Results 4,801-4,820 of 5,046 for speaker:Paschal Mooney

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I believe it is of vital importance to the continuing viability of a free press as well as the relationship between a free press and Parliament in a democracy.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: We should be aware of thethinking in Government on this issue. I say this not just as a parliamentarian in this House, but as the general rapporteur regarding the media for the Council of Europe, in which theCathaoirleach had a very distinguished role. There is genuine concern in Europe about what are mainly inventions or interpretations of what is supposedly coming out of Government. It...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I welcome the Minister of State. It is unique that both he and Senator Morrissey are from the same constituency. If I recall correctly, the Senator was against the proposal.

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: That is it. I met him on one occasion and I was not all that impressed with him.

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: When I think of Ceaucescu, I do not also think of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell. Many years ago someone picked up on a comment the then Taoiseach Charles Haughey made in a narrow political context when asked about a particular policy initiative. The comment may have been relevant to the refurbishment of the new splendid Government Buildings which,...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I was in favour of Abbotstown as a development from the outset. I did not necessarily agree with the arguments that were constantly brought forward about lack of resources. We had growth rates of 13% to 14% and we were generating enormous wealth. The figure of €1 billion was bandied about in initial arguments about Abbotstown. I am sure Senator Morrissey will agree that, regardless of his...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: It is important to make that point and I do not apologise for doing so. I accept that I have a particular agenda, particular in light of the fact that I have worked as a sports journalist for over 20 years, that I played the game and that I am committed to the whole concept. That is why I applaud the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, and the Government but I have also been critical of the fact...

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I look forward to the day when we have an all-Ireland soccer team playing at Lansdowne Road. I hope the Government, through the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs who has just entered the Chamber and who may be able to make headway in this area with the help of our European partners, will make efforts to see that this comes...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I am sure the House will agree that we rise to the occasion when we debate foreign affairs, as was evidenced by the level of debate last evening in regard to the Independent motion. The Leader might consider that we would have this as a normal part of our business on a more regular basis, although I appreciate that it is the procedure that this comes from one of the groupings or by way of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: Considering media reports last week regarding the possible privatisation of the universities, does the Leader think this will have an impact on the proposals of the Sub-committee on Seanad Reform and that, at a stroke, we may abolish the Seanad votes of university Senators?

Seanad: Israel-Palestine: Motion. (4 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I compliment our colleagues led by Senator Norris, who was strongly influential in ensuring the motion was tabled. He and I have visited the Middle East together as part of parliamentary delegations and he travels there regularly in a personal capacity. His information, therefore, is more relevant and up to date than that in the media reports on which most of us rely. It is salutary that...

Seanad: Israel-Palestine: Motion. (4 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I am pleased the Minister of State intends to travel to the area in the near future.

Seanad: Israel-Palestine: Motion. (4 Feb 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I refer to a document recently presented by Mr. Olav Axselsen of Norway to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, of which I am privileged to be a member, on the position of Palestinian refugees. He draws attention to their plight in two sections of the draft recommendations. The document states: "4. The situation of 3.9 million refugees registered with the United Nations Relief...

Seanad: Immigration Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: On that point of order, which I allowed, the House should be aware that Second Stage does not lend itself to the detail of the Bill which is reserved for Committee Stage.

Seanad: Immigration Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: Please allow me to state the convention. For the guidance of the House, I am indicating to it that Second Stage is about the general principles of the Bill and Committee Stage is about the detail of it but I accept the point of order and that there must be a certain latitude in exchanges across the House. I am pointing this out for the benefit of Members who will have the opportunity on...

Seanad: Immigration Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I am sorry, Senator Henry, for taking up your time.

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I draw the attention of the Deputy Leader to the request yesterday for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to debate European Commission rulings. The debate has moved on since then. Reports in this morning's media suggest that as a result of yet another court ruling, Ryanair plans to impose a 50 cent levy on all passengers as it has been found guilty of not providing free...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I am very pleased the Cathaoirleach asked our colleague to withdraw that particular word.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: I appreciate that. I had intended to support Senator Norris in his earlier impassioned plea which was somewhat diluted by his subsequent sad comments about the friendly Prime Minister of a neighbouring country. Having said that, I praise the Senator. Many Members will agree with his exchange of views with the Israeli ambassador on "Morning Ireland" recently. I compliment Senator Norris on the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2004)

Paschal Mooney: Will the Leader be able to address the issue in light of her expertise in this area as distinct from her role in the House? If the Commission's decision stands, it will have very serious consequences for low cost air travel within the European Union.