Results 6,941-6,960 of 7,082 for speaker:John Paul Phelan
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Perhaps I am part of an age group which is cynical about politics. The position the Government has adopted on freedom of information only adds to the cynicism of people my age and others cynical about the way it has approached such legislation.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I did some research on this subject, in the course of which I read the action programme on regulatory reform launched by the Taoiseach.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I read enough to pick out an interesting nugget of information. The programme which was launched in 1999 stated there should be adequate consultation with interested parties before new legislation was introduced. That is a statement and a half which ranks with the pre-election statements to the effect that there would not be any cutbacks about which I spoke previously. What consultation did...
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Huge amounts of money have been invested in a scheme that has completely fallen by the wayside. It was tremendously politically embarrassing to the Government. This legislation is an attempt to avoid further embarrassment. A previous speaker referred to Deputy O'Donnell's statement in 1997 that Governments would not disclose information which would be embarrassing. Perhaps she was correct and...
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: It would be an embarrassment to them, as it probably is to the Progressive Democrats who walked into it with their eyes closed before they realised what the full implications would be.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I agree with Senators who say the Bill is being rushed through the House. I did not get a copy of the legislation. It did not arrive in south Kilkenny.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: I had to borrow a copy from my colleague, Senator Terry. It had not arrived at my house this morning before I left nor in my office today, yet we are asked to discuss it tonight.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: This is unacceptable. I know the Leader does not regard this matter as serious but to be a parliamentarian and speak on legislation one must see it sooner than the day of the debate.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Then why is the Leader laughing? It is a serious issue that Members do not have time to read legislation before it is discussed on Second Stage. That is important for parliamentary democracy and not something to be sneered at by Government Members.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: The hour is late and Government Members want me to sit down and not say any more.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: They certainly do not want to speak themselves. I can understand that it would be embarrassing for them to speak on this issue.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: On a platform of lies.
- Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Mar 2003)
John Paul Phelan: We would.
- Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: That is not true.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Senator Feighan took the words out of my mouth. I agree with him regarding the proposal being considered by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to allow local authorities to decide closing times for licensed premises within their jurisdiction. The matter should be discussed in the House. I agree with Senator Terry and others that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law...
- Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: Is that agreed? Agreed. Each Senator is allowed five minutes.
- Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: An Independent was elected in Wexford.
- Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: The Senator should draw that to the attention of the Government, rather than the Opposition parties.
- Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: We need Napoleon.
- Seanad: Rural Development Policy: Statements. (18 Feb 2003)
John Paul Phelan: He who shall remain nameless.