Results 761-780 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements. (12 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming Deputy Bruton and thank him for his very frank and direct speech. Once again he showed that he was not afraid to raise the thorny questions that so many people discussing Europe like to avoid. We must face these issues. The Convention is timely, given the European enlargement before us, and we must look at the management structures of the EU to ensure it...

Seanad: Motor Insurance: Motion. (12 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. He has had a rough couple of days here – we should make him an honorary Senator for the amount of time he has spent in the House. With this motion he is back on home ground, dealing with a most important topic. I welcome the motion and I am glad there is agreement on the amendment. Given the challenge that faces us in reintroducing a degree...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in raising the issue of leaked documents, particularly the document leaked by gardaí in recent days. This is a serious issue given that gardaí are trusted as the custodians of the security of the State and its institutions. If such leaks are taking place, I ask the Leader to inquire from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is his intention to...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: The TSG does work to Cabinet.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I have refrained from commenting on the debate so far. I listened to the comments on the report before us, although I am not aware of what the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, said, aside from what was mentioned here. However, the commissioner has overstepped his remit. The Act—

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: —clearly states, under the appropriate section, that the remit of the commissioner is to publish commentaries on the Act's practical application. It goes on to state he can bring forward, in relation to reviews and decisions following reviews—

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: If other Members have been allowed to express their views, I beg the Chair's indulgence to do likewise for one minute.

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: We have to be careful in what we are doing. This report, at this time, plays into the hands of certain people for use in this debate. We should look beyond this. Members of the Oireachtas are elected to legislate and Governments are elected to govern. The job of those employed in positions such as that of the Information Commissioner is to act within the confines of legislation, not to...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: He is not.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (6 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers and, on behalf of the Progressive Democrats, extend my sympathy to the family of the late Senator Séamus de Brún. I note that the Taoiseach appointed him to the Seanad in 1977 and that our own party leader, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, was appointed on the same day. Previous speakers have referred to the different...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in calling for a debate on the Middle East with particular reference to Israel. Valid points have been made, particularly by Senator Higgins, who aptly described circumstances in south Lebanon. We have a contribution to make. It would be appropriate, therefore, for the House to discuss the matter. Our long tradition of service in the Middle East means that notice is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: It might be wishful thinking but if the Senator seeks to be briefed—

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I congratulate Senator Browne on his selection as a candidate for the forthcoming European elections. This legislation may affect him.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. The main issues are the dual mandate and directly elected mayors. I am a holder of a dual mandate because I was elected as a councillor for the first time in 1999. I have strong feelings on the subject. I fully support the abolition of the dual mandate. That is something I have felt strongly about for some time.

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I too welcome the Minister to the House. He is mentioned so frequently here that he must have a permanent red ear. I have some background knowledge of the prison system. I was not on a prison visiting committee nor was I a prison inmate but in my former career I spent some time working in prisons. Prison visiting committees are a necessary part of the prison structure and they play an active...

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: The Minister is only in office a short time. Mr. Justice Kinlen's brief was established in April 2002 and I am not aware of any interim report from him. The motion before us tonight is a little tongue in cheek in the sense that there is merit in it, but it is disingenuous in that there are political overtones coming from the other side of the House. Whereas I want to support necessary reform,...

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: In the motion the Opposition is "recognising, concerned, deploring and demanding".

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: When looking for reform that type of phraseology smacks of speaking from both sides of the mouth. Members of visiting committees are unsalaried and unpaid but they do receive expense. Perhaps we should look at that area. I am sure it will be looked at as part of the review in progress at the moment. People can apply to be appointed to prison visiting committees.

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: People can apply for them under the legislation. We often hear from the other side of the House that it founded the State and set up all these things. Now it seems to have got this one wrong and wants to change it, albeit a long time later.

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: As politicians we should be careful not to add further to the erosion of politics by overstating political favouritism or by casting aspersions on people currently serving on these committees. I accept the need for modernisation. I have total confidence that this Minister will modernise the prisons service and the training programmes. There is no doubt but that it must move forward just as we...