Results 4,381-4,400 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole
- Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (5 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: My recollection of August 1969 is also hazy as I was I was trying to find my way from the Bronx to Woodstock. There was a haze over me.
- Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (5 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I never knew the late Senator O'Reilly, but it is proper to recognise commitment to public service by recording our appreciation of his endeavours in this House over 24 years. At a time when we are trying to attract people to politics, which is held in lesser and lesser regard by the public, it is important to single out role models. The Independent Members wish to associate themselves with...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I agree with the points made by Senator Brian Hayes about the late sitting last night and the pressure put on the staff of the House. It was absolutely unnecessary because we could have finished that business on Thursday afternoon but the decision of Government in the matters was different. It is a pity that the House had to sit late to deal with its business. It is not an efficient manner of...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I am very pleased to hear that and I am sure other Members will welcome it. I am also sure that the Senator who made the remarks will take the Cathaoirleach's advice and withdraw them.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: Everyone must agree that the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003 is being rushed through. It is the revenge of Sir Humphrey to get the Bill spun through as quickly as possible and all the pain over with in one day by pulling all the teeth together. It reflects badly on the Government. Senator Hayes's proposal has much merit. While we all agree that certain amendments should be made...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I thought the Senator would like that.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: The progressive wing of the Government is upset by this but, unfortunately, that is where matters stand. We have not had an assessment of how well or badly the Act is working. In the main it is working very well. However, issues need and can be addressed. The contents of the Bill have taken everyone by surprise. There has been no consultation with those who use the legislation, including the...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I compliment Senator Ulick Burke on taking a brave stand on this issue. It is something that should concern every Member. There should be an inquiry into what is happening in planning in Galway. This is not a political or a party issue; everyone in the House should seek to discover why these questions are being asked. Those on Galway County Council should recognise that they are not separate...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: The Leader made a comment about the time limit. It seems she accepted the second amendment to which she said she had no objection.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: The Leader didâ
- Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, the Leader said something about the time limit. She said she was not opposed toâ
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: As I said on the Order of Business today, this legislation is Sir Humphrey's revenge. By any standards â and I take a balanced view in regard to the legislation â the Freedom of Information Act was in need of amendment but this was precisely the way not to do it. This Bill is a mistake and we will rue the day that it is passed.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I also know how brilliantly they do their work but this was not a job for them. The users were not consulted. A users' group was set up to monitor the operation of the legislation but the last time it met was in 1999 or 2000. No one asked it about this legislation. Will the Minister of State tell me the correct title of the group because I would like to table an amendment regarding it on...
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: That is what any ordinary sensible person would say. He would not even begin to try to justify it. There has been no consultation with any strand of civic society. The Taoiseach is in Northern Ireland tonight doing much hard work to maintain an agreement which establishes the importance of civic society on this island. We are discussing an issue which makes civic society important. It is one...
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I must have more than one minute. I started at 10.29 p.m.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: I am sorry, I did not start at 10.27 p.m. Senator Bannon was still speaking at 10.28 p.m. I say that for the record. I did not get on my feet until much nearer 10.30 p.m. For once I wrote it down because I felt that side of the House was trying to push things on too rapidly. I understand the Chair is working on the basis of advice.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: No, I will get some back now. In terms of the protection of documents I want the Minister of State to try to listen to this with a warped mind, which he does not have, and see what he could do with it. The Bill states:
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
Joe O'Toole: The group did not speak to anybody.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)
Joe O'Toole: The last matter raised by Senator Brian Hayes has been discussed by the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service. The Revenue Commissioners and the Ombudsman have appeared before the committee to discuss it and it will be making a recommendation on the matter in the next ten days. There was a lengthy session with the Ombudsman and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners. I have...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)
Joe O'Toole: And a dining car.