Results 5,261-5,280 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Friends of Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 6: In page 11, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following: "(2) In carrying out functions under this section arising by virtue of section 8(1)(c), a contractor shall not, without good cause, impose a requirement on an operator of accommodation which is more exacting than the requirements imposed on that operator by law or by any other public authority.". I am aware...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: In the recent case to which I referred, an inspectorate contracted by Bord Fáilte used different standards to those applied by the Southern Health Board in relation to the proximity of washing and toilet facilities in the same accommodation unit. My amendment intends to cover such cases. I accept what the Minister says. I will withdraw the amendment if he gives us a commitment that the...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I second the amendment. The spirit in which it is intended follows from the appalling situation at Portmarnock Golf Club, the venue for the Irish Open golf championship, where females cannot play. This event is being grant-aided by Bord Fáilte. The spirit of the amendment would ensure the practice is not permitted whereby a State authority would assist financially an organisation which,...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: It is a famous quiz question. I got it wrong the first time when in the company of a few women. Therefore, I will never forget it. I support the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Will the Leader arrange for the Minster for Education and Science to come before the House for a debate on the schools building programme? A worrying article in today's edition of The Irish Times lists a number of schools that are in a substandard condition, which is not acceptable. Development projects for the schools in question are all at the tendering stage and, given that there was a 4%...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with the two previous speakers. In regard to the term "direction," what will that direction be and what will be the modus operandi of the Minister in this regard? I seek his clarification on what the term "direction," which is a little broad, covers as opposed to a strategy.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: What criteria for eligibility will be used in appointing the chairperson and 12 ordinary members? Is there a specific job description or are specific skills required?

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: It is plagiarism.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Under the Local Government Act, the period of membership for members of local authorities is five years. I remind the Minister of the debacle that occurred in November 1994.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree with all the previous speakers with the notable exception of Senator Quinn. If a local authority member meets the criteria laid down by the Minister and if he or she has a certain level of expertise, skill and knowledge in that area, there is no reason he or she cannot serve on this or any other board. Any system which is enhanced by the role of a member and which is able to elicit...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with Senator Daly. What will be the titles and functions of those committees? If that was answered already, obviously it escaped me, for which I apologise. Is there a more definitive explanation of the functions? We need to get that final detail to tease out an issue like this in the context of this legislation.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I seek your indulgence, a Chathaoirligh. May I raise a matter on section 12 which relates to the contractor specified in the Bill?

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: My understanding was that I could raise an issue in respect of—

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I accept your ruling and will raise the matter on Report Stage.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree with Senator Henry. Would the Minister be favourably disposed to an amendment tabled on Report Stage to amend this section of the legislation to the effect that only clubs under the auspices of the authority which conform with equality legislation would be permitted to avail of moneys? The Bill states, "For the purposes of section 8(2)(b) or (c), the Authority may pay such sums of...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I support Senator Quinn on this amendment. In the 21st century, in a country where we pride ourselves on a fairly good information technology system – I am sure that Senator Daly would agree because Ennis is the information town – it is shabby, to say the least, that a body like Bord Fáilte did not display this type of information and make it available by electronic means. I support...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with Senator Quinn. I heard Senator Quinn raise this issue on the other Bill earlier this afternoon. The wording of this section is Dickensian. I cannot understand the wish of anyone to restrict the expression of another person's opinion. This goes against the notion of accountability and transparency and is not healthy. It also restricts the role of the chief executive officer....

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I wish to raise two issues. I ask the Leader to request the presence of the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, to discuss immediately what plans he has to address flood prevention. He made an announcement yesterday regarding flood relief but it is critical that he comes in here to discuss flood prevention. Serious flood damage has been caused to homeowners and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Michael McCarthy: It was in conjunction with security personnel and bouncers.