Results 4,521-4,540 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (5 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome this initiative by the Government. This is my first opportunity to welcome the Minister of State to the House in his current role. As an old compadre, I wish him well. Most Members come from rural backgrounds. I have a dual concern about the national spatial strategy. The strategy is hugely important because of the fact that we must focus on developing areas. Gateways and other...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: It would be remiss of us not to offer – I hope the House joins me – our congratulations to Senator Hanafin on his elevation to the position of chief fund-raiser for the Fianna Fáil Party. It would be useful if we could have a debate in the next couple of weeks on the most appropriate methods used, the general level of average contribution, what impact this has on the state of the economy...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I look forward to hearing from Senator Hanafin on the issue. As regards issues of a positive nature—

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I want to continue on a positive note. You, a Chathaoirligh, will be aware that you and I strongly supported legislation introduced by Senator Daly and former Senator, Michael O'Kennedy, some years ago. That legislation, the Shannon River Council Bill, was passed with acclamation and applause from all sides of the House. While we marvelled at the generous approach to it, we are of the view...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: It is something to which we have grown accustomed in recent years.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: We hope they get a good parliamentary party meeting going and show a bit of backbone.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: It is typical of backbenchers to be out there lashing themselves to microphones for the sake of Ireland.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I am assisting the Senator.

Seanad: Budget Statement: Motion. (4 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister of State. It is good to have the opportunity, at this early stage, to comment on the Budget Statement, which is a curate's egg. There are things in it which can be looked at positively, but there are others which will give rise to huge problems in the long term. On the down side is the reduction in public service staff numbers which will mean war in primary and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: We would all like to be associated with the condolences to the Mitchell family and to the Fine Gael Party and to express our appreciation of the remarks uttered by Senator Brian Hayes.

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Dec 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I strongly support the amendment and I urge the Minister to give it due consideration. I have no doubt about the origin of the provision in section 32 (2) of the Bill. I believe it did not come from the Minister, the Department, the industry or the consumer but, rather, from the parliamentary counsel. Unless the Minister can prove me wrong, that is my firm conviction in the matter. I cannot...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: Decisions to be taken this week will be of huge significance for the Ireland of the future. One of those concerns the discussion on fisheries taking place in Brussels this week. We had a debate on that issue in recent weeks and Members showed much interest and commitment and a lot of issues were raised. I would like the Government to know that matters raised in that debate are still important...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: We can have a discussion without the Minister being present.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: We would have a response for him.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: It could be put to a committee of the Houses.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: The five of us here.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: In regard to No. 1 and the Leader's reference that the joint committee must report back no later than 28 November 2002, is that how it is to be dealt with? Perhaps the Chair can give me some guidance on the matter. The device of assigning and referring motions to a joint committee was meant to be an efficient way of doing business. Traditionally, it has been done without debate. The...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: There is another issue the House should consider and on which I ask the Leader to arrange a debate. I am well aware the Government is at the stage of beginning to approve a Bill on the establishment of a police authority of some description in the South. Nonetheless, in the report of the Garda Complaints Board phrases such as members of the force were more loyal to each other than to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I certainly will.

Seanad: Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (21 Nov 2002)

Joe O'Toole: I congratulate the Minister of State and the Department on introducing this Bill. It is appropriate in this debate to look back at the history of the fishing industry. The whole community, including the trade union movement and the political parties, should take responsibility for ignoring the industry and treating it as a low level employer. It is the only area of Irish industry which was...