Results 661-680 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Overseas Development Aid: Motion. (26 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I support the motion and welcome the Minister to the House. I compliment him on his drive and initiative in his ministry and in keeping the area of overseas aid to the fore.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I join with previous speakers in calling for a debate on stem cell research. I know we do not want to have a debate on the Order of Business, but some of the comments made here this morning are a little unbecoming given the seriousness of the issue. I, for one, have called for this debate on a number or occasions over the last few weeks. I am not aware that the Tánaiste and Minister for...

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on the participation of members of the Defence Forces in this peace enforcing mission in Liberia. At the outset I welcome the Minister to the House. We may not have always agreed on micro issues within the Defence Forces but on a macro basis I congratulate him on his role as Minister for Defence and on the major reform in the Defence Forces, much of...

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I accept that but we have a responsibility to take our troops out of that theatre for a two week period. We should not impose huge financial costs on them in order to avail of that facility. Given the uniqueness of the situation, will the Minister look at that positively? It is a sincere request. It would constitute a once-off basis for this mission, as I am not trying to create a precedent....

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Although I am being flippant, the All-Ireland final of 1988 resulted in a minor incursion by Israeli forces into south Lebanon to try to counteract the new colours which were flying. Those types of morale boosting supports have improved dramatically. I welcome the Minister's assurance to the House that telephone and Internet access will be provided. However, we cannot forget the wives and...

Seanad: United Nations Mission in Liberia: Statements. (13 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: And the husbands. I apologise to the Leader. It is imperative that we ensure there is proper support for the families and that we keep that to the fore. I wish my former colleagues in the Defence Force every success on this mission. I also wish them Godspeed and hope they will be safe because there is no doubt they are going into a dangerous theatre. The people and the Defence Forces are...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Will the Leader arrange a debate on the situation in Liberia and particularly on the intention to commit members of the Defence Forces to Liberia? I understand this matter will come before the Dáil next week. Under a triple lock mechanism we must have a UN mandate, Government approval and approval of the Dáil, not the Oireachtas, for this. It would be remiss of the Seanad not to debate this...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: We are about to commit some 400 Irish troops to Liberia and will want to debate this over the next 12 to 18 months as the mission unfolds. We should debate the issue from the start and should be made aware of the situation on the ground and of the commitment we are making. As the issue is coming before the Dáil next week, I ask the Leader to consider arranging a debate. I thank Senator Ryan...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: Biotechnology.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: That is correct.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in calling for a debate on the arts – we have not had such a debate to date – to allow me the opportunity to highlight the plight of the Cork School of Music, which I have highlighted on a number of occasions. Equally, I wish to join with Senator Lydon in calling for a debate on stem cell research. However, I disagree fundamentally with what he said. It is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: The matter needs to be clarified straightaway because the last thing we want here is a fractured debate that is not based on facts. If one makes statements such as that made by Senator Lydon, one should quote specifically the legislative basis on which the statement is based. My understanding is that we are still awaiting interpretation of the Constitution and a Supreme Court ruling on this...

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I compliment the Tánaiste on her contribution in which she outlined the strategy in place to tackle the issue of insurance. It is true that she set it out as one of her political priorities. I am pleased she is fulfilling that commitment in the way she is moving forward.

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: It gives me great pleasure to speak on the motion. I have a business and I fully understand the great increase in insurance costs in recent years. I have witnessed small businesses closing as a result. There has to be a proper approach to correcting this problem. The establishment of the PIAB by the Government is one strong measure in addressing the wrongs and the spiralling costs of recent...

Seanad: Humanitarian Issues in Post-War Iraq: Statements. (4 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I do not need 12 minutes.

Seanad: Humanitarian Issues in Post-War Iraq: Statements. (4 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I have no difficulty with that. I wish to share three minutes of my time with Senator White.

Seanad: Humanitarian Issues in Post-War Iraq: Statements. (4 Nov 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and compliment him on his speech, his ongoing commitment to his portfolio and on the provision of humanitarian aid to Iraq. It is vital that we continue as a House of the Oireachtas to debate Iraq and highlight issues we feel are important. We cannot abdicate our international responsibilities particularly to the less well off. It is often said...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2003)

John Minihan: Where are the Fine Gael Members?

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

John Minihan: I would not like the day to pass without referring briefly to the situation in Northern Ireland. I acknowledge and respect the views expressed by Senator Brian Hayes and I wish both Governments well as they try to overcome the current impasse. I also welcome the commitment to holding elections in Northern Ireland in November and I hope we will see an Executive coming out of those elections. I...

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister. Health service reform is long overdue and nobody can defend the status quo. We now have three major reports setting out a clear reform agenda. The Brennan report deals with accountability and improving financial management; the Prospectus report deals with the organisational structures; and the Hanly report deals with NCHD working hours, the...