Results 4,261-4,280 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, he is stuck in Drogheda.

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: With the agreement of the House, I wish to share time with Senator Ó Murchú.

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate him again on his work in the Convention on the Future of Europe, especially in relation to the matter we are discussing. On my reading of the text of the Convention, it is very satisfactory from Ireland's point of view and takes account of our interests. However, we have to await developments in the Intergovernmental Conference.

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: It is not like that.

Seanad: Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and the unanimity of the House. I deeply regret the necessity of renewing this legislation. One would have hoped the causes which made it necessary would have disappeared. The Minister of State has made clear the successful use of the legislation by the Garda. It is one of its outstanding achievements in the past five years to have managed, since Omagh, to keep...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Everybody knows it.

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I warmly welcome the Minister. Article 1 of our Constitution, which deals with the subject of national self-determination, speaks, among other things, about developing a cultural life of our own. The understanding of what that involves may evolve with time, but my perception is that the arts in all their forms are flourishing at present and have a great resonance abroad. We were reminded by...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: That is correct. It was right that a sort of patronage should have developed into structures, including a Minister for the arts.

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, many of the amateur societies as well. I wish to make two final points. With Cork becoming European city of culture in 2005, the Government has to contribute as much as possible towards making it a success. Cork already has a lively cultural life, but some extra support may be needed and should be given. It is unfortunate that the collapse of the institutions in Northern Ireland has put...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Refurbishment. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: After Longford, Tipperary is number two on the RAPID list and, although it relates to a different subject, the case I will make is very similar. The Cathaoirleach may be familiar with St. Ailbe's vocational school in Tipperary town. It is a fine school in the sense that the students and teachers do good work. However, they have to contend with what are really deplorable conditions. I am...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Refurbishment. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: It is not nearly adequate.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Refurbishment. (24 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: They are more than minor.

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Politics is a science of hope.

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials with whom I had the pleasure of working in a collegial capacity. I welcome the tone of Senator Bradford's contribution and endorse, as I have done on a number of occasions in this House, the wish that decisions on decentralisation be taken, preferably within the next couple of months. The matter should not be allowed to drag on any longer. To...

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Economics and politics were very much out of kilter 20 years ago but have become much more closely aligned. I pay tribute to the economics profession and the economic institutions which have made a significant and important contribution to the prosperity we enjoy today. I welcome this debate on the OECD report on the economy, which is always valuable reading. I called for this debate on the...

Seanad: OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements. (19 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I am sorry there are not more groups here to participate in what has been a very constructive debate. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Lenihan, for participating and giving the House the opportunity to have this debate. Sitting suspended at 3.35 p.m. and resumed at 5p.m.

Seanad: European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001: Second Stage. (18 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the Minister of State and greet what I consider major legislation. The European Convention on Human Rights is a radical document. We must remember this when charges of conservatism are made. Ireland has a very good record, as detailed by the Minister, regarding the convention, in particular, in allowing the right of individual appeal from the beginning. My colleague, Senator Feeney,...

Seanad: European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001: Second Stage. (18 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: Could be.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: In my dealings with it, I found the Standards in Public Office Commission to be helpful and courteous. However, some of the rules, as well as the degree of petty accounting, are inflexible. As is the case with all pioneering legislation, for example, the Freedom of Information Act, we must examine it in the light of experience rather than take an inflexible attitude to it. I do not want to...

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Martin Mansergh: There is a problem with the period before the election campaign begins. There is also a problem with small parties. As was true of The Workers' Party in the 1980s, Sinn Féin also seems to be able to run a large number of constituency offices. I noticed that there was a list of donations to unsuccesful candidates which had to be put right on behalf of Sinn Féin. It is a fallacy that...