Results 741-760 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (3 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: —to the thoughts I have put forward and I hope my fellow Senators will give us some constructive ideas when they get their opportunity to speak.

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. (2 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I compliment the Minister of State on his passion and commitment on behalf of the Government to humanitarian relief, not only in Iraq but also worldwide. Looking at the statistics he outlined to the House, one can see the great endeavours undertaken by this small nation to provide humanitarian relief in so many countries. Long may that continue. It is the proud tradition of this country and...

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. - Regulatory Reform: Motion. (2 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Ahern. I am sorry that the Tánaiste has had to leave but that is no reflection on the Minister of State. Perhaps I am relieved that she had to leave in that she addressed in much of her speech the pharmacy sector which I intend to cover.

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. - Regulatory Reform: Motion. (2 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I belong to a party which supports competition and the market economy. However, that is not to say the market economy does not have its limitations or that there are not instances where Government must intervene to protect the public interest. I am not driven to achieve a free market at any cost. I recognise, for example, the need for Government to intervene, particularly in the provision of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: Today, the first ever peacekeeping operation led by the European Union commences in Macedonia. Unfortunately, Ireland is not taking part, even though I think 99% of the Irish people would say that we should. The reason we are not involved is the triple-lock mechanism whereby one country, the People's Republic of China, has vetoed a UN mandate, yet we have unanimous EU support for the mission....

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: Settlement cracks are good and do not threaten the infrastructure, while earthquakes such as those felt by Fine Gael after the last election are very hard to recover from.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: A report on pharmacy will shortly be submitted to the Government. I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate in the House on this important issue in view of the implications for the health service and the contribution made by community pharmacy. I also support the comments expressed by previous speakers on the court proceedings involving Senator Higgins. It is in all our interests to give...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: If Senator Norris wants to debate Middle East issues, I will be happy to do so.

Seanad: Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2002: Second Stage. (27 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials. I am pleased to see the Bill before the House and I welcome the principle of establishing a single regulatory authority for the financial services sector. I compliment the McDowell group, the work of which formed the basis on which this legislation has been brought forward. I wish to take up Senator Quinn's point that there is an urgent need...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I too join previous speakers in calling for a weekly debate on Iraq. There is no doubt that the different views held here and in the community have to be reflected and respected, and a debate would at least help to correct the selective inaccuracies being peddled by some. This is important for us and for the public. There are two points that I would like the Leader to raise on my behalf. On...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I have no difficulty in again seeking a firm and direct answer. The second point is even more worrying. Last week I raised an item on the Adjournment about the expansion of Cork Airport. Having been told that we would have a contract within three weeks, I heard within a few days that the deadline has been extended again. I would like a direct answer on that matter as it goes into another year.

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate on an issue of grave international importance. In Iraq, the cradle of civilisation, tens of thousands of men and women are engaged in the most uncivilised endeavour known to man – armed conflict. Much has been said about the rights and wrongs of this conflict and views vary. We should be thankful that we live in a democracy in which we can...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: —while it supports a private, illegal army which trades in terror both in this country and abroad. Some wild left-wingers accuse President Bush and Tony Blair of being warmongers hell-bent on subjugating a small defenceless nation. I strongly disagree, as would anyone who has seen war. I am reminded of my time in Lebanon where I witnessed profoundly distressing scenes as a result of armed...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I am happy to support the Government's motion on this grave issue. The time has come for us to grow up as a nation. We can no longer hide behind an à la carte foreign policy. The motion firmly states the Government's position on the war in Iraq, the use of Shannon Airport and the country's commitment to its international responsibilities. It is a carefully measured response and I have no...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: Excuse me, I did not say one word.

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I did not say anything at any time.

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (21 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: We are helping the Senator fill his time.

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (20 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: Tony obviously did not work on Senator Ryan.

Seanad: Tributes to Deputy Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas. (20 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I join previous speakers in congratulating Tony O'Reilly on the tremendous achievement of 32 years service. I am sure there are many in the House would wish that they could say the same. Perhaps they will have to wear a uniform to ensure that.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Air Services. (13 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, who is almost becoming a permanent fixture. I raise the issue of the proposed development of Cork Airport which has been an ongoing saga for several years. The airport is one of the success stories of the south-west region. There is no doubt as to its importance to it. In recent years it has increased its passenger turnover which is...