Results 561-580 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: This morning, I circulated to the Cathaoirleach a proposal that the Order of Business be amended and that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the following motion be taken as No. 1 on today's business or, failing that, added to today's business: "That the Broadcasting Act 2009 (Section 33) Levy Order 2010 [S.I. No. 7 of 2010] be and is hereby annulled." The broadcasting industry...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: This is a serious matter. Everyone would be a winner and free will would prevail. The separation of church and State would be maintained and we would render unto Munster the things that are Munster's and to God the things that are God's.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: In that way the industry would gain, we would save jobs and the would economy gain. In addition, it would reflect everyone's point of view, while not trampling on anyone's beliefs.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: I will not challenge the Cathaoirleach's ruling but on a point of order, I understand that, even though I said, "Nothwithstanding anything in Standing Orders," it is still unacceptaqble. Is that the case?

Seanad: Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010: Committee Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister to the House. This is an issue close to his heart and I know that he has been openly committed to what we are doing here. This legislation is welcome and while we have tabled amendments, this is a serious attempt to open up the debate. I hope he will see his way to meeting our point of view on the Bill. Since the debate last week on Committee Stage, I put some of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: Various groups within the community have suffered from the recession over the last couple of years. I suggest that those involved in various branches of the arts, such as sculptors, painters and writers, have probably suffered more than any other group. I appeal to my Fine Gael and Labour Party colleagues to reassess their position on the appointment of a part-time arts officer in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: We should invest in artistic events in areas like theatre, sculpting and painting, which are part and parcel of Irish life. I really think we need to look at this. It is a sad day for Ireland when two political parties oppose the investment of a minor amount of money in the arts. I should also mention that a library in Sallynoggin, which is one of the most deprived working-class areas of...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: It has to be done. However, I do not agree with the idea of giving responsibility for this system to the private fund managers who have created havoc in our financial services industry. The Opposition parties are completely right to say that is not the way to go forward. The most effective fund managers in this country over the last ten years have been the officials in the NTMA. That is...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: The closure of libraries.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister of State. I am very disappointed with the attendance in the House today. This is a classic example of something that is really central to our debates on job creation, on the economy, on climate change and on energy security. I do not wish to make a personal criticism of anyone but there is a lack of understanding. It might be preferable to adjourn the debate and ask...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: ----as it is crucial. This happens on a regular basis. Every agriculture, energy and climate change spokespersons should be in attendance for this debate. I will not rehearse Senator Norris's points but they reflect my point of view and that of all the speakers so far, including on the Government side. This is crucial legislation and these proposals have the support of the whole...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: This is too important. I am sure none of my colleagues would mind coming back to tease this out further. If there are flaws in our argument as articulated by Senator Norris, the Minister of State should deal with them one by one. I know the Minister of State has heard arguments from an other side and they need to be examined. Apart from the obvious advantages, the Irish plant in Waterford...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: It is down there. Apart from the main argument, the other argument which needs to be examined includes carbon dioxide capture. Methane is 25 times stronger and more damaging than carbon dioxide. This plant can capture the carbon dioxide and it can be reused. We will save ourselves emissions costs and save ourselves paying for some of the carbon emissions trading units which the Government...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: It will mean increased tax revenue. We should invite the officials from the Department of Finance to come to the House to applaud us for making this case so they will be on our side and understand our proposal. This is also a question of sustainable rural development. If there is any downside to our proposal in terms of Government policy, I cannot find it. I acted as the Devil's advocate...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: It would be a disgrace and we would be a laughing stock. If aspects of our amendments need to changed, then they can be changed and if a similar amendment with a slightly different emphasis needed to be tabled, then the Government side should do that. However, the Minister of State should recognise that the amendment is a serious attempt to improve and extend the legislation. I can...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: Those of us in the west of Ireland grew up in that environment.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: And in the west, the Leas-Chathaoirleach's own county would be well attuned. One of the requirements is that it would not be saleable as raw alcohol. I refer to head shops with denatured methanol or ethanol. This is the reason petrol or some other additive is added in order to ensure it is not potable. These are the issues to be considered. I do not wish to repeat the points made by...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: One cannot make amendments on Second Stage.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Mar 2010)

Joe O'Toole: I thought we were listening to the chairman of the party.