were no Oireachtas Members from such counties to be included, it would be possible for one county to be left out. It could be Donegal, Leitrim, Laois or Kilkenny. I wish to ensure this does not happen and that all counties will be represented. I agree with Senator Mooney in respect of the diaspora. Perhaps one person selected will be found to have emigrated in...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012: Second Stage (12 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: Give us an extra guarantee.

Seanad: Courts Service (11 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I ask that the President of the High Court, who decides where court sittings take place, look at County Donegal in a different light. While efficiencies may have been secured in respect of a couple of officials, the new system is not more efficient for clients of the court. The current position is akin to appeals initiated in County Cork being heard in Galway. People in County Cork would...

Seanad: Courts Service (11 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: The matter I raise is straightforward and simple. I have been contacted by a number of legal figures and their clients in County Donegal who were recently informed that the High Court, which goes on circuit for civil court appeals, is not due to sit in the county. The list for the year shows the High Court sat in circuit in Sligo in May and will sit this month and again in November in...

Seanad: Courts Service (11 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: May I ask a question?

Seanad: Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2011: Second Stage (10 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, to the House. I listened to his speech which was detailed and fairly jaw-dropping. It explains everything well. The last three paragraphs of his speech encompasses the Bill. He stated? "The reform of the statutory wage setting machinery operating at sector level and placing the JLC and REA systems on a more secure legal and constitutional...

Seanad: Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2011: Second Stage (10 Jul 2012)

Jimmy Harte: Can the Minister of State start again?