Results 4,741-4,760 of 4,937 for speaker:Diarmuid Wilson

Seanad: Aer Lingus: Statements (Resumed). (2 Dec 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate him on his appointment as Minister for Transport and wish him well in that position. I welcome also his officials. Aer Lingus is an important Irish asset and a most important symbol for this country. Since 1936 Aer Lingus has served us well. As an island nation we need first-class air communications. People trust their national carriers all...

Seanad: Aer Lingus: Statements (Resumed). (2 Dec 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: That is understandable. Under the stewardship of the chief executive officer, Aer Lingus embarked on a radical restructuring of the company and the board, management, staff and unions at the airline should be complimented by all of us on the manner in which they have addressed the problems. Aer Lingus is expanding its role across Europe and has returned healthy profits in recent years. From...

Seanad: Aer Lingus: Statements. (2 Dec 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: Agreed.

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I welcome the new Minister of State at the Department of Transport to the House. As Senator Dooley said earlier, if he is half as good in this Department as he was in his previous role we are in for a treat. I take the opportunity to congratulate the two Senators opposite me, Senator Paddy Burke and Senator Finucane, on their promotion to being spokesmen on transport.

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: It is because it is such an important area that Senator Dooley and I are spokespersons for our party. The national car test was introduced on 4 January 2000. Ireland was one of the last countries to comply with the EU directive, which made car testing compulsory in EU member states. The NCT is aimed primarily at improving road safety and enhancing environmental protection. National Car...

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: Fine Gael's call for competition in the car testing process is a bit like saying that we need competition in the area of speed cameras. It just does not make sense. The national car test is a vital part of the overall strategy to reduce accidents on our roads. Safer cars mean safer roads. We cannot have a variety of safety standards or it will descend into a farce. It is interesting to note...

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: According to the motion, Fine Gael want to turn its back on what it agreed back then.

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: Absolutely.

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I am glad the Senator is admitting he was wrong then. The delay in re-testing is unacceptable and must be addressed. I was also surprised to learn that someone without an NCT certificate can tax his car. If a person without a certificate cannot tax his car, it will make it more obvious to the authorities that he has not passed the NCT. Gardaí at checkpoints check the tax disc but they should...

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I thank the Minister for attending this evening and wish him well in his job. I also thank the Opposition for tabling this motion.

Seanad: Hospital Services. (27 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to the House. For the last several years Cavan and Monaghan general hospitals have been constantly in the national media spotlight and the subject of continuous unwarranted negative publicity. On Wednesday, 29 September, counties Cavan and Monaghan received welcome news from the then Minister for...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: They do not have the numbers.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: Having competed for Ireland at national and international level for more than 17 years, Catherina McKiernan——

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I wish to raise this in the context——

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: May I ask a question?

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I merely wished to pay tribute to Catherina McKiernan, a native of County Cavan.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: It is with regret I accept the Cathaoirleach's ruling. Perhaps the Leader will make time available in the near future for a debate on women in sport, an area in which they are often treated as second class citizens, particularly in the sport of which the Cathaoirleach is fond. I would like at some stage to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the great Catherina McKiernan.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Second Stage. (13 Jul 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: I join my colleagues in welcoming the Minister and his officials. Many Senators are aware that I am from County Cavan, which does not have an airport.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Second Stage. (13 Jul 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: We know little about Aer Rianta. Unlike some of my colleagues, I do not have day-to-day dealings with it. I have researched the history of Aer Rianta and it is totally different from the history portrayed by Senator Ross this afternoon.

Seanad: State Airports Bill 2004: Second Stage. (13 Jul 2004)

Diarmuid Wilson: The history of Aer Rianta is very positive and I shall outline some aspects. Aer Rianta is a State company which commenced operation in 1937. Its original task was to operate lines of aerial conveniences directly or by means of Aer Lingus Teoranta. It was also charged with the development of aviation in general. Aer Rianta owns, operates and develops Ireland's major airports at Dublin,...