Results 761-780 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: I do not wish to deprive my colleague of time.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: It happened subsequently.

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme: Statements. (30 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: I second Senator Ryan's amendment to the Order of Business. I also want to briefly refer to the Limerick experience which has been spoken about. We have worse problems in Limerick than having to put a great-grandmother into prison over a dog fine. The contrast in the system can be seen with the deployment of resources. We read in the newspapers today that six gardaí took a lamb from the back...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: I respect Senator Morrissey for his straight talking on this issue. I recently heard him speak on the issue. Sacrifices made by workers, as well as management, have been responsible for the success of Aer Lingus in recent times. In the past two years, the airline made a profit of almost €200 million. The resignation of the management team will cause much uncertainty in the marketplace,...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (10 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: I want to second the amendment and I welcome the Minister to the House. A columnist has recently called the Minister "Boomtime Brian". I do not know if that will stick like the nickname of the Minister's predecessor who was christened "Champagne Charlie".

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (10 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: It is worth bearing in mind what the Minister has inherited. We all know what happened to the economy in 2001. We all know the person who was hailed as the all-conquering hero. If the situation was analysed and we reflected over his seven years in office, we could seriously question his achievements. When it comes to the budget, the projections are carried out by the Department as well as the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: He was supporting me.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, has stated that Fine Gael was guilty of anti-Garda propaganda. I do not know what evidence the Minister has for this assertion. I remind him that Fine Gael established the Garda Síochána. That Minister has great cheek and arrogance to make such a statement, which is absolute rubbish. This is the same Minister who formerly...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: Yes. I would like the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to address these issues. This is the same Minister who asserted that the IRA was involved in racketeering activities in the Dublin docklands but was again unable to follow up his allegation when asked to substantiate it. Accordingly, I regard the recent remarks about Fine Gael as cheek and arrogance.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: There was a commitment in the programme for Government to reduce the primary school pupil-teacher ratio to under 20:1 in accordance with international best practice. Everyone is aware that at present 100,000 pupils are in classes of over 30 or more and that 584 are in classes of 40 or more. It appears the Minister has reneged on the commitment to which I referred because at the weekend she...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: Did the Senator listen to "Morning Ireland"?

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: This is rubbish.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: Like many others, I was appalled to learn that during the tenure of the previous Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, 115 consultants' reports were produced costing €30 million. Often the decision to appoint a consultant to produce a report is to take action on a matter. No action has been taken on foot of most of those reports. The Hanly report cost approximately €750,000 and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: It was the local elections.

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: I second the motion. As the Minister is aware, an active lobby has emanated from County Limerick as a result of frustration with regard to this issue. I participated in a parade to the local driving test centre in Abbeyfeale and I understand that several other marches have also taken place and have been successful in highlighting the issue. The issue was taken up as a result of extreme...

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: In its four years of operation, the NCT failure rate has risen every year. In 2001, 62% of cars passed the test first time. In 2002, 53% of cars passed first time. In 2003, 52% passed first time and in 2004 the figure was51%. As the objective of the NCT is to improve car safety, one would have anticipated a reduction in the failure rate over four years rather than an increase. Earlier tests...

Seanad: National Car Testing Service: Motion. (3 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: Motorists have the added burden of motoring costs. According to Automobile Association figures, it now costs €10,383 to run a small family car for a year. Road tax for a 1.8 litre car is just under €500. The same Revenue Commission which dictates that number plates must include Irish charges €500 in tax. Insurance for a 30 year old male driver is approximately €1,000 while in Britain...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: Senator Leyden is being confrontational.

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Nov 2004)

Michael Finucane: The subject of the American President is very topical this morning and it appears that President Bush will be re-elected. I wish him well. Exit polls indicated that moral values were the primary issue for people. In that context, anyone who watches the national channel in this country at weekends should ask themselves a question. It appears to have become acceptable not just for Irish...