Results 501-520 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, referred to last night's Private Members' debate on the health service. I assure him and other members of the Opposition that there is no question of anybody being muzzled on this side of the House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: A number of Government speakers, including myself, were waiting here in the hope that we would have an opportunity to participate in the debate. If there had been more time, we would have contributed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: There have been a number of debates on the Hanly report and the health service. The Opposition has failed to make any clear points in this regard, yet it keeps coming back and making the same points.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: The issue has had a fair hearing. There is no question of anybody on the Government side being muzzled.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: On the comments on the Assembly in Northern Ireland, all Members of the House hope the talks are successful. Senator Brian Hayes highlighted a very clear example demonstrating the importance of getting the institutions up and running. We all join with the Senator in wishing the participants in the talks well. Senator Brian Hayes also raised the issue of the Boundary Commission. I am told...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I will discuss the Taoiseach's attendance in the House with the Leader. I know the Taoiseach has come to the House and is committed to doing so at least once in each session. However, it would be more appropriate if the line Minister took the debate on Aer Lingus. Senator Ryan mentioned the pre-budget submission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Croatian who was placed in an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on pensions, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, the Minister to be called on to reply not later than ten minutes before the conclusion of the statements.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I support the calls for a debate on the Middle East. We must keep this matter to the fore in terms of our foreign policy. I look forward to discussing the issues and I hope the Leader will make time available for a debate in the near future. I also support Senator Finucane's call for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House. It is time we listened to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: The Senators opposite have had their opportunity——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes is aware——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I do not have to take any lectures from the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: When they had an opportunity——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: That is the problem with Members of the Opposition. They cannot listen.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: When they had an opportunity to debate the issue of the additional 2,000 gardaí, they could not find a seconder for the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: On the next occasion I hope they have a seconder in order that we can engage in a proper debate.

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Second Stage. (9 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley. As previous speakers have noted, this welcome legislation is long overdue. It is vital that the legitimate concerns of members of the public are protected to ensure they are confident that professionals providing services are properly qualified and competent. The professions require protection where...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I too thank the Minister for steering this legislation through the House. We have had an interesting debate which has allowed us speak on the broader issues of the Defence Forces. I welcome that because there has been a lack of effort and commitment in some areas to their promotion. This opportunity to highlight the great work they do, both at home and abroad, is therefore welcome. I...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: I spoke at length on this issue on Committee Stage. I would not altogether concur with Senator O'Meara. This amendment as tabled by two members of the Opposition goes back to the over-civilianisation of the Defence Forces. There is a unique system within the Defence Forces involving the law of the land, military law and the military redress system. These aspects must be brought into play...

Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Nov 2004)

John Minihan: Are we putting pressure on the ombudsman by the non-receipt of a complaint that he or she will have to respond to calls from politicians, the media or misinformed calls? If a complaint has to be made there is a system in place for that purpose and the ombudsman can respond to it. I am satisfied that in the Defence Forces, where the law of the land, military law and a military redress system...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

John Minihan: I am delighted to speak on this motion and I welcome the Tánaiste's appointment to the health portfolio. While the health service is one of the major issues of debate, we should remember that our health service, when compared internationally, is a very good one. I admit there are problems but since 1997 the coalition Government has endeavoured to address these in many ways. Various reports...