Results 63,621-63,640 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I was interested to hear what the Minister had to say but the opinion of the general public would differ with regard to when a prosecution should take place and the most cost-effective means of bringing an action. He argued that it might be better to align the provision with other relevant Acts because a local authority might not be in a position to bring a prosecution within three years....

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I am not convinced by the Minister's argument. This amendment does not represent an attempt to give criminals the opportunity to find the easy way out but an effort to concentrate the mind of the statutory body on prosecuting within the shortest possible space of time. Deputy O'Dowd's intention was that the necessary resources would be provided to the local authority to ensure that the...

Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I move amendment No. 13: In page 31, line 33, to delete "Minister" and substitute the following: "Minister, save for functions associated with or connected with the agreement or imposition of water service charges,". Question, "That the word proposed to be deleted stand", put and declared carried.

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: This could be my last speaking slot, certainly in the life of this Dáil or even in this House. I suppose one should savour and take full advantage of it.

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I have. We will all know about our running mates when the election is over, including the Minister of State. I support the Bill brought forward by my colleague. Anything we can do to encourage voter participation and to include the public in the whole democratic process should be done. What is most likely to encourage voter participation is for the political establishment to be honest and...

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: He wondered to where the Dublin voters had gone. The Dublin voters have been driven out and have gone down the country because they could not afford to buy a house in this city. If this Government continues for much longer, there will be no Dublin people left in this city. I am surprised the Minister of State erased that issue.

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister of State may have solved the problem in his constituency but the country is larger than that. In the counties adjoining Dublin, one will find scores of Dublin people who are renting houses because they cannot afford to buy. They are, in effect, paying a mortgage each month. They will remember that on election day. The Minister of State can hold the election on a Monday but...

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: There is nothing the Government can do to dissuade the public from turning out. The public is fed up with pretence and nonsense and it is looking for revenge and retribution. I assure the Minister of State that they will get it when the time comes. One well known Minister in the Government said "We survived — didn't we?", but that means survival for the time being. When the day comes,...

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: I am talking about voter participation, the need for voter interest and the need for the political establishment to be fair and honest with the voting public. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle has been a Member of this House for longer than anyone here. I know he cannot agree with me and applaud what I am saying but he knows in his heart and soul that what has been done to the unfortunate...

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister of State is proposing the day that will be most advantageous to the Government parties but that is a different story. The Government can hang on and hope but no help will come and its cries in the wilderness will be heard long after the election has taken place. I am not sorry even though I hate to see anyone lose his or her seat and I would never wish it on anyone,...

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: That was a cheap shot and a cop-out.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Perhaps we could recycle them.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: He is a man for all seasons.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: The Minister, Deputy Cullen, needs to have a cigarette.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Waste.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: Johnny has been affected by them already.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: The M50 is a good example.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: All day long.

Leaders' Questions (25 Apr 2007)

Bernard Durkan: We nearly did not.