Results 4,381-4,400 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: I concur with the consensus that has emerged that it is better to deal with this by way of regulation. The Minister of State's explanation is satisfactory. He applied the caveat that it would be for the two police forces to decide whether an arrangement would be made with regard to cross-representation on interview boards, which would be very welcome. It would show excellent co-operation but...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: It may not be possible for the Minister of State to address my concerns as there may be no specific answers at this stage. However, it would be desirable to have parameters with regard to the take-up of this facility in the Bill. The success of the legislation depends on the extent to which people avail of sections 2 and 3. It might be useful if there were some target areas. It is fine if...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: It is important that this regulation is mirrored in both situations, whether it involves a member of the PSNI or of the Garda Síochána. It is important that any suggestions are implemented by agreement.

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: This is the agreement between the Government and the British Government done in Belfast on 29 April 2002. Like Senator Terry I have a similar difficulty in trying to interpret this provision. I notice that under Article 5 a programme shall be introduced to facilitate members to transfer and be placed within the other police force and therefore perhaps policing is not envisaged as part of...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: My query relates to Article 1. I am sure there are good reasons why mobility has been decided at superintendent level rather than lower grades. Perhaps it is the toe in the water syndrome whereby one must wait to see how it works out. I would like to think that lower grades would have the opportunity to apply for permanent positions on a cross-Border basis. Perhaps the Minister will consider...

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: Very few.

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (9 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: I thank the Minister of State who has been here for a full debate, other than the beginning when the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, was present. It is fair to say that we have had a good and engaging debate on this short but important Bill. I hope it will be of benefit to both the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It will increase confidence on both...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: No more than the Senator does.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: So is everybody else.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: That remark should be withdrawn.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: Is it withdrawn?

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: Has Senator Norris withdrawn the remark?

Seanad: Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (8 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach agus fáilte roimh an Bhille freisin. Notwithstanding some reservations I might have in regard to it, I welcome the Bill. It is a progressive step which will be endorsed by the House. While the Good Friday Agreement gave rise to a number of North-South initiatives, particularly in regard to the North-South bodies, these were diluted in the last...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: I endorse what was said by Senators Glynn and Ó Murchú about 16 Moore Street. It would be a travesty if that building were demolished. It should be preserved because it is obviously of historic importance. While it might seem early, we should be planning now for the centenary commemoration of 1916. I hope we will not have such an anaemic event as that which took place in 1991 on the...

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. (2 Apr 2003)

Jim Walsh: War is obviously regrettable in any circumstances and we have seen why in the current conflict in Iraq. War should be a last resort but that was not the situation here, as there was still time for the arms inspectors to carry on their inspections. Though that might ultimately have led to war it would have meant all avenues were exhausted, which was not the case. Senator Ryan stated that the...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (26 Mar 2003)

Jim Walsh: I am sure Members are not divided on the benefits of the back-to-education allowance scheme. Apart from the allowance received, there is also a strong education subsidy, of which participants can avail. I would not have any difficulty agreeing to continue the scheme for 12 months if we owned oilfields and there were not limitations on resources and revenue. However, where limited resources...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (26 Mar 2003)

Jim Walsh: The argument that someone should retain the allowance during the four months of the summer when they are not in full-time education and are entitled to work and receive benefits is unfair to others in the same category who do not have the benefit of the allowance. While I support the arguments made about the benefits of the scheme, the other arguments are not as valid. The scheme is being...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (26 Mar 2003)

Jim Walsh: —with regard to the targeting of those resources. The change proposed here does not merit the amount of opposition it has received, bearing in mind that if one does not secure employment during the summer one can revert to all the other social welfare supports and benefits available to that category. The issue of equity must be looked at. If the scheme were to be continued for the summer...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Mar 2003)

Jim Walsh: I support the call by Senators Quinn and Glynn for a debate on the Competition Authority report. Telecommunications was one of the two areas highlighted. As we are in the Single Market, we should ensure we get the benefit of competition but this is not happening in the industry. Also, there have been many calls for a debate in regard to legal fees. Senator Quinn is correct in saying the Law...