Results 521-540 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

European Council Meeting: Statements (17 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I beg the Chair's pardon.

Official Engagements. (17 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: It does.

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: The point I was making is that if, and only if, we achieve legally binding arrangements on the issues outlined can we go back to the people. That is the point that is being made. Senator Ormonde was absolutely correct when she said the will of the Irish people is supreme in this matter. Senator Alex White made a lucid contribution. He pointed to the situation that now faces Iceland where...

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: Senator Doherty is stung by the truth.

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: Senator Doherty is stung by the truth. The reality is that, in a superb contribution——

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: ——Martin McGuinness spoke about the European project as a peace process. The Senator's colleagues who were knocking on the doors in Bray were talking about militarisation. The ultimate hypocrisy and dishonesty was in the final point of the Sinn Féin contribution tonight. Senator Doherty spoke about wanting to see Ireland at the heart of Europe. I may have lived in a parallel universe...

Seanad: Human Rights Issues (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I thank Senator Ross and I shall take up the last point first. The reality is that what Zimbabwe and its people need more than anything else is proper governance. That is a reality. The Senator also asked about the international community. I shall talk later about the specific financial provisions we are making. We and our European partners are using our influence to the fullest to press...

Seanad: Human Rights Issues (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I have said that I will make certain that the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs are aware of the Senator's concerns. I shall specifically draw their attention to that. I shall ask the Department to do what it normally does in these matters, which is anything that can possibly be done. We have earned some respect because of our capacity to deal with affairs in Africa and given that...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I thank the Senator for raising the matter as I know this is something high on his list of priorities. The Minister wants me to clarify that modernising facilities in our existing building stock, as well as responding to emerging needs in areas of rapid population growth, is a significant...

Seanad: Public Transport Infrastructure (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I am grateful to the Senator because this has provided me with an opportunity to fill myself in on the extraordinary progress that has been made in public transport. It is also remarkable that the public capital programme represents 5% of gross domestic product at present, which is among the highest, if not the highest in the European Union at present. This is not to say one would not wish...

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: Because of the time constraints I will confine myself to commenting on each——

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I know. That is why I am trying to deal with the matter in a way that deals courteously with every contribution. Senator Cummins referred to the discreditable tactics on the "No" side. I do not wish to single anyone out for a particular mention because every citizen in a democracy has an inalienable right to argue either side of any case. However, neither groups nor political parties have...

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: Senator de Búrca——

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I will deal with Senator Doherty in a moment.

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I wonder if I could have additional time due to the filibuster by Sinn Féin to stop democratic debate. It is so patently obvious.

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: Senator de Búrca touched on a number of key issues, namely, defence, neutrality, taxation, social and ethical issues and the Commission. All of those issues are part of the negotiating brief. She and Senator Alex White also touched on the rights of workers. The first point that should be made is that the European Union has been one of the most positive sources of social legislation in...

Seanad: Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Dick Roche: I apologise for not having copies of my script to distribute. I wanted to wait until the Dáil debate was well under way so I could make the script as up to date as possible. I wanted to give the House the opportunity to consider the circumstances as they obtained at lunchtime following discussions and the bilateral meetings that took place. I was at my last bilateral meeting this morning....

Special Report on New EU Legislation: Statements. (20 Nov 2008)

Dick Roche: Deputy English should be in my chair.

Special Report on New EU Legislation: Statements. (20 Nov 2008)

Dick Roche: Power is politics.

Special Report on New EU Legislation: Statements. (20 Nov 2008)

Dick Roche: I thank all the Members who contributed. This was one of the most refreshing discussions we have had on how we handle this country's interests in the context of the European Union. For years I have made the point that wisdom does not reside on any one side of the House regarding this issue. The Government may be better informed but the reality is that there is considerable talent and...